Dr. Philip Van Arsdale, MD – Family Physician | Tacoma, WA

Dr. Philip Van Arsdale, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Tacoma, WA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Washington Medical Commission and practices under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians).

To confirm if Dr. Philip Arsdale is currently accepting new patients, please contact (253) 968-0770. Dr. Philip Arsdale's practice focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care.

Dr. Philip Van Arsdale, MD is a family medicine physician in Tacoma, WA, serving patients of all ages. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Philip Arsdale provides consultations primarily in English. He is committed to improving the health and well-being of his patients and the community he serves.

Dr. Philip Arsdale addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Dermatitis Due to Food: A skin reaction caused by a specific food.
• Anhidrosis (Absence of Sweating): A condition characterized by a lack of sweating.
• Nail Diseases: Problems affecting the health and growth of fingernails or toenails.
• Perioral Dermatitis: A bumpy, red rash around the mouth.
• Lichen Planus: A skin disease causing rashes and sores in the mouth or on the skin.
• Alopecia Totalis: Complete hair loss on the head and body.
• Bowenoid Papulosis: A rare skin condition with wart-like growths on the genitals or anus.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Philip Arsdale addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Philip Arsdale offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Electrophysiology: Helps diagnose and treat heart rhythm problems.
• Pre-Operative Cardiovascular Examination: A pre-surgical evaluation to assess heart health and reduce surgical risks.
• Urostomy: Surgery to create an opening in the abdomen to divert urine flow.
• Carotid Vertebral Sonography: An ultrasound to check blood flow in neck arteries.
• Dialysis: Acts as an artificial kidney for those with kidney failure.
• QEEG (Quantitative Encephalogram): A brainwave test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
• Diabetic Foot Exam: Examines the feet for signs of nerve damage, poor circulation, and infection.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Philip Arsdale. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in Washington and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Washington Medical Commission.

Dr. Philip Arsdale is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Philip Arsdale can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective treatment, patients find their itchy, inflamed skin lesions begin to heal, significantly reducing discomfort. This allows them to comfortably participate in social activities and enjoy life without the constant distraction of their condition.
• With consistent management, patients find renewed confidence in their appearance, embracing their unique journey and actively participating in social activities and pursuing personal goals without the self-consciousness previously associated with their condition. This allows them to fully engage in life and rediscover a sense of self.
• Patients experiencing Bowenoid Papulosis found relief and reassurance through early diagnosis and treatment, allowing them to confidently resume their active lives without the worry of persistent skin lesions. This improved their overall comfort and well-being.
• After identifying the food trigger and making dietary adjustments, patients experienced a significant reduction in their skin rash and discomfort. This allowed them to comfortably return to their favorite activities and enjoy life without the constant worry of a skin reaction.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Philip Arsdale, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is located in a family medicine practice in the Tacoma, Washington area. It's conveniently situated near key city attractions and public services in Tacoma and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Tacoma. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Philip Arsdale. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Philip Arsdale or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

Dr. Philip Arsdale and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Washington. Please contact our office or your insurer for details.

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Philip Arsdale is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Philip Arsdale) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (253) 968-0770 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Information on hospital affiliations can be obtained by contacting the clinic.

Dr. Philip Arsdale has completed all necessary medical education and holds current licensure. Specifics can be discussed or verified with The Washington Medical Commission.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Philip Arsdale:

Are services from Dr. Philip Arsdale typically covered by health insurance in Washington?

Dr. Philip Arsdale, as a Family Physician in Washington, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients must always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Philip Arsdale is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Philip Arsdale as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Philip Arsdale to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Philip Arsdale will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Philip Arsdale, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check your specific insurance plan's referral requirements.

How long do appointments with Dr. Philip Arsdale typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Philip Arsdale to discuss a specific health concern or for a routine follow-up might last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam/preventive visit, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 to 45 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at the clinic about the nature and number of concerns you have when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Philip Arsdale can be arranged to provide quality care.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Philip Arsdale?

For every appointment with Dr. Philip Arsdale, please bring your current health insurance card(s) and a valid photo ID (like a driver's license). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages and why you take them. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports from other facilities), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr. Philip Arsdale for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit. Be prepared to pay any co-payment or deductible amount as required by your insurance plan at the time of service.

What happens if Dr. Philip Arsdale determines I need to see a medical specialist?

Seeing a medical specialist in the US often requires a referral from your Family Physician/PCP like Dr. Philip Arsdale, particularly if mandated by your health insurance plan (e.g., HMOs or some POS plans) to ensure coverage at the highest benefit level. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Philip Arsdale believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral, often suggesting specialists who are known to be in-network with common insurance plans. Our office may assist with the insurance pre-authorization process if required. You will then typically be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Remember that specialist wait times can vary, so Dr. Philip Arsdale will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

A Family Physician, often your Primary Care Physician (PCP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages – from newborns to seniors. In the US healthcare system, they serve as your main point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like wellness visits, immunizations, health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system.

What does it mean for Dr. Philip Arsdale to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Philip Arsdale (or the clinic he practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. 'Out-of-network' means there's no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called 'balance billing'). It is always best to verify Dr. Philip Arsdale's network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Philip Arsdale in the US?

With Dr. Philip Arsdale, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations (flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc.), screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on USPSTF recommendations for your age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Philip Arsdale works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

9040 Jackson Ave
Tacoma WA 98431
Phone: (253) 968-0770

Dr. Philip Van Arsdale, MD is regulated by the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians) in Washington and is licensed by The Washington Medical Commission.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1124645296

Registration can typically be verified through The Washington Medical Commission website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Philip Arsdale are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.