Dr. Philip Vance, MD – Family Physician | Tacoma, WA

Dr. Philip Vance, MD is a Family Physician practicing at Philip A Vance MD in Tacoma, WA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Please note: Dr. Philip Vance is not currently accepting new patients. You may wish to check back periodically for updates or contact (253) 475-5282 to inquire about potential future openings or waitlists.

Dr. Philip Vance provides 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. He serves patients of all ages and is registered with The Washington Medical Commission and practices under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians).

With over 40 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. Dr. Philip Vance, MD is a family medicine physician in Tacoma, WA and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Missouri School of Medicine in 1980. He is affiliated with MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. He enjoys providing comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages in a comfortable small practice setting, striving to ease any anxiety patients may experience during medical care. Dr. Philip Vance provides consultations primarily in English. He remains committed to improving the health and well-being of his community.

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

• Hypertension: High blood pressure, often manageable with lifestyle changes and medication.
• Allergies: Reactions to substances like pollen or pet dander, often treated with medication or allergy shots.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Pain around the kneecap, typically addressed with physical therapy and activity modification.
• Obesity: A condition involving excess body fat, often managed with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
• Arthritis: Joint inflammation, often treated with medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels, often managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
• Menopause: The natural cessation of menstruation, managed with hormone therapy or other treatments for symptom relief.
• Emphysema: A lung disease causing shortness of breath, managed with medication and lifestyle modifications.
• Pneumonia: A lung infection, often treated with antibiotics and supportive care.
• Anxiety: A mental health condition causing excessive worry, often treated with therapy, medication, or a combination.
• Injuries: Physical trauma, managed with appropriate first aid, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Asthma: A respiratory condition causing wheezing and shortness of breath, managed with medication and avoidance of triggers.
• Infectious Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogens, treated with appropriate medications and supportive care.
• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease, often managed with medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Philip Vance 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 Vance offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Assessment and management of sleep problems to improve sleep quality and overall health.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Evaluation of heart rhythm irregularities to detect and manage potential problems.
• Wart Removal: Treatment to remove warts using various methods.
• Pregnancy Test: A test to determine if a woman is pregnant.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Online assessment of heart disease risk factors.
• Syphilis Screening: Testing for the sexually transmitted infection syphilis.
• HIV Screening: Testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Independent Educational Evaluation: An evaluation of a child's educational needs.
• Geriatric Assessment: Comprehensive assessment of older adults' physical and cognitive health.
• Mammography: Breast imaging to screen for breast cancer.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Various tests to detect breast cancer at an early stage.
• Disability Evaluation: Assessment of an individual's functional limitations.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Testing for the hepatitis C virus.
• Skin Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample from the skin for examination.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Philip Vance. 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 Vance 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 Vance can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, many arthritis patients experience a significant reduction in pain and stiffness. This allows them to return to favorite activities, enjoying increased mobility and a higher quality of life.
• With proper management, allergy sufferers find significant relief from their symptoms, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities and breathe freely again. This improved quality of life often translates to increased productivity and participation in social events.
• Many patients find that consistent blood pressure management allows them to enjoy increased energy levels and participate more fully in activities they love. This improved health enables them to pursue their passions and live more active, fulfilling lives.
• With effective management, patients experience reduced pain and increased mobility, allowing them to return to favorite activities like gardening or playing with grandchildren. This improved quality of life brings renewed joy and independence.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Philip Vance, 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 situated in a family medicine practice in the Tacoma, Washington area. It is conveniently located 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. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

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

• First Choice Health
  • Plan: First Choice Health PPO

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 Vance 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 Vance) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (253) 475-5282 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.

Dr. Philip Vance may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital (Tacoma, WA)

He earned his medical degree from University of Missouri School of Medicine in 1980. He completed an internship, gaining foundational clinical experience at St Michaels Hospital (graduated 1981).

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

Dr. Philip Vance, as a Family Physician in Washington, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is imperative that patients always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with Philip A Vance MD's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Philip Vance 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. Ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Philip Vance to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Philip Vance 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 Vance, 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 the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor's visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Philip Vance recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Philip Vance handle complex care?

As a Family Physician, Dr. Philip Vance is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. He will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Philip Vance will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved (ensuring referrals are appropriate, results are integrated, and treatment plans are aligned), manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions and polypharmacy (reviewing for necessity and effectiveness), and develop a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan that aligns with your overall health goals, values, and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions, medications, and concerns is key to this process.

Does Dr. Philip Vance at Philip A Vance MD offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Dr. Philip Vance at Philip A Vance MD may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Philip Vance if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Philip Vance before scheduling such an appointment.

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

Preventative care provided by Dr. Philip Vance aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage, following established US guidelines. This includes regular physical exams or wellness visits (many insurance plans cover one per year), vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Philip Vance can help guide you in these efforts.

What if Dr. Philip Vance works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Philip Vance?

Dr. Philip Vance practices as part of Philip A Vance MD, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Philip Vance, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Philip Vance is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. Philip A Vance MD will always strive to have you see Dr. Philip Vance for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

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.

Philip A Vance MD
1708 Yakima Ave Ste 5050
Tacoma WA 98405
Phone: (253) 475-5282

Dr. Philip Vance, 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): 1902891351

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 Vance 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.