Dr. Shirley Blancas, MD – Family Physician | Tucson, AZ

To confirm if Dr. Shirley Blancas is currently accepting new patients, please contact (520) 742-4159.

Dr. Shirley Blancas, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Tucson, AZ. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Arizona Medical Board and practices under the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 13 (Medicine and Surgery). Dr. Shirley Blancas provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Shirley Blancas, MD is a family medicine physician in Tucson, AZ and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from ENSWORTH MEDICAL COLLEGE in 2009. She is affiliated with medical facilities Banner University Medical Center Tucson and Banner-University Medical Center South. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. Her focus is 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. She serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Shirley Blancas is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She believes in empowering her patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Shirley Blancas is dedicated to providing the best possible care for her patients and to improving the health and well-being of her community.

Dr. Shirley Blancas addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Nausea: This is often a symptom of various underlying conditions and requires a proper diagnosis to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
• Pediatric Overweight: Management often involves lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and increased physical activity to promote healthy weight for children.
• Limb Swelling: This can indicate various health issues, ranging from minor injuries to more serious conditions, and needs evaluation for proper diagnosis.
• Jock Itch: This fungal infection is treated with antifungal medications to clear the rash and prevent recurrence.
• Limb Pain: This symptom can stem from various sources, requiring a thorough examination to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
• Rash: Rashes can have many causes, ranging from allergic reactions to infections, and need a proper examination for diagnosis.
• Osteoporosis: This condition involves decreased bone density, increasing fracture risk, and is often managed with medication and lifestyle modifications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: This common infection often involves viral or bacterial causes and is treated with supportive care and symptom management.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often treated with medication to reduce inflammation and protect the stomach.
• Heartburn: This symptom, often related to acid reflux, is managed with lifestyle changes and medication to reduce stomach acid.
• Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): These injuries to muscles and ligaments are treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) along with pain management.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Headaches can have diverse causes, requiring a thorough evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment approach.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): This inflammatory condition causing muscle pain and stiffness is treated with medication to reduce inflammation.
• Throat Pain: This symptom can be caused by various factors, from viral infections to allergies, and requires proper diagnosis for effective treatment.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Shirley Blancas 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 she 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. Shirley Blancas offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Arrhythmia Screening: This helps detect irregular heartbeats, allowing for early intervention and management of potential cardiac issues.
• Rapid Flu Test: This quick test helps determine if influenza is the cause of illness, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of spread.
• Disability Evaluation: This comprehensive assessment helps determine the extent of a patient's disability and its impact on their daily life.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This helps identify low bone density, allowing for early intervention and prevention of fractures.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This helps identify potential heart defects in the developing fetus, allowing for early intervention and treatment planning.
• Dementia Evaluation: This assessment helps determine the presence and severity of cognitive impairment, allowing for appropriate management and support.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: This online tool helps assess an individual's risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: This helps detect STIs, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
• Dyslexia Assessment: This helps identify learning disabilities, allowing for appropriate support and educational interventions.
• Bone Density Scan: This test measures bone density, helping to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This test helps detect Chlamydia infection, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
• Tuberculosis Screening: This helps detect tuberculosis infection, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of spread.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This helps assess a patient's psychological readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: This helps diagnose and manage sleep disorders, improving sleep quality and overall health.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Shirley Blancas. 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 Arizona and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Arizona Medical Board.

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

• With appropriate treatment, patients quickly recover from their acute upper respiratory infection, experiencing a significant reduction in symptoms like coughing and congestion. This allows them to return to their normal activities and feel much better overall.
• Children successfully managing their weight often experience improved energy levels and increased participation in physical activities, leading to greater confidence and a more active social life. They are then able to enjoy favorite sports and games with friends without limitations.
• With careful management of their gastritis, patients often experience a significant reduction in pain and discomfort, allowing them to enjoy their favorite foods and activities again without worry. This improved digestive health leads to increased energy levels and a better overall quality of life.
• With the right treatment, patients quickly find relief from the discomfort of jock itch, allowing them to comfortably resume their favorite sports and activities. They are able to enjoy increased confidence and a return to their normal routines.

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

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Tucson, Arizona area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Tucson and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Tucson. 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. Shirley Blancas. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Shirley Blancas or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Arise Health Plan
  • Plan: Standard Network, Type: HMO

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. Shirley Blancas 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. Shirley Blancas) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (520) 742-4159 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. Shirley Blancas may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Banner University Medical Center Tucson (Tucson, AZ)
• Banner-University Medical Center South (Tucson, AZ)

She earned her medical degree from ENSWORTH MEDICAL COLLEGE in 2009.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Shirley Blancas:

Are services from Dr. Shirley Blancas typically covered by health insurance in Arizona?

As a Family Physician in Arizona, Dr. Shirley Blancas 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 absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Shirley Blancas is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Please be aware that 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. If you are uninsured or a self-pay patient, please ask our clinic about our policies.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Shirley Blancas to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Shirley Blancas 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. Shirley Blancas, 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.

Does Dr. Shirley Blancas at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Shirley Blancas at our clinic 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. Shirley Blancas 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. Shirley Blancas before scheduling such an appointment.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Shirley Blancas?

To each appointment with Dr. Shirley Blancas at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Shirley Blancas) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Shirley Blancas beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Shirley Blancas?

An initial new patient visit with Dr. Shirley Blancas usually involves a thorough discussion about your health and the completion of intake forms. Be prepared to share your personal and family medical history, a complete list of current medications with dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Dr. Shirley Blancas will want to understand your health needs, concerns, and what you expect from your Family Physician/PCP. Depending on the clinic's policy and time allotted, some physicians may perform parts of a physical exam during this first visit, or a separate preventive visit/physical exam might be scheduled for a later date. This initial consultation is key to Dr. Shirley Blancas understanding your health baseline.

Can Dr. Shirley Blancas help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Shirley Blancas is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family medicine. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate (monitoring for effectiveness and side effects), and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required, ensuring your overall care plan is holistic. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Shirley Blancas is an excellent person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

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

Preventative care provided by Dr. Shirley Blancas 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. Itu2019s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Shirley Blancas can help guide you in these efforts.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Arizona who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First and foremost, check your health insurance plan's 'Find a Doctor' or 'Provider Directory' tool (often available online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. You can also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Arizona Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations of doctors they trust and who might be accepting patients. Contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups, as they often have affiliated family physicians who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. Finding a doctor can be challenging and may require persistence. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

6130 N La Cholla Blvd
Tucson AZ 85741
Phone: (520) 742-4159

Dr. Shirley Blancas, MD is regulated by the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 13 (Medicine and Surgery) in Arizona and is licensed by The Arizona Medical Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1942287628

Registration can typically be verified through The Arizona Medical Board 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. Shirley Blancas 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.