Dr. Winnie Tsai, DO – Family Physician | Kirkland, WA

Dr. Winnie Tsai, DO is a Family Physician practicing at EvergreenHealth Primary Care in Kirkland, WA. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Washington Medical Commission and practices under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians). Dr. Winnie Tsai is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (425) 821-4040 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Winnie Tsai'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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns to geriatric patients, and offers a full range of family medicine services, including prenatal care, pediatric well child visits, preventive care for adult well exams, weight loss, mental health care and cancer screening. Dr. Winnie Tsai speaks both English and Mandarin Chinese.

Dr. Winnie Tsai's philosophy of care centers around developing a lifelong partnership with her patients to promote health and wellness to maintain their desired quality of life. She is committed to providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care, ensuring her patients feel heard and understood. Dr. Winnie Tsai offers consultations in Mandarin and looks forward to helping her patients achieve their healthcare goals.

Dr. Winnie Tsai addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Headache: Headaches can stem from various causes, and treatment often involves identifying and addressing the underlying issue.
• Foot Sprain: A foot sprain involves stretching or tearing of ligaments, typically managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
• Hypothyroidism: This condition involves an underactive thyroid gland, often treated with hormone replacement therapy.
• Nausea: Nausea has many potential causes, and treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying factor.
• Nail Infection: Nail infections, often fungal or bacterial, may require antifungal or antibiotic treatment.
• Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis, or sore throat, can be viral or bacterial and is treated based on the cause.
• Foot Infection: Foot infections can be bacterial or fungal and require appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: These infections require careful management to protect both the mother and the developing fetus.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: These common infections often resolve on their own, but supportive care may be provided.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can have various causes, and treatment depends on the underlying condition.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain can have various causes, requiring a thorough evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment.
• Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms are often treated with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a chronic lung disease that requires ongoing management to improve lung function and quality of life.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiencies can cause various symptoms, and treatment involves addressing the deficiency.

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

• Urine Pregnancy Test: A simple test to detect pregnancy hormones in urine.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Screenings to detect prostate cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: A pre-surgery assessment to ensure patient fitness for the procedure.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Testing for the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Genetic testing to assess risk and guide preventive measures.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Assessment and treatment of sleep problems affecting overall health.
• Immunization Administration: Providing vaccines to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Managing symptoms and health aspects associated with menopause.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Testing for the hepatitis C virus infection.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Bone density scan to assess osteoporosis risk.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Screenings to detect cognitive decline or depression early.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment and management of diabetes.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Test to assess the heart's response to physical stress.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Testing for bacteria in the urine, indicating potential infection.

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

• With effective joint pain management, patients rediscover mobility and ease, allowing them to return to favorite activities like gardening or hiking with renewed energy and less discomfort. They find increased participation in life's simple pleasures becomes readily achievable once more.
• With proper treatment, patients experiencing vitamin B deficiency often see a significant improvement in their energy levels and overall well-being. Many are then able to return to their normal activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• With prompt treatment, patients with foot infections saw their pain and swelling subside, allowing them to comfortably walk and resume their favorite activities. They were able to return to their normal routines with renewed mobility and confidence.
• With effective treatment, patients find relief from debilitating muscle spasms, allowing them to return to their favorite activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle. Pain is reduced, and daily tasks become manageable again, restoring a sense of normalcy.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Winnie Tsai, 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 Kirkland, Washington area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Kirkland and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Kirkland. 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. Winnie Tsai. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Winnie Tsai or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Plan: WA AWH Puget Sound, Type: POS
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: LocalPlus
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• First Choice Health
  • Plan: First Choice Health PPO
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
  • Plan: National, Type: POS
• Premera Blue Cross
  • Plan: Blue High Performance, Type: Network
  • Plan: Heritage Prime, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Heritage Signature
• Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Individual and Family, Type: Network
  • Plan: Preferred Provider Network PPN
• Regence Blue Shield of Washington
  • Plan: Blue High Performance Network, Type: HPN
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: 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. Winnie Tsai 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. Winnie Tsai) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (425) 821-4040 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. Winnie Tsai may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Evergreenhealth Medical Center-Kirkland (Kirkland, WA)

She earned her medical degree from A.T. Still University, Mesa Arizona. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Winnie Tsai:

Are services from Dr. Winnie Tsai typically covered by health insurance in Washington?

As a Family Physician in Washington, Dr. Winnie Tsai 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 crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with EvergreenHealth Primary Care's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Winnie Tsai 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. 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. Winnie Tsai as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Winnie Tsai 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. Winnie Tsai 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. Winnie Tsai, 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. Winnie Tsai at EvergreenHealth Primary Care offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Dr. Winnie Tsai at EvergreenHealth Primary Care 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. Winnie Tsai 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. Winnie Tsai before scheduling such an appointment.

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

'In-network' means Dr. Winnie Tsai (or EvergreenHealth Primary Care she 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. Winnie Tsai'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. Winnie Tsai in the US?

Preventative care provided by Dr. Winnie Tsai 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. Winnie Tsai can help guide you in these efforts.

How long do appointments with Dr. Winnie Tsai typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Winnie Tsai can vary depending on the reason for your visit. In the US, standard appointments for a single, focused issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 15-20 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive 'annual physical' or 'preventive wellness visit' (especially Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, which have specific components), a new patient intake appointment, in-depth counseling, or an in-office minor procedure will usually be scheduled for a longer duration, perhaps 30-45 minutes or even more. When booking your appointment at EvergreenHealth Primary Care, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can try to allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Winnie Tsai. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or schedule separate visits to ensure each concern can be addressed thoroughly without rushing.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Winnie Tsai?

To each appointment with Dr. Winnie Tsai at EvergreenHealth Primary Care, 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. Winnie Tsai) 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. Winnie Tsai 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 happens if Dr. Winnie Tsai determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Winnie Tsai determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Winnie Tsai's office sending a formal referral request, including your relevant medical information and reason for consult, to the specialist's office. Depending on your insurance plan (especially HMOs), a formal referral from Dr. Winnie Tsai may be required by your insurer for the specialist visit to be covered or for you to receive in-network benefits. Our staff at EvergreenHealth Primary Care will work to find an in-network specialist for you where possible and may assist with any necessary prior authorization process from your insurance. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly. The specialist's office will typically contact you directly to schedule an appointment once the referral (and any insurance authorization) is processed. Please follow up with EvergreenHealth Primary Care if you encounter issues or haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe as advised by Dr. Winnie Tsai.

EvergreenHealth Primary Care
12710 Totem Lake Blvd NE
Kirkland WA 98034
Phone: (425) 821-4040

Dr. Winnie Tsai, DO 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): 1487186789

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. Winnie Tsai 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.