Frances Sebastian – Family Physician | Tacoma, WA

Frances Sebastian is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Tacoma, WA. To confirm if Dr. Frances Sebastian is currently accepting new patients, please contact (253) 593-0232.

She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care, 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. Frances Sebastian serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Frances Sebastian is a family medicine specialist in Tacoma, WA. She is registered with The Washington Medical Commission and practices under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians). Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Frances Sebastian provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Frances Sebastian is committed to improving the health and well-being of her patients and the Tacoma community.

Dr. Frances Sebastian addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Acanthoma: Some acanthomas are harmless, while others might require medical attention to determine the next steps.
• External Ear Disorders: Issues affecting the outer ear, such as infections or injuries.
• Hidradenitis: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a long-term skin condition involving inflamed, infected hair follicles, leading to painful bumps and abscesses.
• Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous: A skin condition causing blisters and/or fluid-filled bumps.
• Angiotropic Melanoma: Angiotropic melanoma is a rare form of skin cancer that grows along blood vessels, potentially spreading rapidly.
• Molluscum Contagiosum Infection: A common viral skin infection causing small, raised bumps.
• Extra Nipples: Extra nipples are usually small and harmless.

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

• Non Invasive Mechanical Ventilatn Robotic Assist: A robot helps support breathing without a throat tube.
• Burn Surgical Procedure: A procedure to treat severe burns and promote healing.
• Exercise Counseling: Personalized exercise plans to improve health and fitness.
• Oximetry: Measurement of blood oxygen levels using a finger clip.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Personalized support and strategies to quit smoking.
• Breathing Treatment: Inhaled medicine to relieve shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Neurotransmitter Testing: Measurement of neurotransmitter levels in the body.

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

• Patients find that with proper management, their acanthoma is effectively treated, allowing them to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. This often leads to a renewed sense of self-assurance and the ability to fully enjoy daily activities without worry.
• With appropriate treatment, patients see their molluscum contagiosum lesions clear up, allowing them to comfortably participate in activities like swimming and playing sports without worrying about spreading the infection. Children are especially relieved to return to school and social activities.
• With effective treatment, patients find relief from the discomfort of their external ear problems, allowing them to enjoy activities like swimming or listening to music without pain or irritation. Their improved ear health contributes to an enhanced quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Frances Sebastian, 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 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. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

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

Dr. Frances Sebastian 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. Frances Sebastian 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. Frances Sebastian) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (253) 593-0232 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. Frances Sebastian has completed all necessary medical education and holds current licensure. Specifics can be discussed or verified with The Washington Medical Commission.

Are services from Dr. Frances Sebastian typically covered by health insurance in Washington?

Dr. Frances Sebastian, as a Family Physician in Washington, likely accepts many health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should independently verify Medicaid participation). However, it is absolutely essential that patients verify with their *specific* insurance provider AND with our clinic's office *before* scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Frances Sebastian is "in-network" for their plan and to understand their specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements. 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 inquire about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Frances Sebastian to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, for most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Frances Sebastian will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs, *do* require a referral from your PCP for specialist visits to be covered. PPO plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral, 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 plan's referral requirements.

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

As a Family Physician, Dr. Frances Sebastian is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. She will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Frances Sebastian 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.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Frances Sebastian one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Frances Sebastian, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for her patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. She manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

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

With Dr. Frances Sebastian, 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. Frances Sebastian works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

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

A **co-pay (or copayment)** is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest. A **deductible** is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay. 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, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Consult your plan documents or your insurer for details.

Can Dr. Frances Sebastian help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Frances Sebastian are integral to supporting patients' mental health. She can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources if your needs are more complex.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Frances Sebastian?

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician. It's important because it allows Dr. Frances Sebastian to get to know you, your health history, your values, and how you respond to treatments. This deep understanding helps her make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively, and build a trusting relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care is linked to better health outcomes.

2209 E 32nd St
Tacoma WA 98404
Phone: (253) 593-0232

Frances Sebastian 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): 1245921360

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. Frances Sebastian 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.