Sybille Smith, ARNP – Family Physician | Lakewood, WA

Sybille Smith, ARNP is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Lakewood, 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).

Please note: Dr. Sybille ARNP is not currently accepting new patients. You may wish to check back periodically for updates or contact (253) 985-6688 to inquire about potential future openings or waitlists.

Dr. Sybille ARNP 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 and works collaboratively with her patients to achieve good health, believing that listening to patients is the key to providing individualized care. Her medical interests include internal medicine, disease prevention services, and the management of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. Dr. Sybille ARNP provides consultations primarily in English and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Dr. Sybille ARNP is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of her community.

Dr. Sybille ARNP addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Obesity: Managing obesity involves lifestyle changes and may include medication or other therapies to support weight loss.
• Thyroid Disease: Thyroid disorders are managed through medication, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments as needed.
• Porokeratosis - Disseminated Superficial Actinic 2: This type of porokeratosis requires ongoing monitoring and treatment to manage skin lesions.
• Diabetes: Diabetes management focuses on blood sugar control through medication, diet, and exercise.
• Arthritis: Arthritis treatment aims to manage pain and inflammation, often involving medication and physical therapy.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated to alleviate pressure on the median nerve, often with splinting, medication, or surgery.
• Varicose Veins: Varicose vein treatment focuses on improving blood flow and reducing symptoms, often with lifestyle changes or minimally invasive procedures.

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

• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): This sleep study helps your doctor figure out if you have a sleep disorder causing you to be tired during the day.
• Hormone Therapy, Men: Hormone replacement therapy can help manage symptoms like low testosterone.
• Pain Medication Management: Reviewing and adjusting your prescription pain medications to optimize pain relief and minimize side effects.
• Cardiac Event Monitor: A cardiac event monitor helps your doctor identify potential heart issues by continuously monitoring your heart rhythm for a specified duration.
• Carotid Vertebral Sonography: This ultrasound uses sound waves to check the blood flow in the arteries in your neck.
• Renal Failure Management: Help with managing kidney function and preventing complications.
• Cholesterol Management: Cholesterol management aims to lower high cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and/or medication to reduce heart disease risk.

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

• With effective treatment, patients experience significant relief from the pain and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome, enabling them to return to their favorite hobbies and activities with ease. They regain dexterity and strength in their hands, improving their quality of life.
• With careful monitoring and treatment, patients find their thyroid levels stabilize, leading to a significant improvement in energy levels and a return to enjoying their favorite activities. They experience a renewed sense of well-being and are able to participate more fully in life.
• Patients successfully managing their obesity often experience improved mobility and increased energy levels, allowing them to participate more fully in activities they enjoy, such as hiking or playing with their children. This renewed vitality significantly enhances their overall quality of life.

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

• Aetna
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Medicaid
  • Plan: Special Needs Plan SNP
• MultiPlan
  • Plan: MultiPlan PPO
  • Plan: PHCS Network, 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. Sybille ARNP 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. Sybille ARNP) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (253) 985-6688 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.

She earned her medical degree from Pacific Lutheran University.

Are services from Dr. Sybille ARNP typically covered by health insurance in Washington?

Dr. Sybille ARNP, 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. Sybille ARNP 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. Sybille ARNP as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

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

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

First, check your health insurance plan's 'Find a Doctor' or 'Provider Directory' tool (often online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. Also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Washington Medical Board (or Washington Medical Commission) website may have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. 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. It can be challenging and may require persistence. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

How often should I see Dr. Sybille ARNP for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, can vary based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Many insurance plans in the US cover one annual preventive visit for adults with no co-pay. Generally, healthy younger adults may still benefit from regular check-ins (e.g., every 1-3 years if no major concerns, but an annual visit is often encouraged if covered by insurance), while older adults (e.g., annually, especially for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits), or individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) typically require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-6 months or annually, as determined by Dr. Sybille ARNP). For specific screening tests like Pap smears, mammograms, or colonoscopies, there are established national guidelines (USPSTF, ACS, ACOG) based on age and gender which Dr. Sybille ARNP follows. Discuss your individual needs with Dr. Sybille ARNP to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

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

Dr. Sybille ARNP practices as part of a group practice, 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. Sybille ARNP, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Sybille ARNP 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. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Sybille ARNP for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Sybille ARNP?

To each appointment with Dr. Sybille ARNP 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. Sybille ARNP) 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. Sybille ARNP 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.

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

Dr. Sybille ARNP 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. Sybille ARNP 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. Sybille ARNP before scheduling such an appointment.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Sybille ARNP one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Sybille ARNP, 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.

11307 Bridgeport Way SW Ste 200
Lakewood WA 98499
Phone: (253) 985-6688

Sybille Smith, ARNP 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): 1306864954

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. Sybille ARNP 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.