FAQs: Seeing Dr La Puma
Do you think you can help me?
Yes. When you come for your first appointment, Dr. La Puma will try to understand your personal medical goals, and help you achieve them. He can also refer you to another specialist, if appropriate.
Do I have to see Dr. La Puma in person for my medical consultation, or can I just have an initial phone or online consultation?
He needs to see you in person; his medical licenses require it, and there is no substitute for an initial doctor-patient connection. Follow-up appointments can be arranged by phone or in the office.
Where are you located?
We are located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. The Santa Barbara Airport is 20 minutes away and Los Angeles International Airport is 95 minutes away.
I cannot travel to Santa Barbara for regular appointments. Can you still see me?
Yes, but you need to come to an initial in-person appointment. Other appointments can be by telephone.
What should I expect at the first visit?
The initial appointment with Dr. La Puma is scheduled for up to 1.5 hours. Dr. La Puma will personally review your medical history and your current medications and supplements, the forms you’ve completed and medical records and laboratory tests you’ve provided. He will also recommend a weight loss program for you.
There are no mandatory laboratory or diagnostic tests, or dietary supplements or meals to purchase, nor are there are devices to buy. We know care is expensive, and do not want you to spend your money unnecessarily.
Does Dr. La Puma prescribe medication?
He does when necessary. The focus of his approach, however, is to help you change your habits with nutritional and lifestyle measures, and with coaching, accountability and practical strategies.
Can Dr. La Puma be my primary care physician?
No. Although he is a board-certified internist and trained as a general internal medicine physician, Dr. La Puma works with you to help you address your nutritional medical problems, including weight gain, diabetes, back pain, high cholesterol and more. He can and does confer with your primary care physician and other specialists as needed.
Do you take insurance?
We do not take insurance or Medicare, or file insurance paperwork. However, we will provide a detailed receipt for services performed for you to submit to your insurance carriers, and you will be provided with diagnosis and procedure codes to assist you with possible insurance reimbursement. You can also use flex spending accounts and medical or health savings accounts to pay for your consultation and program. Payment in full by check, cash or credit card is due at the time services are provided. There is no payment plan or sliding scale.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept MasterCard and Visa.
Where can I learn more?
Contact Mr. Thomas Thomas or Ms. Barbara Hanover, at 805-284-2238 or by e-mail.
