FAQ for our Primary Care Physicians Internal Medicine Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member?
Joining my practice in Walnut Creek is easy and we have several options for you to learn more about us.
- We are accepting new patients. You can call my office at 925-952-5545 to schedule a New Patient appointment with Dr. Bernens and our staff will go over membership basics with you. We accept most PPO insurances, no HMO plans.
- You can visit my website at https://www.drbernens.com and click on the contact us tab. We will then contact you at your preferred time to discuss setting up a New Patient appointment in my primary care internal medicine practice.
As your primary care physician, your comfort and good health is my goal. My partnership with you is truly the foundation of the doctor patient relationship.
What Services and Benefits are included in the membership that insurance doesn't cover?
- A private member portal that includes the following:
- Doctor’s advice and recommendations on all manner of health topics
- Pre-recorded Health Seminars
- Listing of dates for upcoming seminars in “in-person” small group setting
- Activities with the doctor(s) such as hikes
- Recommended reading lists
- Doctor authored articles
- Doctor recommended health links
- Doctor’s take on current breakthroughs in clinical research
What precautionary steps are you taking during the COVID crisis?
Our offiice is taking every effort to protect our members and staff during the COVID crisis. We are requiring all visitors to wear face masks and use hand sanitizers as they enter the office. At the BASS Medical Building entrance you will be asked screening questions and have your temperature taken touch free. Our staff will be wearing masks, gloves and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Our exam rooms are sanitized in between patients and we have a special isolation room for any suspected cases. Our exam rooms are also equipped with fans that kill bacteria and viruses with UV-C lights and HEPA filters.
Are you offering Telemedicine visits during the COVID crisis?
Our office is offering telemedicine visits during the crisis. All you need is a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to connect to our connect to our secure video site.
If I become a member, do I still use my insurance?
Yes. Our private offerings are for non-covered services that are not covered by insurance. We accept insurance to pay for covered medical services. This allows you and us to have the freedom to decide what kind of care is best for you. We accept most PPO insurances and Medicare. We do not take HMO insurances.
Can I pay the membership fee with HSA or FSA money?
We suggest you contact your tax adviser for advice about your unique situation.
Is the membership fee tax deductible?
We suggest you contact your tax adviser for advice about your unique situation.
How are the membership fees paid?
We offer flexible payment plans. You can pay annually or monthly by auto payment from a credit card or checking account. We offer a discount for the annual payment and for members in the same household.
What happens to my membership payment plan now that you've moved your practice?
Your payment plan is being automatically migrated from the old practice system to Dr. Bernens' own system. No action is required on your part.
What age is appropriate for a private practice like yours?
We provide care for people from age 16 to 100+.
What happens when the doctor is out of town or on vacation?
When Dr. Bernens is on vacation or out of town attending a continuing medical education conference, he is available by phone consultation to help you decide if you need if you need to visit an urgent care or ER.
Will you see me in the hospital?
Yes, unlike most doctors in the area, whenever possible, I will visit you if you are admitted to John Muir Medical Center – Walnut Creek campus. If you are admitted through the Emergency Room, a hospitalist on duty will admit you, and whenever possible, I will pick up your care the next morning. This provides the advantage of a doctor who knows you personally and can be an advocate for you and coordinate care with any specialists who are required during your stay.
If you are admitted to another hospital, a hospitalist from that facility will care for you and we will follow your care remotely. I can do a follow up visit in my office once you are released from the hospital.
What if I need to see a specialist?
I will work with your specialist to coordinate your care. I am available to help you decide which specialist is best for you and help coordinate consultations. This way I can provide them with the pertinent medical information prior to your visit. I refer to BASS Medical group speciialists, many of whom are located in the same building my suite is in and John Muir Hospital affiliated specialists and tertiary care specialists at Stanford and UCSF Medical Center.
What happens if I have a life-threatening emergency?
If you have a life-threatening emergency, regardless of the time, call emergency services, usually 911 in the United States, or go to the nearest emergency facility. Once you are stable, you or someone authorized by you, should call our office to notify us of the situation.
Can I contact you outside of business hours for urgent questions?
Yes, for non-life-threatening questions, as a member of my private practice, you can contact me by phone. If you have an urgent question that can’t wait until office hours, please call our office number 925-952-5545. For questions submitted through the myChart EMR portal, we will usually respond within 2 business days.
What happens when I am out of town and need medical care?
If you have a life threatening medical emergency, you should contact emergency services in that local area, typically by calling 911, or visit the closest Emergency Room. Once you are stable, please contact our office to notify us of your situation.
If you have a non-life-threatening issue, you can call us for advice or visit a local facility in the area that you are in, such as an ER or Urgent Care. In either case, you would need to submit your medical expenses at any of these facilities for reimbursement under the terms of your health insurance coverage.
What are your office hours?
Our phones are open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM to schedule appointments. Dr. Bernens also offers time to schedule outside of these hours if your schedule doesn’t permit.
Do you visit nursing homes?
Yes, I visit La Casa Via Transitional are Center and Tampico Terrace Skilled Nursing Facility. If you go to another facility, the staff doctor there or another doctor will need to be engaged. If you remain a member in my practice, I will work with the other doctor to coordinate your care.
Do you do home visits?
For members who have been established with me for more than a year, I will consider doing home visits if I feel it is medically necessary. There a few doctors in the area who do specialize in home visits and will be glad to accept new patients.
What about the costs of prescription drugs?
The cost of prescriptions are the members’ responsibility. Most insurance plans offer some form of coverage. In the event that they don’t, we can assist in finding the most cost effective way for you to purchase them.
Where do I go for lab work and other procedures?
There are lab and imaging centers in the BASS Medical Group building next to my suite. Also, you are free to go to one of the many good labs and imaging centers in the area and we can help you choose one. You should also check with your insurance to see if they have a preferred lab.
Primary Care Internal Medicine Accepting New Patients
Serving the East Bay of San Francisco