Integrative medicine refers to a practice that combines both conventional Western medicine with complementary techniques, such as acupuncture, nutritional supplements and herbs, homeopathy and osteopathic treatments. We are focused on the whole person, not just the disease. Our doctors, who are board certified in family practice, believe achieving optimum health requires treating the body, mind and spirit. We take time with our patients—a typical appointment lasts about an hour—and strive to become partners with our patients in managing their healthcare. We use the best evidence-based practices from both Western and Eastern medical traditions to develop customized treatment plans designed for your individual needs.
How does Steinmetz Medical use supplements and herbs, and how are they chosen?
We use supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.) and herbs as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for many diseases. We integrate these treatments into your individual care based on solid scientific evidence and extensive experience from other countries that commonly use supplements and herbs for many disease conditions. We advise our patients on which types of preparations are most effective and try to guide them to quality manufacturers of these products. Herbs and supplements are generally safe, but the unsupervised use of these products may result in unnecessary expense, serious injury or even death. We review your chart for any potentially harmful drug or herbal interactions. We strive to help our patients maintain wellness through a healthy lifestyle and with as few medical interventions as possible.
What is Osteopathy?
Each year, 100 million patient visits are made to doctors of osteopathy (DO). While their medical training is nearly identical to that of a medical doctor (MD), osteopathic doctors are trained in an environment that emphasizes the philosophy of treating the whole person—mind, body and spirit—to heal and prevent disease. Like their MD colleagues, DOs are required to complete four years of basic medical education and a residency of two to six years in their selected specialty (surgery, family practice, psychiatry, etc.). DOs and MDs are required to pass national and state licensing exams and practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical centers.
Why should I have a family doctor?
The key to good long-term health is a strong patient-physician relationship. Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician have better overall health outcomes, lower death rates and lower total costs. Unlike physicians who specialize in treating one particular organ or disease, your family physician is uniquely trained to care for you as a whole person, regardless of your age or sex. In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, your family physician provides routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes to help prevent illnesses before they develop. If you develop a health condition that requires specialized care, we can guide your selection of a specialist and coordinate all aspects of your care. We will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome in the most cost-effective manner.
Patient FAQs
Why must I arrive 30 minutes to an hour prior to my scheduled appointment for my physical?
We ask all of our patients to arrive early so the nurse can conduct an interview with you and review your paperwork in preparation for your consultation. We want to provide you with the best service possible and that starts with the collection of information about you that will assist your doctor in understanding your healthcare needs.
Do I need an appointment to have lab work performed?
No appointment is needed for routine blood work. Please arrive in the office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please remember the nurses will be seeing to patients with regular appointments, and you may not be seen immediately upon arrival to the office.
Why must I have my lab work through your office?
By conducting lab work at our office, we can provide the quality medical care our patients expect. Doing so is convenient for our patients and doctors, and it helps us to track the order and determine when it was collected, when it was sent to the lab and when to expect results. In order to provide the high quality and unique service that we pride ourselves on we must have all labs through our office.
Does the practice offer evening and weekend hours?
Currently we are not open in the evenings or on the weekends, but with an opening hour of 8 and closing of 5 we find that many patients come in before or after work.
What happens if I need to speak with a physician after hours and on weekends?
We have an on-call physician available every evening and on weekends.
What happens if I need to be admitted to the hospital?
Our physicians are always available to you if you are in the hospital, but you will be admitted to the care of a hospitalist—a hospital-based physician. A hospitalist is familiar with the organization and processes of the hospital in which he or she is based, which enhances efficiency. They will coordinate your care with your primary care physician. We have a collaborative agreement with hospitalists from INOVA Alexandria Hospital, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, and Virginia Hospital Center. Please identify Steinmetz Medical Associates as your primary care provider so we can coordinate your care with the hospitalist.
Do you accept walk-in patients?
All of our physicians see patients by appointment only; however we leave room in our schedule for day appointments. Please call us first thing in the morning so we can see you the same day.
What if my primary care physician is not available to see me the same day?
You will be able to see one of her associates.
How do I obtain copies of my medical records?
Copies of your medical records may be obtained by completing an “Authorization to Release Medical Records” form. Please contact our office to obtain a copy. There is a charge for retrieving, copying and mailing of medical records. In compliance with Virginia state laws, Steinmetz Medical Associates, PC, is custodian of the original records. Paper records are kept for a period of 10 years from the date of the last visit before being destroyed. Electronic medical records are stored on magnetic media.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on site.
Billing/Insurance FAQs
Our physicians are considered out-of-network providers with all insurance companies and Tricare. We have opted out of Medicare. Our physicians do not see Medicaid patients.
What is the best way to contact Steinmetz Medical Associates billing department?
Please email questions to billing@caringdoc.com.
How much will my insurance cover?
Most carriers allow 70 to 100 percent of our charges. Blue Cross/ Carefirst/Anthem allow 50 percent. Your reimbursement depends on your out-of-network deductibles.
Will my insurance cover a specific service?
We are unable to determine what your insurance policy will and will not cover. You should contact your insurance company to find out which services are covered under your policy.
What if my insurance does not pay by 30 days?
You are responsible for payment and for contacting your insurance carrier to facilitate reimbursement. State law requires insurance companies to process and respond to a claim within 30 days.
Do you file secondary insurance for patients?
No, we file only to the primary commercial insurance for all of our patients. Most of our insurance claims are sent electronically. If you have Medicare, we will provide the documents for you to submit to your secondary insurance carrier.
What if my insurance denies payment?
Mail, e-mail (billing@caringdoc.com) or fax (703-671-0680) the reason for the denial to us. We will review and do what we can to assist you in getting payment from your insurance company.