Internal Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your appointment at Coast and Aloe.

Annual & Preventive Care – FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between a physical and a wellness exam?

A physical exam includes a full body checkup, discussion of symptoms, and often lab work or testing if needed. A Medicare Wellness Visit is a preventive screening visit focused on creating a long-term care plan, without a hands-on physical component unless medically necessary.

Q: How should I prepare for my annual physical?

Bring:

  • Past lab work or medical records if available
  • A list of current medications and supplements
  • Your insurance card or payment method

Notes on any symptoms, questions, or recent changes

Q: Can I get a physical without insurance?

Yes! We offer affordable cash-pay physicals, which include vitals, an exam, and any recommendations for labs or referrals.

Chronic Condition Management – FAQs

Q: How often do I need checkups for a chronic condition?

Most patients are seen every 3–6 months for lab monitoring and medication management, or sooner if symptoms change.

Q: Can I switch to your office from another provider?

Yes. We welcome new patients and can help you transfer records, review past labs, and create a customized care plan.

Q: Do you offer lifestyle coaching or referrals?

Absolutely. We focus on whole-body wellness and can guide you on diet, exercise, supplements, and specialty referrals as part of your chronic care plan.

Labs, EKGs & In-Office Testing – FAQs

Q: What labs do you offer or order?

Common labs we offer include:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Evaluates red and white blood cells, platelets, and detects infections or anemia
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Assesses liver and kidney function, blood sugar, and electrolytes
    Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4) – For fatigue, metabolism concerns, or hormone balance
  • Lipid Panel – Checks cholesterol and heart disease risk
  • Hemoglobin A1C & Glucose – For diabetes screening and management
  • Vitamin Panels – Including B12, D, Iron, Ferritin, and Folate
  • Hormone Panels – For both men and women (including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and more)
  • Urinalysis – For UTIs, kidney issues, or routine checkups
  • Pregnancy Test (urine or blood)
  • STD/STI Testing – Including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and HPV
  • Inflammatory Markers – Like CRP, ESR for autoimmune or chronic conditions
  • COVID-19, Flu, and Strep Testing – When seasonally appropriate or symptomatic

Customized to Your Care Plan Your provider will recommend only the labs that are necessary for your specific health goals, symptoms, or condition—nothing extra, nothing overlooked. Whether it’s for a routine physical, chronic condition, hormone therapy, or a pre-op clearance, our lab services are tailored just for you.

We also help interpret your results in plain language and can create a follow-up plan based on what your body needs.

Q: Do you offer in-office EKGs?

Yes. We perform resting EKGs to assess heart rhythm, screen before surgery, or evaluate symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Women’s Health & Pap Smears – FAQs

Q: What’s included in a women’s health visit?

Your visit can include a breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear, hormone testing, and discussion of birth control, menopause symptoms, or menstrual issues. It’s a personalized check-in on your reproductive and hormonal health.

Q: How often do I need a Pap smear?

In general, most women between the ages of 21 and 65 should get a Pap smear every 3 years if their previous results have been normal. A Pap smear checks for abnormal cervical cells that could lead to cervical cancer.

If your provider combines your Pap smear with an HPV test (which checks for the virus that causes most cervical cancers), you may only need screening every 5 years, as long as both tests are normal.

However, your screening schedule may be different based on:

  • Your age
  • Your health history
  • Your past Pap or HPV results
  • Whether you’ve had a hysterectomy or are immunocompromised

Your provider at Coast and Aloe will review your history and create a personalized screening plan to keep you protected while avoiding unnecessary testing.

Reminder: Even if you don’t need a Pap smear every year, it’s still important to schedule annual wellness visits to stay on top of breast health, hormones, birth control, and overall well-being.

Q: Can I get STI testing during a women’s wellness visit?

Yes. We can add on lab testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, or HPV, based on your age, risk factors, and preferences.

Q: Do you offer hormone therapy for menopause?

Yes! We offer bioidentical hormone replacement and comprehensive hormone panels for patients in perimenopause or menopause who are experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or fatigue.

Men’s Health & Hormones – FAQs

Q: What men’s health concerns do you treat?

We address low testosterone, fatigue, weight gain, sleep issues, decreased libido, and overall metabolic health. We also evaluate prostate health and offer lifestyle support for energy and longevity.

Q: How do I know if I have low testosterone (Low T)?

Common symptoms include low energy, decreased muscle mass, brain fog, low libido, mood changes, and weight gain. We confirm with lab testing and review your symptoms to create a custom plan.

Q: Is lab work required for men’s health visits?

Yes. We often test testosterone levels, estrogen, DHEA, SHBG, thyroid function, and other key hormones to understand the full picture.

Q: Can I get help with ED or sexual health?

Yes. We address erectile function, performance, and confidence through both medical and lifestyle support. We also refer to specialists when needed.

Pre-Op Clearance – FAQs

Q: What’s included in a pre-op clearance?

A pre-operative (pre-op) clearance is a medical evaluation you’ll need before undergoing surgery or certain medical procedures. It ensures that your body is healthy enough to handle the procedure and anesthesia safely.
At Coast and Aloe, a pre-op visit typically includes:

  • Medical history review – We go over your past surgeries, medications, allergies, and any chronic conditions.
  • Physical exam – A full-body check to assess your current health status and look for any red flags.
    Required labs – Bloodwork like CBC (blood count), CMP (electrolytes), coagulation (clotting), and more—based on your surgeon’s request.
  • EKG (Electrocardiogram) – If needed, this simple, non-invasive test checks your heart’s rhythm and function before anesthesia.
  • Paperwork for your surgeon or specialist – We complete all necessary forms and send your results directly to your surgical team.
    Pre-op clearance is not just about checking boxes—it’s about protecting your safety and giving your surgical team the clearest view of your health going into the procedure.

TIP: Schedule your pre-op appointment at least 7–10 days before surgery, in case additional labs or follow-up is needed.

Q: What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your surgeon’s paperwork, a list of medications, and any recent labs if available.

Q: Can you clear me for cosmetic surgery or out-of-state procedures?

Yes. We offer pre-op evaluations for all types of surgeries, including plastic surgery and procedures outside California.

Lifestyle & General Wellness – FAQs

Q: Do you help with stress, sleep, or fatigue?

Yes. We take a whole-body approach to uncover the root causes of fatigue, burnout, or poor sleep—whether hormonal, nutritional, or lifestyle-related—and recommend realistic next steps.

Q: Do you treat anxiety or depression?

We can provide initial evaluation, labs to rule out contributing factors, and referrals to therapists or psychiatry if needed. Mental health is part of whole-person care.

Q: Can I get help with weight loss or nutrition?

Yes. We offer medically supervised weight management, including labs, nutrition support, and lifestyle coaching. We also offer B12, MIC, and phentermine when appropriate.

Q: Can I get a wellness plan even if I’m not sick?

Definitely! We love working with patients who want to optimize their health, prevent disease, or simply feel better in their daily lives.