frequently asked questions

What is SourceMD all about?

SourceMD is a medical practice which is immediate, comprehensive, holistic, and very, very personal. Dr. Larson believes we are each the SOURCE of our own wellbeing, and favors an inside-out approach to health and healing, focusing on supporting the body’s own healing capacity. He partners with his patients to remove barriers to optimal health and unlock each patient’s unique potential. This is in contrast to the traditional outside-in medical system that tries to focus on problems and finding outside interventions (like prescription medications or surgery) to fix problems. Unfortunately, this often leads a “stable” mild level of dis-ease at best, and more chronic medical problems at worst. We offer many different services, including concierge (direct primary care) membership, as well as fee for service integrative medicine and psychiatry visits. See our services page for more details.

What sets SourceMD apart from other practices?

Our approach is centered around identifying and resolving the root cause(s) of your health concerns instead of treating symptoms alone. This requires a comprehensive approach and investigating hidden triggers for dysfunction (nutrient deficiencies, poor digestive health, hormonal imbalances, and chronic infections to name a few) as well as providing the nutrition and lifestyle education you need to create a solid foundation to rebuild your health stronger. We start by listening to understand your story. Your experience combined with your health history, timeline, and physical exam help us identify the causes of your health concerns. In addition, we use advanced biomarker lab testing to identify root causes that cannot be identified from a thorough history and physical exam alone. The results of these specialized tests help us eliminate blind spots and personalize your treatment. This approach, paired with health skill building, education, and support puts you in charge of your health so you can say goodbye to the limitations of annoying and painful health problems. Additionally, we have shrugged the bureaucracy. We have shredded red tape. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we have returned family practice medicine to its root values of clinical excellence and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family healthcare we promise accessibility, convenience, and personalized medicine.

What is Integrative Medicine?

I often respond by describing it as a philosophy of care that aims to improve a patient's health and wellbeing rather than simply managing their disease. I tell them that people come to us to improve their health in a way that gets them or keeps them off of medications. Because we spend so much of our focus on improving lifestyle to optimize health, I'll often refer to it as "lifestyle medicine". Other synonyms include functional, holistic or alternative medicine. But Integrative Medicine is bigger than that. It's more important than that. In a word, it's about care. It's about connecting with our patients and having a relationship. It's spending the time to listen to their entire health journey and helping to guide them through it in a way that makes sense to them, all the while supporting and encouraging them. Yes, we do some of the fancy, in-depth testing of digestive function, genetics, hormone balance and predictive biomarker analysis that rarely get tested in the conventional model. These are part of our "tool bag" of care. But the core is just care. I call it the Art of Medicine. So much of health care nowadays is population-based, cookbook care. Have a symptom? They have a diagnosis and a prescription for it. There is no relationship or connection in that, and rarely is anyone's health improved. Certainly there are exceptions to this like surgery for appendicitis or trauma. In those cases, we need acute health care, and integrative care can wait for guiding the body back to health after recovery. So what is Integrative Medicine? It's listening. It's empathizing. It's connecting. It's educating. It's empowering. It's care. Have you longed for a medical visit that puts you first? An experience that truly listens to your story? That takes into account your past medical experiences and testing, your likes and dislikes, your beliefs? A visit where the practitioner is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain your best health possible? Then you’ve been looking for Integrative Medicine. You are welcome here, and get ready for a remarkable experience.

How do I become a patient?

To get started in the healing journey, we ask you to fill out the New Patient Inquiry Form and tell us about your health concerns. Once you fill out the form, a member of our team will be in touch with you within a few days to make sure that the care we provide fits your health needs.

Do you take insurance?

We welcome and treat all patients regardless of what type of insurance they have, but we do not bill any insurance or Medicare. A critical distinction of our practice is that it focuses on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s healthcare. We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably come with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.

Can I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?

We are not in-network with any insurance plan, but if you have a PPO insurance plan you have the option to work with an out-of-network provider. We can provide you with a detailed receipt (superbill) to submit to your insurance company in order to receive reimbursement, which may be very significant depending on your insurance plan. (Note, you are not able to seek reimbursement from Medicare). We encourage you to contact your insurance company and ask what the reimbursement rate is for your medical visits. We have also partnered with an app that can make this process very easy: https://reimbursify.com/ Most insurance carriers cover laboratory tests or imaging studies ordered by Dr. Larson.

As a patient of SourceMD will I still need health insurance?

Yes. At a minimum we recommend that our patients carry a lower cost high deductible health plan such as a HSA eligible plan, thereby ensuring financial help should an emergency arise. Because of the nature of our practice, with 24/7 access to your personal physician, we are often able to prevent unnecessary and expensive ER visits, specialist visits, and diagnostic tests. Ideally you would have health insurance but never need to use it other than for preventive care such as vaccines, wellness checks, and pregnancy care.

Why would I become a patient of SourceMD if I already have insurance?

We accept all patients (insured, Medicare, uninsured, etc). We just don’t bill these third parties. But just because you have insurance doesn’t mean you still don’t pay twice. Each copay and office visit adds up. Not to mention the opportunity cost of wasting time waiting on hold to schedule an appointment, waiting at the doctors office, and having to make multiple visits for a list that could have been covered in one visit if insurance wasn’t involved. In fact, the dirty little secret to health insurance is that “employees will pay an average of $2,487 in out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles”. So, you may SAVE money if you have insurance and join our practice!

If I have Medicare, can I still join SourceMD?

Yes. You need only sign a waiver every 2 years that you are an active patient declaring that neither you nor your doctor will ever directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our offices.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In those instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to serve you during your hospital stay or to work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.

What about referrals, testing or prescriptions?

Nothing changes. As your personal doctor, I will be able to coordinate appointments, and, to the best of my ability, will expedite the waiting time for the visit. When you see a specialist, it will be a conventional visit using your medical insurance. We are then able to follow-up with you and your specialist about the visit. Your X-rays or other studies are ordered and set up just like in a regular practice. Your prescriptions go to the same pharmacies. It it that simple and seamless.

Will I still benefit from SourceMD even if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to the enhancement of your daily experience that only physical and mental wellbeing can bring. In wellness and therapeutic care alike, SourceMD’s great ally is time. Large amounts of precious, irretrievable time given to you as you wish. Every visit will be easy-going in its absolute thoroughness and relaxed in answering your questions and addressing your needs. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive and intimate knowledge of your health, an invaluable understanding rarely seen in today’s healthcare model.

Can children become members of SourceMD?

Yes. We are happy to accept the children (birth to 20 years of age) of our enrolled clients. At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these.

Can I contact my physician after hours? And how?

By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call your physicians any day, at any hour for emergencies.

What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?

Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. In the age of telemedicine, many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone or webcam. We can order medications or diagnostic tests wherever you currently are, and if needed can coordinate visits to leading specialists in your area. If fact we have many patients whose primary residence is not in San Diego. We only require an in person visit at least once per year to remain an active patient.

Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers?

We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records, unless you specifically ask that we do so.

How will I know if Dr. Larson is the right doctor for me?

Please fill out the New Patient Information Request Form to receive the prospective new patient information from Dr. Larson. Then we can schedule a complimentary visit to discuss your needs for healthcare, a visit that will be free and unconditional. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what, we trust, will be a long, productive, altogether healthy friendship.

What hospitals do you go to?

You will go to the hospital of your choice. We will then stay in close contact with you and the hospital staff during your hospitalization.

Does my monthly fee apply to my insurance deductible or can it be made tax deductible?

While your monthly fee does not count toward your medical insurance deductible, the fees associated with your visits and procedures (which are often substantial) can be submitted to your insurance to apply to your deductible. Some patients have Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts which may allow for your monthly fees to be paid with pre-tax dollars. You should check with your specific plan to find out how this applies.

Do you make house calls?

We do offer a limited number of house calls for an additional fee for those who are acutely ill and circumstances make it that they cannot come to the office. We do not care for totally home bound or nursing home patients. Feel free to inquire more about this.

What do I need to do before my first appointment?

Please fill out the new patient request form here. After receiving that our staff will email you with the specific forms that pertain to your appointment type.

Patient Guidelines for Medical Record Submissions

As you begin your journey to health at SourceMD we begin a relationship together that will take course over the months and/or years to come. We will want to understand the complexity of who you are, your story, the triggers and precipitating factors that have impacted your health, and where this has brought you to date. This discovery process is part of us getting to know you, your history and your needs, and helps us formulate a treatment plan that is specifically catered to you. There are many facets to this initial discovery process. You will be asked to complete an online inventory upon scheduling your appointment. In addition, we ask that you also provide us with pertinent medical records that may be important for us to better understand your medical situation. In order to better help you understand what medical records are useful, we have outlined the following guidelines.
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- Most recent medical summary from your latest medical provider(s). This may include specialists you have seen for pertinent evaluations. (Please do not send a series of medical office notes. An overview/summary describing most recent findings would be very valuable.)
- Recent lab results from the past 6 months.
- Medical records summary from your provider that reflects a significant medical/surgical event that may have triggered a change in your status
- Summary of current (past 6 months) treatment regimens/therapies.
- Genetic testing results.
- Recent Functional Medicine test results (within the past one year).Mental health/psychiatric summary.
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Items that we ask that you DO NOT SEND:
- Notes from routine medical office visits.
- Routine exam notes (this includes immunizations, routine physical exams, etc.)Lab results that are over a year old.
- Diagnostic imaging films or disks

Please remember, more is not always better. However, if there is something not included on this list that you feel is relevant to your care with us and should be included, you can speak with a member of our team before your visit to find out if it’s something that would be beneficial to send.

What conditions do you treat?

Dr. Larson treats the following chronic health concerns (but not limited to): Acne, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Arthritis, Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, ADHD, Autoimmune Diseases, Bipolar Disorder, Cancer, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Sinusitis, Depression and Anxiety, Detoxification and Healing, Diabetes, Digestive Disorders (IBD, IBS, GERD/Reflux), Eczema, Elevated Cholesterol, Environmental and Food Allergies, Fatigue, Female Disorders (PMS, Perimenopause, Menopause, Infertility, PCOS), Fibromyalgia, Healthy Aging, Healthy Weight and Metabolism, Heart Health, Hormone Balance with Bioidentical Hormones, Interstitial Cystitis, Low testosterone, Mercury and Heavy Metal Toxicity, Metabolic Syndrome, Pre-Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Migraines and Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity, Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Psoriasis, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Issues/Insomnia, Thyroid and Adrenal Disorders, Schizophrenia, and more.

Where do I get recommended supplements?

We have partnered with several online retailers to help our patients get high quality nutritional support at a low price. Fullscript: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/sourcemd Get Healthy Store: https://davelarsonmd.gethealthy.store/introduction Wholescripts (for Xymogen Products): https://www.wholescripts.com/register (Referral Code = SOURCEMD Practitioner Last Name = Larson) At these online stores you will find a wide array of products my team and I hand-picked to address specific conditions and cover the nutrient bases you might not be getting even if you’re eating fresh, whole, real foods. Buying quality supplements from the right sources is so important because unlike pharmaceutical drugs, supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The manufactures I carry in my formulary have strict criteria. All the manufactures adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices standards. When choosing supplements it is important to be careful of third party vendors, online, and especially big box retailers. The stores we work with order direct from most manufactures and guarantee our quality control regarding temperature and storage. Buying quality supplements is important, but buying them from the right source also becomes crucial to get the freshest, highest-potency nutrients. When you use one of these stores you can rest assured every product is guaranteed to be safe, effective, and fresh. Our staff are here to help you with anything you need, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need additional help.

Do you work with cancer patients?

Doctor Larson works with patients to help create an environment in their body where cancer is less likely to grow. For those who are in treatment we work with the oncologist team and focus on nutrition and lifestyle modification to strengthen the immune system, enhance detoxification and support the patient through their treatment. Post treatment, we work to decrease the risk of recurrence.

Do you work with patients that have autoimmune disease?

Yes, we work with patients who have Autoimmunity and have seen great improvements using our Functional Medicine approach.

What are your Rates?

Please contact our office to learn more about our different plans!

What is your Cancellation Policy?

We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you may be preventing another patient from getting much needed treatment. Conversely, because we never double-book appointment slots, the situation may arise where another patient fails to cancel and we are unable to schedule you for a visit, due to a seemingly “full” appointment schedule. Because of this, we require a credit card in order to hold your initial appointment slot. For all appointments there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. We appreciate your understanding.

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