Where is your office? Where can I park?
Our offices are located in downtown San Francisco, two blocks from Union Square at 490 Post Street,
Suite 710 (between Powell and Mason Streets). Garage parking is available below the building at 520 Mason Street. Get Driving Directions
How long will I wait?
We schedule our appointments realistically, and our average waiting room time is 1-5 minutes.
Unless an emergency has arisen, you will not grow old in our waiting room.
If you are a parent, please note: If your child is sick and needs us, we will make every effort to see him or her promptly.
Will I always see the same doctor?
Urgent visits may require you to see another doctor in the practice.
In general, however, the doctor who does your comprehensive health assessment will be the one you continue to see.
Can you admit patients to a hospital if needed?
Yes, San Francisco On Call works with many of the Bay Area’s finest hospitals.
Please inquire if you have a particular hospital you prefer. If you should need hospitalization,
we can maintain contact with your hospital team and provide seamless follow up.
Can you make referrals to specialists if needed?
Yes, we can arrange consultations with top specialists in all fields necessary. If you are an existing patient,
these services are included with a housecall or office visit.
Can I get a prescription over the phone?
Established patients can get refills on existing prescriptions over the phone for a minimal fee.
However, it is against California State Law to prescribe medication over the phone without an examination.
If you are not an established patient with our practice, it is illegal to prescribe or refill medication without
a housecall or office visit.
When is it appropriate to request a housecall?
A housecall is an appropriate option whenever medical assistance is required that is not life-threatening* or you
are not able to reach your primary care physician. San Francisco On Call’s doctors are always available to help.
We commonly provide housecalls to patients who are too sick to get out of bed, as well as those who appreciate the convenience
of waiting at home.
*If you think the problem is a true emergency, call 911 immediately.
How quickly can a doctor be here?
Very quickly. If you request an ‘urgent’ housecall, a physician can usually be there within one hour.
If the housecall is not ‘urgent’, you can schedule the appointment at your convenience.
Do housecalls have to be pre-scheduled?
No. San Francisco On Call is available 24 hours a day, whenever medical assistance is required.
Simply call 415-732-7029 to schedule a housecall, or click here to schedule an appointment online.
What are the fees for a housecall?
Housecalls, like office visits, are based on the medical complexity of the visit, as well as time spent. A basic, pre-scheduled daytime housecall for an established patient starts at $195; for a new patient, the fee starts at $260. Fees may increase if medication is dispensed during the visit, or if it is after hours or the weekend. See fee schedule.
What is the difference between your housecall service and the emergency room?
Say you or your child feels ill in the middle of the night, and you feel a doctor is needed right away.
Here is a sample breakdown between a housecall from San Francisco On Call and a visit to the emergency room.
Does San Francisco On Call cover my neighborhood?
San Francisco On Call physicians cover the area represented on our coverage area map.
Please call 415-732-7029 with questions about specific areas.
Can you do lab tests and blood work from my home?
Yes. San Francisco On Call physicians carry comprehensive medical kits and are able to carry out lab tests at the
location of the housecall. Most results are available within 1-3 days, or the same day if tests are ordered STAT.
Do the doctors carry medication?
Yes. The physicians carry a small amount of pharmaceuticals to cover many common diagnoses (flu, bronchitis, food poisoning, severe headache, etc.)
A day or two worth of these can be given to the patient until a complete prescription can be filled.
Will you follow up with my primary physician?
Yes. Upon your request, the San Francisco On Call physician will follow up with your primary care physician and communicate the
nature of the diagnosis and the course of action taken.
Can a San Francisco On Call doctor become my primary physician? Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, all of our services are available on an on-going basis, and our doctors are currently accepting new patients.
We are also currently accepting new pediatric patients and are available for new parent interviews.
Who are your patients?
Our patient mix spans the socioeconomic spectrum, however they are all people looking for unhurried, and
attentive care. San Francisco On Call patients include anyone who desires excellent health care and a more trustworthy
relationship with their physician.
Do you have a nurse practitioner on staff?
Physicians provide all medical care; San Francisco On Call does not have a nurse practitioner on staff.
Our medical team consists of two internal medicine doctors, one family practice doctor, and one pediatrician.
Can you do acupuncture on a housecall?
Yes. Acupuncture is very safe and can be performed at the location of your choice. If a patient wishes to use
acupuncture treatments on a housecall, the doctor will come prepared with all the necessary equipment.
Does it hurt?
Most people do not experience pain while undergoing acupuncture treatment. Most patients find it a very
pleasant and relaxing experience.
I am traveling to Asia/Africa/South America. What immunizations and preparations should I make?
Up to date travel and safety information for any country is available on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.
More specific questions can be directed to travel@sfoncall.com.
How long before my trip do I need to get my necessary immunizations?
Our office recommends that patients receive their vaccinations at least two weeks before their departure.
However, if you are leaving sooner, many vaccines and prescriptions can be given up to the day before departure.
Will I be charged for an office visit if all I need are vaccinations?
If a patient only comes in for travel shots, they will be charged the price of the vaccines, and a minor administration fee
for each shot. However, if an examination or consultation is required in addition to vaccinations, the patient will be
charged for an office visit.
How much do the shots cost?
Immunizations start at $40.00. However, the price can increase substantially depending on the destination, and the patient’s specific needs.
This is particularly relevant for certain vaccinations that require a series of shots.
If I need multiple shots, can I take them all at once?
Yes. More information on the specific vaccinations, including complete descriptions, schedules, and duration of
effectiveness, is available on the CDC’s website, www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.
What is San Francisco On Call Medical Group?
San Francisco On Call Medical Group is a new breed of healthcare companies whose goal is singular: increase productivity and decrease sick-days by diagnosing promptly and treating immediately.
San Francisco On Call specializes in bringing the doctor to you; providing convenient, cost-saving, on-site care for employeeís who are sick or injured.
What about quality of care?
Our physicians carry all of the medical equipment and supplies.
Our physicians are board certified with excellent bedside manner.
We do not believe in hurried visits.
How long do On Call doctors spend with employees?
First on-site visits last as long as the patient needs which is usually 15-30 minutes.. Follow-up visits vary depending on ailment.
What are the benefits to employees?
San Francisco On Call gives immediate, quality care to employees.
There is no travel time, no waiting rooms and no emergency rooms.
With quick intervention, employee will regain their health back quicker.
How do you charge for your services?
Our fees are based on the size of your company and the services you would like.
Please contact business@sfoncall.com to set up a meeting.
How will I pay for my care?
San Francisco On Call Medical Group is a fee for service medical practice. This means that all of our patients pay
us at the time of service. Many of our patients then submit their claims to their insurance companies for reimbursement.
We will supply you with all the necessary billing codes and paperwork for you to send to your insurance company.
If your claim requires further assistance, our staff will be happy to help in any way. Payment can be made by credit card,
personal check, or cash. We strive to have all aspects of our practice, including our professional fees, reflect our ethical
and rational approach to your care. Our charges are based on the time we spend with you and any materials or equipment we use.
Do you take insurance?
Our philosophy focuses care around the patients’ needs, rather than around insurance company policies.
In order for our practice to provide unhurried, quality care, we ask that our patients pay for services at the
time of the visit. To help our patients with insurance company reimbursement, we supply all necessary
billing codes and paperwork, and are happy to help if further problems arise.
How do I get reimbursed?
San Francisco On Call Medical Group provides all patients with a medical bill (known as a ‘superbill’)
with the necessary codes for insurance carriers to process a claim; specifically the CPT and ICD-9 codes.
We also provide a letter that the patient may send in with the superbill.
Please contact your insurance company for further information.
