FAQ

Over the years, we've been asked quite a number of important questions. You may simply find your answer here on this FAQ page! Or if you need any further assistance, feel free to call our office. We'll be more than happy to help you out.

What type of physician is Dr. Tsai?

Dr. Tsai is board certified Internal Medicine. He is your primary care physician (PCP). Think of him as your healthcare advocate and official "Gatekeeper". It is his job to care, monitor and manage all your medical needs...from RX refills, common colds to terminal diagnosis and family interactions.
What type of medical practice is this?

William J. Tsai, M.D., Inc. is a Membership based solo private practice. (Refer to CAP Membership Contract for further information and details). Everything stays the same. Dr. Tsai still provides top-tiered, quality hands-on care for his patients. (And we continue to bill your PPO Insurance for appointments/claims). Join our growing practice today! Get full access to Dr. Tsai and his team.
What if I need to see Specialists?

Once you are an established patient of our clinic, Dr. Tsai evaluates and determines whether or not you have needs to see Specialists. From there he has an adequate, most qualified and competent "rolodex" of Specialists in neighboring areas to confidently refer you to.
What if I need to get bloodwork and/or imaging done?

Once you are an established patient of our clinic, Dr. Tsai will render any/all necessary requisition orders for bloodwork, imaging and other diagnostic tests.
What should I do for "fasting" lab orders given to me?"

For "fasting" lab requisition orders, please follow office protocols: NO foods or drinks 10 hours prior to blood draw. Only water is allowed! Allocate 2-3 business days for labs to forward final results to us.
How do I get my RX medication refills?

For non-controlled meds: Please call your RX, ask them to FAX over to us 949 955 0203 your refill request(s). Once we receive it, Dr. Tsai will take care of it accordingly. For controlled substances: If it's been more than three(3) months since your last appointment, Dr. Tsai requires an appointment w/ him or Tina Thomas NP first before either of them can take care of your request.
Which hospital is Dr. Tsai on staff at?

Dr. Tsai is on active staff at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.
How do I get in touch with Dr. Tsai?

Our office is open from Monday - Friday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. We are closed on weekends. For any/all medical urgencies after hours when office is closed - please call 949-955-0202 and follow the paging instructions to get promptly routed to Dr. Tsai.
When is Tina Thomas, NP available to see me?"

Tina Thomas, NP works full days at our office on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Which languages do Dr. Tsai and his staff speak?

Dr. Tsai is fluent in English, Mandarin and Taiwanese. Office staff is fluent in English and Mandarin.
What types of medical insurances do you accept?

Dr. Tsai is preferred provider, contracted "in-network" with the majority of all PPO's (fee for service) insurances. Unfortunately, we do not accept HMO's (managed care). We also do not accept Anthem Blue Cross' Pathway Tiered PPO and HealthNet's Enhanced Care PPO both purchased individually thru Covered CA. We accept Medicare Part B primary medical coverage (we do not accept Medi-Cal as 2nd'ry/supplemental insurance).
What if I do not have medical insurance?

For patients who do not have insurance we accept, you will be categorized at our CASH rates: New patient @ $300.00 for 1st office visit Established patient @ $200.00 for per office visit thereafter
What are your methods of payment?

We accept cash, check or credit/debit cards. Submit online payments here!
What additional fees are charged by the office?

We charge/collect a flat form fee per entity per request: Form fee: $30.00 for DMV parking, jury duty, health screens, medical letters and $40.00 for EDD and HR Disability (work-related paperwork) Copy fee: Includes but not limited to 3rd-party requests, copy service, attorneys We must first be in receipt of patient's signed release authorization and our form fee (determined by size of chart)
What if I have non-medical questions such as billing?

For any/all "non-medically" related inquiries (ie billing, insurance, claims) - Contact Ms. MeiLin Wang (Office Manager) at 949-955-0202. Either leave messages with our front desk or hit prompt #5 to record messages directly on MeiLin's voice mailbox.
How old must I be in order to become a patient?

Dr. Tsai practices Internal Medicine. Therefore we require patients to be at least a minimum age of fifteen(15) years or older.
Must I first send over old medical records before my appointment?

Before your new patient appointment with Dr. Tsai, it is not necessary to send over your old medical records from previous PCP(s). Please come in first for your new patient appointment. Dr. Tsai will determine whether or not it is necessary for us to obtain a copy of your old medical records.
Why are appointments NOT scheduled on Fridays?

We do NOT schedule appointments on Fridays because Dr. Tsai is out and about visiting "hospice" home patients. But Front Desk/back office staff are still here answering phone calls and taking messages all day.