Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Unlocking Premier Care In Northern California
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Palo Alto Medical Foundation: A Legacy of Care
- Navigating Healthcare: Accepted Health Plans at Palo Alto Medical Foundation
- The Expansive Reach of Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Locations and Facilities
- A Spectrum of Expertise: Specialties and Services Offered by Palo Alto Medical Foundation
- Innovation and Community Impact: The Philanthropic Vision of PAMF
- Why Choose Palo Alto Medical Foundation for Your Healthcare Needs?
- Planning Your Legacy with PAMF: Estate and Planned Giving
- Frequently Asked Questions About Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Understanding the Palo Alto Medical Foundation: A Legacy of Care
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is far more than just a collection of clinics; it is a cornerstone of healthcare provision in Northern California, deeply integrated into the fabric of the communities it serves. Operating as Sutter Bay Medical Foundation for its clinical medical laboratory services, PAMF holds a significant position within the broader Sutter Health network. This affiliation means that when you choose a physician or medical specialist within the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, you are tapping into Northern California's premier care network for you and your family. This extensive network ensures seamless coordination of care, from primary physicians to hospital services and specialized treatments, all under one trusted umbrella. The organization's commitment to patient well-being is evident in its structure and operational philosophy. As a medical group practice, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation emphasizes collaborative care, bringing together a diverse team of healthcare professionals to address the comprehensive needs of each patient. This integrated approach is a hallmark of high-quality healthcare, ensuring that patients receive coordinated, efficient, and effective treatment plans. The foundation's NPI number, 1295459246, and taxonomy code 291u00000x, overseen by authorized official Krista Lopes, further underscore its formal recognition and adherence to professional standards within the medical community.From Clinic to Comprehensive Network: A Brief History
The story of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation is one of remarkable growth and evolving commitment to community health. Its origins trace back to a small, dedicated group of medical professionals. By 1930, this pioneering group had grown to six individuals, formalizing their collaboration and forming a partnership known as the Palo Alto Medical Clinic. This early foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a sprawling and sophisticated healthcare network. From these humble beginnings, the organization steadily expanded its reach and capabilities. What started as a local clinic eventually blossomed into the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, now encompassing a vast network of facilities and a multitude of specialists. This growth wasn't just in size but also in scope, continually adapting to the changing needs of the population and embracing advancements in medical science. The transformation from a small clinic to a comprehensive medical foundation, deeply integrated within the Sutter Health system, reflects a sustained dedication to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to an ever-growing population across the San Francisco Bay Area.Navigating Healthcare: Accepted Health Plans at Palo Alto Medical Foundation
One of the most common concerns for anyone seeking medical care is whether their health insurance will be accepted. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation, as a sutter health network provider, understands this critical need for clarity and accessibility. They strive to accommodate a wide array of health plans, ensuring that a broad spectrum of the community can access their premier care services. This commitment to accessibility is a cornerstone of their patient-centric approach, aiming to remove financial barriers to essential medical care. To simplify the process for patients, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation provides clear guidance on accepted health plans. You can easily find out which health plans are accepted by Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, a Sutter Health network provider. They maintain a comprehensive list of health plans, which includes major providers such as Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, and many more. This extensive list demonstrates their commitment to serving a diverse patient population with various insurance coverages. Furthermore, for convenience, Sutter Health offers a search tool on its website, allowing individuals to quickly find out if their health plan is accepted by searching by health plan, medical group, or facility. This proactive approach to transparency empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers without unnecessary financial anxiety.VHP Plan Coverage: Pharmacy and Urgent Care
Specific to certain regional coverages, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation ensures that its patients receive comprehensive care under their respective plans. For instance, Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) patients are covered within the VHP plan pharmacy network. This means that individuals with VHP (Valley Health Plan) insurance can conveniently fill their prescriptions at network pharmacies, ensuring continuity of their medical treatment. Access to a reliable pharmacy network is crucial for managing chronic conditions and ensuring adherence to prescribed medications, directly impacting patient outcomes. In addition to pharmacy services, Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) patients are also covered within the VHP network for urgent care. This is a significant benefit, providing peace of mind for patients who may require immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. Access to urgent care through their insurance network means patients can avoid the higher costs and longer wait times often associated with emergency rooms for less severe issues. This integrated coverage for both pharmacy and urgent care under the VHP plan highlights PAMF's dedication to providing holistic and convenient healthcare solutions for its patients, addressing both routine and immediate medical needs efficiently.The Expansive Reach of Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Locations and Facilities
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation is not confined to a single building in Palo Alto; its reach extends far beyond its namesake city, establishing a significant presence across multiple counties in Northern California. This expansive network of facilities is designed to bring high-quality medical care closer to where people live and work, enhancing accessibility and convenience for thousands of patients. The strategic placement of these facilities underscores PAMF's commitment to serving the broader community, ensuring that premier healthcare is available across a wide geographical area. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is comprised of one main facility in Palo Alto, and 45 additional facilities spread across Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. This widespread presence means that patients in various communities can access PAMF's comprehensive services without extensive travel. The sheer number of locations reflects a robust infrastructure capable of supporting a large patient volume and a diverse range of medical services. This extensive network is a testament to PAMF's growth and its strategic vision to be a leading healthcare provider throughout the region.Key Locations and Contact Information
While the Palo Alto Medical Foundation boasts numerous facilities, several key locations serve as central hubs for various specialties and services. These primary sites are equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, from routine check-ups to specialized diagnostic procedures. * **Palo Alto Center:** Located at 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, this is a central and significant part of the Sutter Health network. It is a major facility where patients can access a multitude of services. The NPI profile for Palo Alto Medical Foundation at 795 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94301, and specifically at 795 El Camino Real Lee Building Palo Alto, CA 94301, indicates its importance as a primary care and specialty hub. To contact the Palo Alto Center directly, you can call +16503214121. * **49 Wells Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301:** This address also hosts a Palo Alto Medical Foundation facility, contributing to the localized accessibility of care within Palo Alto itself. * **87 Encina Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301:** Another key location in Palo Alto, this facility specializes in areas such as cardiology, demonstrating the localized focus of certain specialty services within the broader PAMF network. These specific addresses highlight the physical presence of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation within its primary city, complementing its wider network across the surrounding counties. Each location plays a vital role in delivering the comprehensive and specialized care that PAMF is known for, making it easier for patients to find convenient access points for their medical needs.A Spectrum of Expertise: Specialties and Services Offered by Palo Alto Medical Foundation
The strength of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation lies not just in its expansive network of facilities but, more importantly, in the depth and breadth of its medical expertise. With a vast team of highly skilled physicians and specialists, PAMF offers a comprehensive array of medical services designed to address nearly every healthcare need, from preventive care to complex treatments. This extensive range of specialties ensures that patients can receive integrated and specialized care all within the trusted Sutter Health network. Currently, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's physicians cover an impressive 16 specialty areas of medicine across its various practices. However, the true scale of their expertise is even larger: the foundation consists of over 1,600 physicians in more than 40 specialties, practicing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This vast pool of talent means that patients have access to a wide range of experts, from primary care providers to highly specialized surgeons, all collaborating to deliver optimal health outcomes. The presence of such a diverse group of specialists under one medical group practice fosters a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.Clinical Excellence Across Diverse Medical Fields
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation is recognized for its clinical excellence across a multitude of medical disciplines. Their medical group practices specialize in key areas that are vital to community health, demonstrating a commitment to addressing prevalent health concerns with expert care. * **Diagnostic Radiology and Internal Medicine:** The Palo Alto Medical Foundation is a medical group practice located in Palo Alto, CA that specializes in diagnostic radiology and internal medicine. This combination is crucial for comprehensive care, as internal medicine physicians often serve as the first point of contact for adult patients, while diagnostic radiology provides essential imaging services for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. * **Cardiology:** The Palo Alto Medical Foundation is also a medical group practice located in Palo Alto, CA that specializes in cardiology. Heart health is a critical area of focus, and PAMF's cardiology specialists provide advanced care for various cardiovascular conditions, from preventive measures to complex interventions. * **Comprehensive Services:** Beyond these highlighted specialties, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation offers a wide array of services that cater to diverse patient needs. While the provided data mentions "What services does Palo Alto Center provide?", it broadly implies a full spectrum of medical services typical of a large, integrated medical group. This includes, but is not limited to, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, orthopedics, neurology, oncology, and many more of the 40+ specialties mentioned. The integrated nature of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation allows for seamless referrals and coordinated care across these different departments, ensuring that patients receive holistic and continuous support for their health journey.Innovation and Community Impact: The Philanthropic Vision of PAMF
Beyond its day-to-day medical services, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation is deeply invested in the future of healthcare and the well-being of its community through significant philanthropic endeavors. As a nonprofit health care provider in California, PAMF is not solely driven by profit but by a mission to innovate, excel, and serve. This commitment is vividly demonstrated through its ambitious fundraising initiatives aimed at advancing medical science and improving patient care. PAMF is actively raising $100 million to support its vision of healthcare innovation and excellence. This substantial goal underscores their dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical treatment, research, and patient experience. Such funds are crucial for investing in cutting-edge technology, supporting groundbreaking research, expanding vital programs, and attracting top medical talent. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Palo Alto Medical Foundation remains at the forefront of medical advancements, offering its patients access to the latest and most effective treatments available. Giving to Sutter, and by extension, to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, is giving directly to your community. These philanthropic contributions have a tangible impact, helping to fund critical services, improve facilities, and support programs that benefit countless individuals and families. For those interested in contributing to this vital mission, PAMF provides clear pathways to donate. You can learn how to donate and contact the philanthropy team for more information and guidance on how your contribution can make a difference. This active engagement with community support highlights PAMF's role not just as a healthcare provider, but as a community partner dedicated to fostering a healthier future for all.Why Choose Palo Alto Medical Foundation for Your Healthcare Needs?
Choosing a healthcare provider is a significant decision that impacts your health and well-being for years to come. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation presents a compelling case as a premier choice for individuals and families in Northern California, primarily due to its comprehensive approach to care, extensive network, and commitment to patient satisfaction. Firstly, as a key component of the Sutter Health network, PAMF offers unparalleled access to a wide array of resources. When you access a Sutter Health network hospital, physician, or medical specialist, you'll be tapping into Northern California's premier care network. This means seamless coordination between your primary care doctor, specialists, diagnostic services, and even hospital care, all working together for your benefit. This integrated system minimizes fragmentation of care, which can often lead to better health outcomes and a more streamlined patient experience. Secondly, the sheer breadth of medical expertise available at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation is remarkable. With over 1,600 physicians across more than 40 specialties, patients have access to highly specialized care for virtually any medical condition. Whether it's the specialized focus on diagnostic radiology and internal medicine, or the dedicated cardiology services, PAMF ensures that expert care is readily available. This depth of specialization, combined with a collaborative medical group practice model, means that complex cases can be managed effectively, drawing on the collective knowledge of multiple experts. Finally, PAMF's commitment to accessibility, as demonstrated by its acceptance of a complete list of health plans including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna, and Health Net, alongside specific coverage for VHP patients for pharmacy and urgent care, removes significant barriers to care. Their widespread presence with 45 facilities across multiple counties further enhances convenience, bringing quality healthcare closer to home. This combination of clinical excellence, network strength, and patient accessibility makes the Palo Alto Medical Foundation a truly outstanding option for comprehensive and reliable healthcare.Planning Your Legacy with PAMF: Estate and Planned Giving
For many, healthcare extends beyond immediate medical needs to encompass long-term planning, including how one can contribute to the future of healthcare. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation, as a nonprofit health care provider in California, offers unique opportunities for individuals to plan their estate and legacy, ensuring their values and commitment to health continue to make an impact for generations to come. This aspect of PAMF's operations highlights its role not just as a service provider, but as a steward of community health for the future. Planned giving allows individuals to make significant charitable contributions that often come to fruition after their lifetime, or at a future designated time. These gifts can take various forms, such as bequests in a will, charitable trusts, or gifts of appreciated assets. Such foresight in estate planning enables donors to support PAMF's mission of healthcare innovation and excellence, contributing to the $100 million fundraising goal mentioned earlier. These contributions are vital for sustaining long-term projects, funding cutting-edge research, and ensuring the continued provision of high-quality care. For those interested in exploring how to plan their estate and legacy with PAMF, expert guidance is readily available. You can contact Peter Gielniak, the regional director of planned giving, for more information and advice. Peter and his team are equipped to provide personalized insights into the various planned giving options, helping individuals align their philanthropic goals with PAMF's vision. This personalized approach ensures that donors can make informed decisions that reflect their personal values and financial circumstances, ultimately contributing to the enduring health and well-being of the community through the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.Frequently Asked Questions About Palo Alto Medical Foundation
To further clarify common inquiries about the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, here are answers to some frequently asked questions, drawing directly from the information provided: **What is the Palo Alto Medical Foundation?** The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is a comprehensive medical group practice and a key component of the Sutter Health network. It is comprised of one main facility in Palo Alto and 45 additional facilities across Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. It operates as a nonprofit healthcare provider in California, committed to healthcare innovation and excellence. **What types of health plans does Palo Alto Medical Foundation accept?** Palo Alto Medical Foundation accepts a wide range of health plans, including major providers such as Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, and many more. They also cover Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) patients within the VHP plan pharmacy network and VHP network urgent care. You can use the Sutter Health search tool to verify if your specific health plan is accepted. **How many physicians and specialties does PAMF cover?** Currently, Palo Alto Medical Foundation's practices involve over 1,600 physicians in more than 40 specialties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. At specific locations, such as the main Palo Alto practice, 31 physicians cover 16 specialty areas of medicine. **What are some of the specialized medical areas at PAMF?** Palo Alto Medical Foundation is a medical group practice that specializes in diagnostic radiology, internal medicine, and cardiology, among its many other specialties. **Where are the main Palo Alto Medical Foundation locations?** Key locations in Palo Alto include 795 El Camino Real (Palo Alto Center and Lee Building), 49 Wells Ave, and 87 Encina Ave. The Palo Alto Center can be contacted at +16503214121. **Is Palo Alto Medical Foundation part of Sutter Health?** Yes, Palo Alto Medical Foundation is a Sutter Health network provider. When you access a Sutter Health network hospital, physician, or medical specialist through PAMF, you'll be tapping into Northern California's premier care network. **How can I contribute to Palo Alto Medical Foundation's mission?** PAMF is a nonprofit organization raising $100 million for healthcare innovation and excellence. You can learn how to donate by contacting their philanthropy team. For estate and legacy planning, you can contact Peter Gielniak, regional director of planned giving, for more information and advice. Giving to Sutter is considered giving to your community. **What is the NPI number for Palo Alto Medical Foundation?** The Palo Alto Medical Foundation, operating as Sutter Bay Medical Foundation for its clinical medical laboratory, has an NPI number 1295459246, with Krista Lopes as the authorized official.Conclusion
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation stands as a testament to enduring excellence in healthcare, deeply rooted in its history and continually evolving to meet the demands of modern medicine. As a vital component of the Sutter Health network, PAMF offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to care, distinguished by its extensive network of accepted health plans, a vast array of medical specialties, and a widespread presence across Northern California. From the convenience of its numerous facilities to the expertise of its 1,600-plus physicians, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation is meticulously designed to provide premier care that is both accessible and patient-centered. Beyond clinical services, PAMF's commitment as a nonprofit organization shines through its ambitious philanthropic initiatives and opportunities for planned giving, reinforcing its dedication to innovation and community well-being for generations to come. Choosing the Palo Alto Medical Foundation means opting for a healthcare partner that prioritizes your health, embraces cutting-edge advancements, and invests in the future of medical care. We encourage you to explore their services further, utilize their convenient online tools to check health plan acceptance, or reach out directly to their dedicated teams for any inquiries. Your health is your most valuable asset, and with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, you're in capable and caring hands. Share this article to help others discover the comprehensive care offered by PAMF, and consider how you might engage with this pillar of Northern California's healthcare community.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation - Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia
Palo Alto Medical Foundation - San Carlos | Olson & Co. Steel
Palo Alto Medical Foundation - Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia
