Answers to common questions about membership, care, and programs
What is the cost of membership?
Because care at BlueWave is highly personalized, membership structure and pricing vary based on individual and family needs. We discuss options in more detail during the introductory conversation.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance for our services. However, upon request, we are happy to provide superbills for office visits so members may submit them to their insurance for possible reimbursement.
Is there currently a waitlist for membership?
BlueWave is currently accepting new members. Availability may vary depending on physician capacity and the level of care required, as we intentionally maintain a limited number of families per physician in order to provide highly personalized care.
How do I get started?
Getting started begins with an introductory conversation, where we discuss your health history, goals, and whether BlueWave is the right fit for your needs. From there, we’ll outline next steps, membership options, and what to expect during the initial assessment and onboarding process.
How many patients does each physician oversee?
Each physician is intentionally limited to approximately 50 families in order to maintain a highly personalized, relationship-driven approach to care.
What does 24/7 physician access mean?
BlueWave members have direct access to their physician for urgent needs, time-sensitive questions, and ongoing care coordination. Rather than navigating traditional office systems or call centers, members communicate directly with their physician and care team when support is needed.
How quickly can members schedule an appointment?
Members are provided with a scheduling link through their assigned Care Navigator, allowing appointments to be scheduled directly and conveniently. If a preferred time is not available, members are encouraged to contact the office for additional scheduling support. Providers are generally available for same-day or next-day visits. Urgent needs are prioritized accordingly.
Is virtual care available?
Yes. Virtual appointments are available for consultations, follow-ups, and ongoing care coordination as part of the BlueWave membership experience.
Is care available while traveling?
Yes. We support members while traveling through virtual appointments, remote coordination, and direct access to your physician and care team when needed.
How often will I meet with my physician?
The frequency of visits is highly individualized and based on your health goals, medical needs, and desired level of support. Some members are seen more frequently at the beginning of their care journey or during periods requiring closer oversight, while others transition into a more maintenance-focused cadence over time.
Where is BlueWave located?
BlueWave Medicine serves the greater Bay Area from the Presidio in San Francisco. Virtual appointments and remote coordination are also available for members who travel frequently or spend time outside the Bay.
What is the difference between BlueWave and traditional concierge medicine?
BlueWave builds upon the concierge medicine model with a more personalized, multidisciplinary, and proactive approach to long-term health. In addition to direct physician access, care is informed by advanced diagnostics, ongoing monitoring, lifestyle and behavioral support, and a broader understanding of wellbeing that integrates both modern medicine and restorative health practices.
Who is BlueWave designed for?
BlueWave is designed for individuals and families seeking a more personalized, proactive, and relationship-driven approach to health. Many members are looking for greater continuity, deeper physician partnership, and a more thoughtful, comprehensive understanding of long-term wellbeing.
Is BlueWave right for someone who is already healthy?
Yes. Many BlueWave members come to us not because they are managing a specific illness, but because they want a more engaged and preventative approach to long-term health. Early insight, ongoing monitoring, and sustained physician partnership are central to the BlueWave Method.
How does BlueWave approach longevity and preventive care?
BlueWave approaches longevity and preventive care through a combination of advanced diagnostics, ongoing monitoring, lifestyle and behavioral support, and long-term physician partnership. The goal is not simply to extend lifespan, but to support vitality, resilience, and overall quality of life over time.
How does care evolve over time?
Health needs, priorities, and goals naturally change over time. The BlueWave Method is designed to evolve alongside those changes through ongoing monitoring, regular physician communication, and continued refinement of your care approach as new information and life circumstances emerge.
Is care tailored to different life stages and health priorities?
Yes. BlueWave supports individuals and families across a wide range of life stages, health priorities, and goals. Depending on your needs, care may incorporate more specialized support in performance, brain health, hormone health, recovery, longevity, and emotional wellbeing.
Can BlueWave support complex or chronic health concerns?
Yes. BlueWave works with many individuals managing both preventative and complex chronic health concerns. Our physicians take a comprehensive, whole-person approach and often support patients navigating multifaceted health challenges and long-term wellbeing concerns. However, support ultimately depends on the complexity of a patient’s needs and whether BlueWave is the appropriate fit. The meet-and-greet process is especially important, as it allows both the patient and physician to discuss expectations, scope of care, and whether the relationship feels aligned moving forward.
Can BlueWave work alongside my existing physicians?
Absolutely. We regularly work in collaboration with existing physicians and specialists, with care coordination remaining a core part of the BlueWave experience. Our team can also help synthesize information and provide additional guidance alongside your current providers.
Do you offer pediatric care?
BlueWave physicians provide care for individuals who are 16 years or older. For children younger than 16, we partner closely with several concierge pediatric groups in the Bay Area to provide whole-family care, and would be happy to discuss these options with you.
Can family members have different levels of membership involvement?
Yes. Membership structure and involvement can be tailored to each family member’s needs, goals, and desired level of engagement.
What happens during the initial assessment process?
During the initial assessment period, you will work closely with your physician to build a comprehensive understanding of your health history, lifestyle, and goals. This process includes multiple in-depth physician consultations, extensive diagnostic testing and data review, genetic sequencing, and a fitness evaluation. Depending on your needs, you may also begin working with other BlueWave providers across a range of specialties.
What types of diagnostics and testing are included?
Diagnostics and testing are tailored to each individual and may include advanced laboratory testing, imaging, cardiovascular and metabolic assessments, genomics, and other specialized evaluations informed by your health history and goals. BlueWave’s in-house lab is able to process many commonly used labs, which are included in membership. Specialty labs are sent out to contracted laboratories and billed through insurance whenever possible. In some cases, BlueWave receives negotiated rates on specialty testing, and those savings are passed along to members.
How does BlueWave coordinate specialist care?
BlueWave helps coordinate specialist care by facilitating referrals, sharing relevant medical records, communicating with outside providers, and helping members navigate complex medical information and treatment plans. BlueWave also maintains an active network of specialist relationships, including preferred access at UCSF and Stanford, and can help arrange expedited appointments when needed. The goal is to create a more connected and streamlined healthcare experience.
What integrative or complementary therapies are available?
BlueWave incorporates a range of restorative and multidisciplinary approaches that may include acupuncture, movement analysis and personal training, nutrition and health coaching, bodywork, emotional and psychological support, and other supportive modalities when appropriate.
How are complementary therapies integrated into my overall plan?
Complementary therapies are incorporated thoughtfully based on your needs, goals, and overall health picture, with coordination across your broader care team to support the most cohesive and well-rounded approach possible.
Are programs and events included in membership?
BlueWave organizes retreats, workshops, gatherings, and other curated experiences connected to the broader philosophy of the practice. Certain experiences and gatherings are included with membership and may also be extended to invited guests at no additional fee. Other retreats and travel-based experiences are offered separately.
How often do retreats and workshops take place?
Retreats, workshops, and gatherings take place throughout the year and vary in format, focus, and availability. Programming evolves over time and may include both member experiences and broader community events. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming events and offerings.