Primary Care

9 Qualities to Look for in a Primary Care Physician — and 3 red flags

Choosing a primary care physician (PCP) is one of the most important healthcare decisions you’ll make. Your PCP serves as the foundation of your health journey, coordinating your care, managing chronic conditions, and guiding prevention strategies. Understanding what distinguishes exceptional primary care from merely adequate care can transform your health outcomes and quality of life. … Read More
Published On: September 4, 2025

Beyond Your Primary Care Provider: What Happens After Hours?

Primary care is the foundation of your health, but life doesn’t always happen during office hours. Understanding how Hoag Medical Group extends beyond your physician’s office—providing seamless care 24/7, 365 days a year—demonstrates why choosing the right primary care practice matters more than you might think. Here,  Dr. Martin Fee, president of Hoag Medical Group, … Read More
Published On: September 4, 2025

What to Expect at Your First Primary Care Visit: A Complete Guide

Starting with a new primary care provider can feel overwhelming but understanding what to expect—and how to prepare—can transform your first visit from anxiety-inducing to confidence-building. At Hoag Medical Group, we’ve designed our patient process to ensure you receive the comprehensive attention you deserve from day one. Here, Dr. Julie Matsuura,  medical director of the … Read More
Published On: September 4, 2025

Your Primary Care Healthcare Team: Who’s Who and How They Work Together

When you choose Hoag Medical Group, you’re not just getting a doctor; you’re gaining access to a comprehensive care team designed around your unique health journey. Understanding who’s on your team and how they collaborate can transform your healthcare experience from fragmented visits to coordinated, personalized care. Here,  Dr. Martin Fee, president of Hoag Medical … Read More
Published On: August 21, 2025

4 health screenings you need to schedule this year

What health screenings to schedule this year?  Making plans for what you want to accomplish in the new year? Don’t forget to plan for your wellness. Call your doctor and get your annual wellness appointments on the books.  After checking your blood pressure, weight and other important health metrics, your doctor will let you know … Read More
Published On: January 22, 2025

Prioritize the Flu Shot this Fall

New notebooks for school? Check. Vacation plans for the holidays? Check. Flu shot? Uh-oh. If vaccinating against influenza is not at the top of your fall to-do list, consider making it a priority. The CDC estimates that the flu vaccine prevented 3,700 deaths during the 2022-2023 flu season – not to mention the 6 million … Read More
Published On: October 3, 2024

Tips for Staying Healthy During Holiday Travel

Traveling for the holidays can be stressful, not just because you are dealing with crowds, parking and getting to your destination without the trials and tribulations of weather, but also because it’s the peak of flu season. It’s during fall and winter that viruses are swirling everywhere, this includes the flu, Covid-19, and RSV illnesses. … Read More
Published On: December 18, 2023

I Felt a Lump. Now What?

Discovering a lump in your breast can be an alarming experience, one that often triggers a wave of worry and concern. This initial shock can lead to numerous questions and doubts, but it is important to remember you are not alone. About 40% of breast lumps are detected by women during a breast self-exam. This … Read More
Published On: November 27, 2023

The 4 Wise Steps of EOY Deductibles

‘Twas the month before New Year’s when all through your mind, you realized: You’ve reached your deductible! Now is the time! Make your appointments, order your pills. And know that your health plan may pick up the bill. Your deductible is how much of your medical costs you pay (excluding premiums and copays or coinsurance) … Read More
Published On: November 20, 2023

Hoag Earns Straight “A’s” on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., November 6, 2023 — Hoag has once again been awarded straight “A’s” by the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for its hospitals in Newport Beach and Irvine. Achieving the nation’s top honor for patient safety, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates a hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and … Read More
Published On: November 6, 2023