Welcome to CORE Orthopaedic Medical Center. Thank you for choosing our practice. Useful information for new patients is listed below.

Scheduling an Appointment
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 760-943-6700 or toll-free at 877-777-CORE (2673).

New Patient Appointments
New patients should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment times in order to complete new patient paperwork. Please bring your current insurance information, driver license, any previous x-rays, medical records, and test results when you arrive for your scheduled appointment.

Patients should be aware that it may take up to two weeks for our office to receive any records from referring physician offices. If outside records are not received, it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment.

General Office Information
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information about our office, call (760) 943-6700. Physical Therapy is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Occupational Therapy operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Billing Policy
CORE Orthopaedic Medical Center is contracted with most Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Medicare, and Workers' Compensation carriers. Please contact appointment scheduling at (760) 943-6700 for a current list of insurance plans accepted by CORE Orthopaedic Medical Center. Please note that co-payment is due at time of service. All billing inquiries should be directed to our Billing Office at (760) 520-1400.

Medical Records
Our office must have a release form signed by the patient before any records can be released to a patient or outside provider. Release forms can be obtained by calling or visiting any receptionist at our front desk. Patients may fax a form or letter requesting medical records to (760) 943-6710 ext. 630. The fax should include: name, date of birth, signature, and complete mailing address of where records should be sent. Please be aware that it may take up to three business days to process your request.

Emergencies
Our physicians are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for all of your orthopaedic needs. For non-life-threatening emergencies, please call (760) 943-6700 or toll free (877) 777-CORE (2673).


FAQ's

What is the age and experience of your physicians?
Each of our physicians' information can be found on their curriculum vitae. Click below for the following physician information:

• Keenan S. Carriero, D.P.M. -- Foot and Ankle Specialist, Podiatrist
• Robert I. Gelb, M.D. -- Hand Specialist, Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Arthur J. Lee, D.O. -- Pain Management, Interventional Spine and Pain
• Raymond J. Linovitz, M.D. -- Research Director, Spine Specialist
• Gregory J. Loren, M.D. -- Sports Medicine Specialist, Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Nayna Patel, M.D. -- Pain Management, Interventional Spine and Pain
• Timothy A. Peppers, M.D. -- Spine Specialist, Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Lex A. Simspon, M.D. -- Total Joint Replacement Specialist, Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Michael J. Skyhar, M.D. -- Sports Medicine Specialist, Orthopaedic Surgeon
• L. Erik Westerlund, M.D. -- Spine Specialist, Orthopaedic Surgeon

How do I know if you are contracted with my insurance company?
If your insurance company is not found on our list, you can call the customer service number listed on your insurance card and give them the name of your doctor.

Is CORE Orthopaedic Medical Center a part of Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas?
CORE Orthopaedic Medical Center is located on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, but is a privately owned, independent corporation. We work together with the hospital and physicians on campus to take care of all patient orthopaedic needs.

Insurance Companies we are contracted with include but are not limited to:

• Admar/Multiplan
• Aetna MC, EPO, PPO
• Affiliated Health Funds 
• Blue Shield
• Blue Cross
• BPS Healthcare/Multiplan
• CCN
• Cigna
• CorVel Corporation
• First Health Group
• Galaxy Health Network
• Great West Healthcare
• Healthnet PPO
• Humana-ChoiceCare
• Interplan
• Medicare
• MetraComp
• NAPP/Family Care
• PacifiCare PPO
• PFMC/California Foundation for Medical Care
• PPO Next
• Private Healthcare Systems
• Scripps Health/Schaller Anderson
• USA Managed Care Organization

Downloadable forms will be available soon.

New Patient (General Orthopaedics)

• New Patient Registration form
• Medical History form
• Privacy Practices form
• Complaint form

New Patient (Spine)

• New Patient Registration form
• Medical History form
• Privacy Practices form
• Spinal Complaint form
• Complaint form

We want your feedback. Please feel free to complete our patient satisfaction survey.