New patients

Seeing a new doctor about a digestive problem can feel like a lot. You may be worried about a symptom, or you may simply be due for a colonoscopy. Dr. Michael Pimienta is a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles who cares for adults with digestive and liver conditions, and he believes good care begins with listening. This page walks you through each step, from your first call to your first visit.

How to become a patient

There are two easy ways to start:

• Send a request online. Fill out the short appointment request form. It goes to the office's secure inbox.
• Call the office at (424) 281-7392, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our team can help you in English or Spanish.

Tell us briefly what the visit is for, whether you would like to come in person or by video, and how you plan to pay. You do not need to share detailed health information in the form. Dr. Pimienta will go over everything with you at the visit.

What happens after you ask

1. We call you back

   Our team contacts you to find a day and time that works for you.

2. We go over payment

   If you have Medicare, we confirm your coverage. If you have other insurance or no insurance, we explain the price of the visit and how out-of-network benefits may work before anything is booked. Details are on our insurance and payment page.

3. You get your portal link and forms

   Before your visit, we send you a link to your patient portal, where you fill out your health history and other forms from home.

Payment is due before the visit. If your plans change, please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.

Getting ready for your first visit

A little preparation helps Dr. Pimienta understand your health and avoid repeating tests you have already had. If you can, gather:

• A list of all your medicines, with doses. Include vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medicines like antacids or laxatives.
• Your allergies, especially to medicines.
• Reports from any past colonoscopy or upper endoscopy, and pathology (biopsy) results if you have them.
• Recent blood tests, such as liver tests or a blood count.
• Imaging reports, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.
• Notes from other doctors who have seen you for the same problem.
• Your insurance or Medicare card and a photo ID.
• A short list of your questions, and a few notes about your symptoms: when they started, what makes them better or worse.

Your other doctors' offices can fax records to us at (424) 440-2716. You can also bring copies with you. If you are coming for a procedure, read our procedure preparation page too.

Your first visit

Your first visit is a conversation. Dr. Pimienta starts by listening: what you have been feeling, how it affects your day, what you have already tried and what worries you most. He reviews your records and medicines, and for in-person visits he examines you.

Then he explains what he thinks is going on in plain language, and what the next steps could be. That might be a blood or stool test, a change in diet or medicine, or a procedure such as a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. Your plan depends on your health; Dr. Pimienta will talk with you about what fits you. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend.

In-person visits are at the Wilshire office:

Video visits

Many consultations, follow-up visits and talks about test results can be done by secure video from home. Video visits are a good fit if you live farther away in Los Angeles County or have a hard time getting to the office.

Where you must be

In California at the time of the visit

New patients

Video visits are not same-day

What you need

A phone, tablet or computer with a camera, microphone and internet

Because doctors are licensed by state, you need to be physically in California during the video visit, even if you live here. Find a quiet, private place with good light, and please do not join while driving. Some problems need an exam or a procedure in person, and Dr. Pimienta will tell you if that is the case.

Care in English and Spanish

Dr. Pimienta speaks English and Spanish, so many patients and families can talk with him directly in the language they are most comfortable with. Se habla español. When you call or send a request, let us know which language you prefer. If you speak another language, tell our team when you call so we can talk about how to help.

Do you need a referral?

If you have Original Medicare, you do not need a referral to see a specialist like Dr. Pimienta. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call us before booking so we can check your plan. Self-pay patients do not need a referral. Many patients are sent by their primary care doctor, and referring offices can fax to (424) 440-2716.

Your patient portal

Your patient portal is your secure online home for your care. Before your first visit, you will receive a link to sign in at portal.michaelpimientamd.com and complete your forms. Our team can help if you have trouble signing in.

Questions patients ask