Garcia Family Medicine - Direct Primary Care in Blue Springs, MO

Meet Our Team

Dedicated professionals committed to your health and wellness

Dr. Tess Garcia

Physician, Board-Certified Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine

Hi, I'm Dr. Tess. I am Mexican American and Native American. I think my most important characteristic as a doctor is the fact that I listen, when so many others don't have the time or worse, don't take the time.

I take tremendous pride in what I do, and this is my story.

Believe it or not, my undergraduate degree was in music education, and my first career was as an elementary school music teacher. I went to music school in New Mexico, where my parents are from, and later taught on the Blackfeet Reservation in northern Montana, then ended up in the DC metropolitan area until I moved to Richmond, Virginia, to attend the Medical College of Virginia. I ended up in Missouri by matching for residency training at Truman Lakewood, formerly called Truman East. I graduated in 2002 and became a board-certified Family Physician. I worked for 5 years at the Samuel Rogers Community Health Center in Lexington, Missouri, then opened my own practice, the first woman doctor in Grain Valley in 2007, and now in Blue Springs. I have basically spent my career being the "Family Doctor Near You." During this time, I also became a board-certified obesity medicine physician.

But that is just the geography of it all. How did I get from music teacher to family doctor? It was sudden when my mother called me on Halloween 1993 and asked me why I wasn't in medical school, but within a week, I was enrolled for the next semester taking prerequisite coursework. Operating at the same breakneck speed, I took the MCAT exams in 1994 and started medical school in 1995. Basically, my mother's question was asked at the right time in my life, and it suddenly made perfect sense. I am a Sun Dancer, and I had never understood why I was called to be a dancer with what I was doing in my secular life. Then it dawned on me - the Native American Sun Dance is a healing ceremony. At that realization, becoming a doctor just fit that spiritual context and seemed like the natural culmination of my life. And I realized at that time that my career was going to be dedicated to providing medical care to underserved people.

Now how I got to the dedication to caring for the underserved is kind of roundabout. My dad was in the Army, and that kept us moving when I was young, so really, I am from everywhere. I started public school in Germany and finished it in Alaska. My parents both came from humble Spanish families in northern New Mexico. My dad was the first member of his family to graduate from college. My mom was not the first on her side of the family, but she graduated too. Their careers after dad got out of the Army have been dedicated to helping the underserved. Even after they retired, through work for their church, they continued to serve the immigrant communities who attend that parish. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary before my father passed on last year at the age of 92. I was greatly influenced by them. You could say my desire to care for underserved patients was born in me. I was raised with it.

So, there it all is. Right here in Blue Springs, near to you, you have a family medicine physician, an obesity medicine specialist, a compassionate primary care physician, a board-certified family physician, a Mexican American physician, and a Native American physician, all at one convenient location. As a Direct Primary Care (DPC) physician, I am proud to offer a patient-first approach to medicine—one that eliminates the barriers of insurance, provides affordable membership-based healthcare, and ensures my patients receive the time, attention, and personalized care they deserve. My mission is simple: to listen, to heal, and to serve.

My Journey to Medicine

"How did I get from music teacher to family doctor? It was sudden when my mother called me on Halloween 1993 and asked me why I wasn't in medical school, but within a week, I was enrolled for the next semester taking prerequisite coursework. Operating at the same breakneck speed, I took the MCAT exams in 1994 and started medical school in 1995. Basically, my mother's question was asked at the right time in my life, and it suddenly made perfect sense."

Gigi

Practice Manager & Wellness Coach | gigiSafeHOUSE Founder

Hi, I'm Gigi. As a proud Filipina American, I've always been driven by a deep commitment to community and compassion—values that guide everything I do at Garcia Family Medicine.

A Testimony of Faith & Healing: In 2010, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In that dark moment, facing the greatest fear of my life, God spoke to my heart with a promise that would change everything: "I will heal you, if you work for Me." God kept His promise. He healed me. And I have kept mine. gigiSafeHOUSE was born from that sacred covenant—a promise made in faith, fulfilled through service. For fifteen years, I have worked for Him by serving His children. Every person we help, every barrier we remove, every family we support—this is my faithfulness to the God who healed me and called me to this work.

Author & Advocate: I'm the author of "Bahay Kubo," a children's book that celebrates Filipino culture and heritage. Through storytelling, I hope to inspire young readers to embrace their roots and understand the beauty of diversity. Currently, I'm working on my second book, continuing my mission to share stories that uplift and educate.

gigiSafeHOUSE & Garcia Family Medicine: What many people don't realize is that gigiSafeHOUSE and Garcia Family Medicine share a beautiful, synchronous relationship. Through gigiSafeHOUSE, we raise funds specifically to help people who can't afford quality healthcare—ensuring that financial barriers never stand between someone and the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve. This isn't just a nonprofit. This is my testimony. This is my worship.

From Learning to Leading: Though I describe myself as a shy introvert, I've discovered incredible strength in stepping up for what matters. When our previous IT support was terminated, I took on the challenge of mastering GitHub, Netlify, PowerShell, and web development—despite having no prior experience. It wasn't easy, and there were many late nights of learning, but I was determined to ensure our practice could continue serving patients without interruption.

My Role: As Practice Manager and Wellness Coach, I wear many hats. I manage our operations, develop patient education materials, create marketing strategies, and work directly with patients on their wellness journeys. I believe in treating every patient like family, and I'm honored to be part of your healthcare experience.

My Testimony

"In 2010, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In that dark moment, God spoke to my heart: 'I will heal you, if you work for Me.' God kept His promise. He healed me. And I have kept mine. gigiSafeHOUSE was born from that sacred covenant—a promise made in faith, fulfilled through service. For fifteen years, I have worked for Him by serving His children. This isn't just a nonprofit. This is my testimony. This is my worship."

Coming Soon

Marisela

Medical Assistant & Translator

Coming soon! Marisela provides compassionate medical assistance and professional bilingual translation support to ensure all patients receive quality care in their preferred language. Her expertise in both clinical support and Spanish-English translation services helps bridge communication gaps and creates a welcoming environment for our diverse patient community.

Coming Soon

Maria

Patient Services Coordinator

Coming soon! Maria is the friendly voice you'll hear when you call Garcia Family Medicine. She ensures every patient interaction is warm and professional, coordinating appointments, answering questions, and making sure your experience with our practice is smooth from the very first call.

Our Services

Comprehensive care tailored to your needs

Direct Primary Care

Skip the insurance hassle. Get unlimited access to your doctor for one simple monthly fee. No copays, no deductibles, just quality healthcare focused on you.

Only $99/Month

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a revolutionary healthcare model that eliminates the insurance middleman and puts the doctor-patient relationship first. Instead of dealing with copays, deductibles, and insurance paperwork, you pay a simple monthly membership fee that covers comprehensive primary care services.

Transparent, Affordable Pricing

Your First Visit: $200 (includes your first month's membership + comprehensive initial assessment)

This thorough first appointment allows Dr. Garcia to get to know you, review your complete medical history, and create a personalized care plan tailored to your unique needs. After that, it's just your simple monthly membership—no more visit fees!

Individual $99/month

Couple $175/month

Family $225/month 2 adults + up to 3 children under 18

Additional Child $25/month

What You Save with DPC:

Cost Category	Traditional Insurance	DPC Membership
Monthly Premium/Membership	$300-500/month	$99/month
Annual Deductible	$2,000-8,000/year	$0
Copays Per Visit	$30-75 per visit	$0
Surprise Bills	Out-of-network charges, balance billing	$0
ANNUAL TOTAL	$3,600 - $6,000+ (before seeing a doctor)	$1,188/year unlimited visits included

💰 Save Thousands Annually! You can even pair DPC with a lower-cost high-deductible health plan for catastrophic coverage—giving you comprehensive protection while saving thousands on primary care.

How DPC Works:

Unlimited Office Visits: No copays, no visit limits, no surprise bills
Same or Next-Day Appointments: Get seen when you need care, not weeks later
Direct Access to Dr. Garcia: Text, call, or email your doctor directly—no gatekeepers
Longer Appointments: 30-60 minute visits instead of rushed 10-minute appointments
Affordable Lab Work: Labs at wholesale cost, no insurance markup
Wholesale Medications: Many common medications at wholesale prices—often cheaper than insurance copays
Comprehensive Primary Care: Chronic disease management, preventive care, acute illness treatment—all included
No Insurance Required: Use DPC as your primary care or pair with a high-deductible catastrophic plan

What's Included in Your Membership:

Annual wellness exams and preventive care
Sick visits for acute illnesses and injuries
Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.)
Women's health services
Basic medication management
Care coordination with specialists
Diagnostic imaging at amazingly affordable rates thanks to Dr. Tess's carefully established partnerships with local imaging centers
24/7 secure messaging with your care team

Additional Services Available:

We also gladly offer specialized services beyond your DPC membership, including mental health care, minor procedures, and wellness coaching. Ask us about adding these services to enhance your care!

Our Mission:

At Garcia Family Medicine, we believe financial barriers should never stand between you and quality healthcare. Direct Primary Care allows us to serve our community—families, friends, neighbors, and especially our veterans—with the time, attention, and compassionate care everyone deserves. This is healthcare the way it was meant to be: personal, accessible, and focused entirely on YOU.

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What is Direct Primary Care?

Detailed explainer video coming soon!

2-3 minutes

CoreLift Pelvic Health

Revolutionary non-invasive electromagnetic therapy for pelvic floor strengthening and bladder control. FDA-cleared EMSELLA technology treats stress and urge incontinence in comfortable 28-minute sessions.

What is CoreLift?

CoreLift uses the FDA-cleared BTL EMSELLA chair, which delivers high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. You remain fully clothed while sitting comfortably in the chair during your 28-minute treatment session.

How It Works:

The EMSELLA chair causes thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single session—the equivalent of doing thousands of Kegel exercises. These deep pelvic floor contractions restore neuromuscular control and strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and pelvic organs.

Conditions Treated:

Stress Incontinence: Leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
Urge Incontinence: Sudden, strong urge to urinate with leakage
Pelvic Floor Weakness: Following childbirth or due to aging
Sexual Dysfunction: Improved pelvic muscle tone can enhance intimacy

Treatment Protocol:

Recommended series: 6 sessions over 3 weeks
Each session: 28 minutes
Fully clothed, non-invasive treatment
No downtime or recovery needed
Most patients see improvement after 3-4 sessions
Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months

Results You Can Expect:

Clinical studies show that 95% of patients report significant improvement in their quality of life. Many patients experience a dramatic reduction in pad usage, with some no longer needing pads at all. Results typically improve over 2-4 weeks following your treatment series.

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See CoreLift in Action

Treatment demonstration video coming soon!

90-120 seconds

Mental Health Care: Prioritizing Your Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

At Garcia Family Medicine, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health care involves addressing cognitive, social, and emotional well-being, ensuring that individuals can manage stress, connect with others, and maintain a balanced life. Mental health conditions—such as ADHD, ADD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder—are common but often overlooked.

Our mental health care services are designed to provide ongoing support, helping individuals manage long-term mental health conditions in a compassionate and personalized manner. By utilizing the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, we offer affordable, consistent, and high-quality mental health care without the burdens of traditional insurance systems and at a cost that makes it available to patients who have NO insurance. This model ensures that patients receive more time with Dr. Garcia and greater access to care. At Garcia Family Medicine, we recognize the importance of mental health care and provide a comprehensive approach to managing mental health conditions. Mental health is part and parcel of our regular primary care membership package and a component of every patient encounter.

What Is Mental Health Care?

Mental health care focuses on maintaining and improving the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of individuals. Mental health conditions can range from mild anxiety and depression to more complex disorders such as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act, and can affect every aspect of life, from relationships to work performance.

Mental health problems are more common than many people realize. In fact, millions of individuals around the world struggle with various mental health issues, yet many go undiagnosed or untreated due to the stigma surrounding mental health or the complexities of accessing affordable care. This is why Dr. Garcia keeps a sensitive and receptive ear open at every patient encounter for signs and symptoms of mental health concerns that are missed or misinterpreted by other providers. Often patients are afraid or embarrassed to come out and state that they have a mental health concern, making it important to recognize those calls for help that may be masked by physical symptoms. But she is just as careful not to assign a mental health diagnosis to physical symptoms that may require a more intensive medical evaluation.

The patient who is seeking mental health care does not have to sign up for a special "mental health plan" at Garcia Family Medicine. As stated above, it is part of our primary care membership. The patient will not be told that they need to seek a psychiatrist or therapist to receive care. Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment are provided by Dr. Garcia. Prescription and management of mental health medicines are also part of the primary care membership. The benefits of the direct primary care model roll into our mental health care, providing more time with Dr. Garcia for evaluation and closer follow-up, whether you are started on medicines or not, than can be expected in a traditional, insurance-based model.

The Role of Counseling in Mental Health Care

Some patients will do well with simple acknowledgment of a mental health issue and the part that it plays in their physical symptoms. Other patients will require medication and management of the medication in treatment of their mental health concern. There are some patients, however, who want or will require counseling. At Garcia Family Medicine, we do not refer you to a therapist; rather, Dr. Garcia provides counseling that is patient-specific and tailored to your individual needs. You may receive counseling in addition to medication prescription and management or counseling alone as the sole treatment for your mental health concerns. This is available to you for an additional counseling fee ($85 per hour), a fee that is amazingly competitive compared to traditional counseling. She also provides couples counseling.

Dr. Garcia's philosophy of counseling is unique, compassionate, and direct. It cannot be listed as any particular style but is something that she has developed over years of medical practice by working with all her patients, both those with medical concerns only and those who are specifically seeking mental health treatment. She has learned that everyone has at least one point in their lives when they are in need of mental health support from someone who will listen with wisdom and understanding, who neither has an agenda nor a particular "style" or format into which the patient must fit. The patient is empowered to advocate for themselves, working with Dr. Garcia to discover the direction their counseling should go.

The Role of Direct Primary Care (DPC) in Mental Health Care

The Direct Primary Care (DPC) model plays a vital role in improving access to mental health services by offering an affordable, patient-centered approach to care. In the traditional insurance-based model, mental health care is often expensive, complicated by co-pays, deductibles, referrals, and limited access to providers. Many patients experience long wait times before receiving treatment, limited time with their doctors, or annual limits on how many counseling sessions they may have, all of which hinder effective treatment. For the patient with NO insurance, the costs are even higher since insurance companies negotiate lower prices with medical and mental health practices and only pay a percentage of that lower price, leaving the patient paying their part of that percentage. The only people who pay full price in traditional medical practices are the patients with no insurance.

With DPC, patients pay a monthly membership fee that covers primary care services, which includes mental health care. This means that patients have unlimited access to Dr. Tess without the need for co-pays or deductibles. There is an additional fee per session ($85 for one hour) for counseling. At Garcia Family Medicine, we prioritize the doctor-patient relationship, ensuring that individuals receive the time, attention, and personalized care they need to address their medical and mental health concerns.

Value of Time Spent with the Doctor in DPC vs. Traditional Insurance

One of the most significant advantages of the Direct Primary Care model is the time that patients are able to spend with Dr. Garcia. In traditional insurance-based practices, doctors are often required to see a high volume of patients each day, leading to rushed appointments that may last only 10-15 minutes. This can make it difficult for patients to thoroughly discuss their mental health concerns or receive comprehensive care.

In contrast, DPC allows for longer, more personalized visits. Doctors in DPC practices typically have smaller patient panels, which means they can spend more time with each individual patient. Appointments (regular appointments, not counseling) often last 30 minutes to an hour, giving patients ample time to discuss their mental health issues, explore treatment options, and receive the care they need. This additional time is especially important for mental health care, as many conditions require a nuanced understanding of the patient's emotional and psychological well-being. With DPC, Dr. Garcia is able to build stronger relationships with her patients, make more accurate diagnoses, and develop more appropriate plans of care.

DPC emphasizes whole-person care, which means that Dr. Garcia takes the time to understand all aspects of a patient's health—physical, emotional, and mental. This is why mental health is part of our regular primary care membership plan. For individuals dealing with mental health issues, this approach ensures that they receive comprehensive care that addresses all facets of their well-being.

Conclusion: DPC for Mental Health – A Path to Affordable, Comprehensive Care

Mental health care is essential for living a balanced and fulfilling life. At Garcia Family Medicine, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality mental health services, without the financial strain and limitations imposed by traditional insurance or the higher costs charged to the uninsured patient.

First Month $27!

Medical Weight Management

Achieving sustainable, long-term health through comprehensive physician-supervised weight management. This is not a quick fix—it's a commitment to lasting change.

Let Us Be Clear:

If you are looking for a 3-month program in which you starve yourself and use a GLP-1a to quickly take off pounds to get you into your bikini for the summer or fit into your wedding dress in time for the big day, our program is not for you. It takes time to change your eating habits so that once you come off the program, you will be able to maintain your weight loss. Our weight management program is for people who are committed to change.

What Is Our Weight Management Program?

Weight management at Garcia Family Medicine involves more than just losing pounds; it's about creating sustainable, healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension and allow the patient to come off the program without experiencing weight regain.

The First Appointment:

Body composition analysis
Vital signs assessment
In-depth medical history
Thorough physical exam by Dr. Tess
Comprehensive lab panel to detect metabolic causes and comorbidities
Follow-up in 2 weeks to learn results and begin counseling

Program Components:

Biweekly Counseling with Dr. Tess: Understanding your relationship with food and emotional eating patterns
Biweekly Coaching with Gigi: Implementing changes and maintaining motivation
Nutrition Education: Learn what to eat and when—not about portion control or starvation
Exercise Program: Personalized to your fitness level and goals
Cyanocobalamin Injections: Fat-burning B12 injections to enhance metabolism
GLP-1a Agonists: Tirzepatide (with NAD precursors) when medically appropriate
24/7 Support: Dr. Tess and Gigi available by text or phone to support you through challenges

About Tirzepatide:

Tirzepatide is more than just a GLP-1a agonist; it's also a GIP agonist. These hormones work in the GI system to make digestion slower, but also in the brain to decrease your appetite. Dr. Tess thoroughly evaluates each patient's eligibility before prescribing tirzepatide, ensuring that the treatment is safe, effective, and appropriate for their weight loss journey. You will not walk into the first appointment and walk out with tirzepatide—medical evaluation comes first.

Program Timeline:

Our weight management program is not a 3-month program or even a 6-month program. If you are using tirzepatide, it takes a month to taper you from one dose to the next. The need to increase the dose depends on your response to each level. Remember that it took you time to gain that weight and it will take you time to lose it. Rapid weight loss is by itself unhealthy and sets you up for rapid regain.

Maintaining Your Weight Loss:

Once you reach your target weight, it will take some months to taper you off of the tirzepatide. During that time, we will be focusing on maintaining healthy eating at a level that you will be able to maintain once you leave the program. Our program is designed not just to help patients lose weight but to sustain that loss.

Why Choose Dr. Tess?

Dr. Tess is a board-certified Obesity Medicine Specialist who has proven the program's effectiveness to herself by losing 70 pounds—without Tirzepatide, but with the coaching help of Gigi who lost 70 pounds with her. Knowing ourselves how important this is, we hold your hand every step of the way.

Compassion and Acceptance:

We believe that any weight management program that perpetuates feelings of shame or failure should not be in business. Compassion and acceptance are major parts of our weight management program. We do not allow you to be alone on your weight loss journey.

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Weight Management Success Stories

Patient transformation videos coming soon!

60-90 seconds

Wellness Coaching

Personalized wellness coaching to support your health journey. Gigi provides compassionate coaching for lifestyle changes, healthy habits, and holistic wellness.

What is Wellness Coaching?

Wellness coaching is a collaborative partnership between you and Gigi, designed to help you achieve your health and lifestyle goals. Unlike traditional medical treatment that focuses on disease, wellness coaching focuses on optimizing your overall well-being and preventing future health problems.

How Wellness Coaching Works:

Gigi works alongside Dr. Garcia to provide comprehensive support for your health journey. While Dr. Garcia handles the medical aspects of your care, Gigi helps you implement lifestyle changes, stay accountable to your goals, and navigate the challenges of creating lasting healthy habits.

Services Provided:

One-on-One Coaching Sessions: Personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals
Lifestyle & Behavior Change Support: Help implementing changes recommended by Dr. Garcia
Nutrition Guidance: Healthy eating strategies and meal planning support
Stress Management: Techniques for reducing stress and improving mental well-being
Exercise & Movement: Support for starting and maintaining an exercise program
Accountability & Motivation: Regular check-ins to keep you on track
Goal Setting: Help defining and achieving realistic, sustainable health goals
Integration with gigiSafeHOUSE: Access to additional community resources

Who Benefits from Wellness Coaching?

Anyone wanting to improve their overall health and well-being
Patients in our weight management program (coaching included)
People managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
Individuals recovering from illness or injury
Those looking to prevent future health problems
Anyone feeling overwhelmed by health recommendations

Gigi's Approach:

Gigi brings a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to wellness coaching. Having personally lost 70 pounds alongside Dr. Tess, she understands the challenges of making significant lifestyle changes. As the founder of gigiSafeHOUSE, she is passionate about making health accessible and achievable for everyone, regardless of their starting point or circumstances.

Coaching in Action:

In our weight management program, Gigi provides biweekly coaching sessions that complement Dr. Garcia's counseling. She helps you implement the changes that Dr. Tess assigns during counseling sessions. Since an exercise program is also part of our weight management program, Gigi helps you begin that process and continue it should you become unmotivated throughout the program.

Independent Medical Evaluations

Professional, objective medical assessments for legal and insurance purposes. Dr. Garcia provides comprehensive evaluations with detailed written reports.

What is an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)?

An Independent Medical Evaluation is a comprehensive medical examination performed by an independent physician to provide an objective assessment of an individual's medical condition, disability status, or treatment needs. IMEs are often requested by insurance companies, employers, attorneys, or courts to obtain an unbiased medical opinion.

Common Reasons for IMEs:

Workers' Compensation Claims: Evaluation of work-related injuries or illnesses
Disability Determinations: Assessment for short-term or long-term disability benefits
Personal Injury Cases: Medical evaluation for auto accidents or other injury claims
Return to Work Assessments: Determining work capacity and restrictions
Treatment Appropriateness: Evaluating proposed medical treatments
Maximum Medical Improvement: Determining if further treatment will provide benefit

The IME Process:

Medical Records Review: Thorough examination of all relevant medical records
Comprehensive Physical Examination: Detailed assessment by Dr. Garcia
Medical History Review: Discussion of symptoms, treatment history, and functional limitations
Diagnostic Test Review: Analysis of lab work, imaging, and other test results
Professional Report: Detailed written report with medical opinions and recommendations

What's Included in the IME Report:

Summary of medical records reviewed
Patient history and chief complaints
Findings from physical examination
Review of diagnostic studies
Medical opinions on diagnosis and causation
Assessment of current functional status
Work capacity and restrictions (if applicable)
Treatment recommendations
Prognosis and need for future care

Dr. Garcia's Qualifications:

As a board-certified Family Medicine physician, Dr. Garcia brings extensive experience in evaluating a wide range of medical conditions. Her training and clinical experience enable her to provide thorough, objective medical evaluations that are well-documented and professionally presented.

Quick Turnaround:

We understand that IME reports are often time-sensitive. Dr. Garcia prioritizes timely completion of reports, typically delivering comprehensive written evaluations within 7-10 business days of the examination.

Professional and Objective:

Dr. Garcia maintains strict independence and objectivity in all IME evaluations. Her goal is to provide accurate, evidence-based medical opinions that assist in fair decision-making, regardless of who requested the evaluation.

DOT Physicals

Certified DOT physical examinations for commercial drivers. Dr. Garcia is a certified medical examiner providing thorough, efficient DOT physicals to keep you on the road.

What is a DOT Physical?

A DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a health examination mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This exam ensures that drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

Commercial truck drivers (CDL holders)
Bus drivers
Drivers of vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers
Drivers of vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR
Drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards

Dr. Garcia is FMCSA Certified:

Dr. Garcia is listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, which means she has completed specialized training and testing to perform DOT physical examinations. This certification is required to issue valid Medical Examiner's Certificates.

What's Included in the DOT Physical:

Medical History Review: Complete health history and current medications
Vision Testing: Visual acuity and peripheral vision screening
Hearing Test: Ability to perceive forced whisper at specific distances
Blood Pressure Measurement: Screening for hypertension
Urinalysis: Testing for underlying medical conditions
Physical Examination: Assessment of overall health and physical fitness
Medical Examiner's Certificate: Issued immediately if qualified

Examination Components:

General appearance and skin condition
Eyes (visual acuity, color vision)
Ears (hearing test)
Mouth and throat
Heart and cardiovascular system
Lungs and chest
Abdomen and digestive system
Spine and extremities
Neurological function
Mental and emotional health

Certification Periods:

Based on your health status, Dr. Garcia may certify you for:

2 Years: For drivers in excellent health
1 Year: For certain controlled conditions requiring monitoring
3-6 Months: For temporary conditions requiring follow-up

Same-Day Appointments Available:

We understand that truckers need to get back on the road quickly. We offer same-day DOT physical appointments when available, and most examinations can be completed in 30-45 minutes.

What to Bring:

Current driver's license
List of current medications
Glasses or contacts (if you wear them)
Hearing aids (if you use them)
Medical records for any chronic conditions

Convenient Blue Springs Location:

Our office is conveniently located in Blue Springs, Missouri, easily accessible from I-70 and major trucking routes through the Kansas City metro area.

Comprehensive Opioid-Free Pain Management

Effective, multi-modal pain relief without opioids. Dr. Garcia combines evidence-based medical treatments with innovative therapies to address pain at its source while keeping you safe from addiction.

A Comprehensive Approach to Pain:

Dr. Tess uses a multi-faceted strategy that combines traditional medicine with advanced therapeutic techniques. Rather than masking symptoms with addictive medications, she targets the root causes of pain through a variety of proven methods tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment Options Include:

Prescription Non-Opioid Medications: Anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants that treat pain effectively without addiction risk
Interventional Therapies: Trigger point injections, joint injections, and therapeutic procedures that provide targeted relief
Physical Medicine: Therapeutic exercises, stretching protocols, and movement strategies to restore function and reduce pain
Lifestyle Modifications: Nutritional guidance, stress management techniques, and sleep optimization to support your body's natural healing
Mind-Body Techniques: Breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and cognitive strategies to manage pain perception
Referral Coordination: Connection to physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or other specialists when beneficial

Conditions We Treat:

Chronic back and neck pain
Arthritis and joint pain
Nerve pain (neuropathy)
Fibromyalgia
Headaches and migraines
Sports injuries
Post-surgical pain

Why Choose Opioid-Free Pain Management?

Opioid medications carry significant risks including addiction, overdose, tolerance, and serious side effects. Dr. Tess's comprehensive approach provides effective pain relief while protecting your health and well-being. By addressing pain through multiple pathways, patients often achieve better long-term results than they would with opioids alone—without the risks.

CareCredit® Financing - 0% Interest Available

Healthcare financing made easy with 0% interest options. CareCredit helps you pay for healthcare expenses not covered by insurance, allowing you to get the care you need now and pay over time.

What is CareCredit?

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed specifically for your health and wellness needs. It's accepted at over 250,000 healthcare providers nationwide, including Garcia Family Medicine. With CareCredit, you can pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Special Financing Options:

0% Interest if Paid in Full Within 6, 12, 18, or 24 Months: On purchases of $200 or more (terms vary by provider)
No Annual Fee: Your CareCredit card has no annual fees
Instant Decisions: Apply online and get a decision in seconds
Use Again and Again: Once approved, you can use your card for future healthcare expenses
Family Coverage: Use your card for family members' healthcare needs too

What Can CareCredit Cover at Garcia Family Medicine?

Direct Primary Care membership fees
Weight Management program costs
CoreLift pelvic health treatments
Mental health counseling sessions
Wellness coaching services
Independent Medical Evaluations
DOT physicals
Any out-of-pocket medical expenses

How It Works:

1. Apply: Complete a simple online application at carecredit.com or apply in our office. You'll receive a credit decision in seconds.

2. Get Approved: Once approved, you'll receive a credit limit that you can use immediately for your healthcare needs.

3. Use Your Card: Present your CareCredit card for payment at Garcia Family Medicine, just like any other credit card.

4. Pay Over Time: Choose from flexible payment options with promotional financing available. Make monthly payments that fit your budget.

Who Should Consider CareCredit?

Patients without insurance coverage
Those with high deductibles or copays
Anyone wanting to budget for healthcare expenses
Patients seeking elective services like weight management or wellness coaching
Families managing multiple healthcare needs

Ready to Apply?

Visit www.carecredit.com to apply online, or ask our staff about applying during your next visit. We're here to help you understand your financing options and make quality healthcare affordable.

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. 0% promotional financing options available on purchases of $200 or more. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. See carecredit.com for details.

CoreLift Pelvic Health

Mental Health Counseling

Medical Weight Management

Independent Medical Evaluations

Welcome to Garcia Family Medicine

Our Mission

Meet Dr. Tess Garcia

Meet Our Team

Dr. Tess Garcia

My Journey to Medicine

Gigi

My Testimony

Marisela

Maria

Our Services

Direct Primary Care

Transparent, Affordable Pricing

What is Direct Primary Care?

CoreLift Pelvic Health

See CoreLift in Action

Mental Health Care: Prioritizing Your Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

Medical Weight Management

Weight Management Success Stories

Wellness Coaching

Independent Medical Evaluations

DOT Physicals

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