Independent Medical Evaluations for Attorneys & Claims Professionals
Board-certified physician-led IMEs for workers’ compensation, disability, personal injury, and employment matters. Focused record review, clear opinions, and organized reports for attorneys and claims professionals. Standard IME fee: $2,500.
Meet Dr. Tess Garcia
Your Partner in Health, Not Just Another Doctor
Dr. Tess Garcia isn’t your typical family doctor. A former music teacher who became a board-certified Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine physician, she brings compassion, cultural understanding, and over 20 years of experience to her practice in Blue Springs.
As a Mexican American and Native American physician, Dr. Tess understands what it means to serve underserved communities. She’s the first woman doctor in Grain Valley (2007) and has dedicated her career to providing accessible, affordable healthcare to families, veterans, and those who’ve been overlooked by traditional medicine.
- Board-Certified Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine Specialist
- Graduate of Medical College of Virginia (1999)
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- Native American Sun Dancer - Views medicine as a healing ceremony
- Personal weight loss success: Lost 70 lbs (walks the talk)
- Dedicated to serving veterans in honor of her father, COL John L. Garcia (U.S. Army, Vietnam)
Why Blue Springs Families Choose
Garcia Family Medicine
We’re not just another medical practice. We’re your healthcare partner, committed to your complete wellbeing.
Time & Attention You Deserve
Appointment length is tailored to care needs, with time for thoughtful discussion when appropriate.
Transparent, Affordable Pricing
$99/month for an individual DPC membership. Couple and family memberships are available, and fees may vary based on household size and current program terms. Membership is not insurance.
Culturally Competent Care
Se Habla Español. Mexican American, Native American, and Filipina American team serving our diverse Blue Springs community with cultural understanding.
Same-Day Appointment Availability
Same-day primary care appointments are available when scheduling permits. Contact the practice to check current availability.
Compassion-Based Care
No judgment. No shame. Whether it's weight management, mental health, or chronic illness—we meet you where you are with acceptance and support.
Comprehensive Services
Primary care, weight management, pelvic health, mental health, DOT physicals, IMEs—all under one roof with coordinated care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Q: Do I still need health insurance?
A: DPC is NOT insurance and doesn’t replace the need for coverage for emergencies, hospitalizations, or specialist care. We recommend pairing your DPC membership with a low-cost high-deductible health plan for catastrophic coverage. This combination often costs less than traditional insurance while giving you better primary care access.
Q: What's included in my monthly membership?
A: Membership includes primary care appointments, preventive care, chronic-condition follow-up, and coordination of routine care according to the current membership terms. Same-day appointments may be available when scheduling permits. Membership is not insurance; contact the practice for current inclusions, exclusions, and pricing.
Q: Can I use my HSA/FSA for DPC membership?
A: Yes! DPC memberships are typically HSA/FSA eligible. Check with your specific plan administrator, but most patients can use pre-tax dollars for their monthly membership.
Q: How quickly can I get an appointment?
A: We offer same-day or next-day appointments for most concerns. Because we limit our patient panel size, Dr. Tess has time to see patients when they actually need care—not weeks later when problems have gotten worse.
Q: Is Dr. Garcia accepting new patients?
A: Yes! We’re currently accepting new DPC members. Your first visit ($200) includes your initial month’s membership plus a comprehensive 60-90 minute assessment where Dr. Tess gets to know you, reviews your complete medical history, and creates your personalized care plan.
Q: Do you accept insurance for any services?
A: No, Garcia Family Medicine does not accept insurance for any services. Insurance companies will not reimburse you for the monthly membership fee, as they typically only pay for specific procedures performed by medical providers. However, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your membership and services.
Q: What if I need specialty care or hospitalization?
A: Dr. Tess will coordinate referrals to trusted specialists when needed and help you navigate the healthcare system. This is where having a high-deductible health plan for catastrophic coverage is important—DPC handles your primary care, while insurance covers major medical events.
Q: Can I cancel my membership anytime?
A: Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. Garcia Family Medicine requires 30 days notice to process your cancellation.
Q: Do you prescribe controlled substances for pain management?
A: Garcia Family Medicine focuses on opioid-free pain management using a multi-modal approach. Dr. Tess does not prescribe opioid medications, but offers comprehensive alternatives including prescription non-opioid pain medications, interventional therapies, and holistic strategies.
Q: What about labs and imaging?
A: We have partnerships with local labs and imaging centers that allow us to offer wholesale pricing—often significantly cheaper than what you’d pay through insurance. Dr. Tess orders only the tests you actually need, not what insurance companies incentivize.
Q: Is the medical weight management program right for me?
A: If you’re committed to a long-term program designed to teach you sustainable lifestyle changes so you don’t regain your weight, this is the program for you. During your first consultation, Dr. Tess will perform a comprehensive medical evaluation and order labs to establish your baseline health and identify any existing comorbidities related to being overweight. This thorough assessment ensures the program is tailored to your specific health needs and goals.
Q: How does CoreLift (EMSELLA) work for incontinence?
A: CoreLift uses EMSELLA, an FDA-cleared device that stimulates pelvic floor muscles while the patient remains clothed and seated. Treatment recommendations, session length, number of sessions, and expected results vary after an individual assessment. Results are not guaranteed.
Q: Do you offer telemedicine/virtual visits?
A: Telemedicine visits are available when you’re unable to keep an in-person appointment. However, Dr. Tess does not conduct telemedicine visits on a regular basis, as she believes face-to-face interaction is essential for developing a strong doctor-patient relationship.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We’re conveniently located in Blue Springs, MO at 801 NW Saint Mary’s Drive, Suite 209, easily accessible from I-70 and major routes through the Kansas City metro area.
Ready to Experience Healthcare the Way It Should Be?
Explore straightforward primary care in Blue Springs with transparent membership information and same-day appointment availability when scheduling permits.