Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what families most often ask about palliative care, concierge care, and getting started with Dr. Chelamkuri.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is patient-centered care focused on comfort and quality of life. It can be provided alongside curative treatment and helps families balance quality of life with other medical priorities. Care can take place in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, board and care, or at home.
Is palliative care the same as hospice?
No. Hospice is typically for patients nearing end of life who have stopped curative treatment. Palliative care can begin much earlier and be provided alongside ongoing treatment, at any stage of a serious illness.
What’s the difference between palliative care and concierge care?
Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients with serious or complex conditions. Concierge care is a membership-based primary care model with same/next-day house calls, direct physician access, and a more personalized, proactive approach — it can incorporate a palliative focus for patients who want it.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance providers, including Anthem, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Tricare. Contact us with your specific plan and we’ll confirm coverage before your first visit.
What areas do you serve?
We serve patients throughout the South Bay. If you’re unsure whether your address is within our coverage area, reach out and we’ll confirm quickly.
How do home visits work?
Dr. Chelamkuri and her team travel to wherever you are — home, assisted living, board and care, skilled nursing facility, or hospital. Visits can also be conducted virtually via telehealth when appropriate. Same or next-business-day appointments are available for concierge patients.
How do I know if at-home care is right for me or my family member?
At-home care may be a good fit if the patient has difficulty traveling to a doctor’s office, has an illness or injury that makes leaving home hard, relies on a wheelchair or walker, is bedbound, experiences anxiety around in-office visits, or requires a ventilator or oxygen.
How do I get started?
Reach out by phone, email, or our contact form to set up a complimentary meet & greet. From there, Dr. Chelamkuri and her team will get to know your needs, confirm your insurance or membership option, and schedule your first visit — often as soon as the next business day.