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Healthtopia

Aetna Primary Care Doctor in San Diego

At Healthtopia, we work with Aetna and are in network with most PPO plans, so many Aetna members in San Diego can get their primary care here. 

If you’re looking for an Aetna primary care doctor in San Diego, you can choose from four clinics, from Encinitas in North County to Hillcrest in central San Diego.

Ready to book an appointment? Call 760.230.1888.

Aetna logo in purple on a white background

Does Healthtopia Take Aetna for Primary Care in San Diego?

Yes, Healthtopia works with Aetna and is in network with Medicare and most PPO plans, so if you need a primary care doctor that accepts Aetna and you’re on a PPO, your plan will most likely work here. 

If you have an Aetna HMO, Open Access, or Medicare Advantage plan, it depends on the plan. Medicare Advantage in particular runs on its own network, so even though we accept Medicare, those plans need to be checked separately.

Visits with Healthtopia’s MDs, DOs, and nurse practitioners are billed to your insurance. The one exception is naturopathic visits. Select naturopathic services may be covered by Aetna; please call us for more details if you have Aetna insurance and are interested in seeing an ND.

How Can I Check If My Aetna Plan Is In Network?

Two people can both carry Aetna cards and still have different networks, so the plan name matters more than the company name.

1. Look at your Aetna ID card.

The plan type and network name are printed on the front, and the member services number is on the back.

2. Search Aetna’s provider directory.

The directory on Aetna’s website or in the Aetna Health app filters by your exact plan, so you can look up a Healthtopia provider by name.

3. Or … Just Call Healthtopia to confirm!

Share your member ID and preferred provider, and the front desk can check participation while you’re on the phone.

Doctor talking with a patient seated on an exam table in a bright clinic room

What Does Primary Care Cover at Healthtopia?

From your yearly checkup to the cough that won’t go away, here’s what you can come in for:

Annual Physicals and Preventive Care

Your yearly checkup, with time to talk through anything on your mind.

Usually no copay

Chronic Condition Management

Steady follow-up for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid issues.

Copay or deductible may apply

New Symptoms and Routine Concerns

Coughs, rashes, aches, and other problems that need a doctor but not the ER.

Copay or deductible may apply

Health Screenings and Immunizations

The tests and vaccines recommended for your age and health history.

Usually no copay

Women’s and Adolescent Health

Wellness visits and everyday care for women and teens.

Depends on the visit

Select Lab Testing and EKG

Some blood work and EKGs can be done right in the office.

Copay or deductible may apply

Most Aetna plans that follow the Affordable Care Act cover preventive services like annual physicals, recommended screenings, and routine immunizations with no copay when you see an in-network provider. Sick visits, follow-ups, and lab work usually fall under your regular copay or deductible, so it helps to know which kind of visit you’re booking.

Who Are Healthtopia’s Primary Care Providers?

Healthtopia’s primary care team includes physicians with emergency medicine backgrounds, a doctor trained in family and integrative medicine, and several nurse practitioners. If your Aetna plan asks you to name a PCP, the front desk can help you pick the one who fits what you’re looking for.

Dr. Joy Hardison, MD, MPH

CEO, Emergency Physician, and General Practitioner

Dr. James Howard, MD, MS

COO, Emergency Physician, and General Practitioner

Dr. Asha Raj, DO

Family and Integrative Medicine Physician

Julie Gabbard, FNP

Nurse Practitioner

Which Healthtopia Clinic Is Closest to You?

Aetna members can establish care at whichever Healthtopia clinic is easiest to reach, whether that’s near home in North County or close to work in central San Diego. Each provider sees patients at specific locations, so if you have a particular Aetna primary care physician in mind, the front desk can tell you where and when they’re available. The Encinitas clinic is also open Saturdays.

Encinitas

142 Encinitas Blvd
Encinitas, CA 92024

Rancho Santa Fe

6037 La Granada, Suites B And C
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 

Hillcrest

3940 Fourth Ave, Suites 130 And 140
San Diego, CA 92103

Sorrento Valley - Bastyr University Clinic

4110 Sorrento Valley Blvd, Suite C
San Diego, CA 92121

Is Healthtopia a Good Choice for Primary Care?

Choosing a primary care practice comes down to more than convenience. You want to feel heard, know your concerns are being taken seriously, and feel confident in the care you receive. 

Healthtopia’s patient reviews reflect these priorities, with every clinic earning a Google rating of 4.8 stars or higher. 

Across thousands of reviews in San Diego County, patients often share positive experiences with caring, thorough providers and appreciate practical conveniences like having blood drawn during the same visit.

Testimonials

What a refreshing experience all around, compared to the typical big healthcare groups in San Diego. Everything was easier, Including setting up an appointment, providing new patient information, and quick follow ups from appointments with all the details. Did I mention that they can draw blood in the same office? I will not miss going to LabCorp and all of that hassle.
Julie W.
Dr. Hardison has been my primary care physician since 2023, and I truly can’t imagine navigating my health without her on my team. Her diagnostic skills far surpass those of the last five PCPs I’ve seen over the years.
Chris
What a refreshing experience all around, I had the best experience at Healthtopia establishing primary care I was in and out in less than an hour!
Jenny C.
Healthtopia is the cleanest & most calming doctor's office in San Diego. For years I've been seeing Julianna Gabbard NP who is the MOST thorough, kind, professional & knowledgeable practitioner I know.
Margaret G.

Find a Primary Care Doctor for Your Aetna Plan

With your Aetna ID card in hand, setting up care takes one phone call. 

Call Healthtopia at 760.230.1888, and our team can check your plan, suggest a participating provider, and book your first visit at the clinic that fits your week.

FAQs About Finding an Aetna Primary Care Doctor in San Diego

On most Aetna plans that follow the Affordable Care Act, a yearly preventive physical with an in-network provider has no copay. If the visit also covers a new problem or an ongoing condition, that part may be billed as a regular office visit under your copay or deductible.

Bring your Aetna ID card, a photo ID, a list of your current medications, and any recent lab results or records from your previous doctor. That helps your new provider pick up your care without repeating tests you’ve already had.

Many San Diego employers offer Aetna PPO plans, and if you’re comparing Aetna PPO doctors in San Diego, those plans tend to work well with Healthtopia since our practice participates with most PPO networks. Your HR benefits portal or the back of your card will show the exact plan name to share with our team.

Some PPO plans include out-of-network benefits, which means you may still be reimbursed for part of the visit. You can also ask the front desk what a visit would cost without insurance.

Some visits at Healthtopia, including follow-ups, can be done virtually, and many Aetna plans cover virtual primary care. Coverage for virtual visits can differ from in-person visits, so ask about both when you call.