Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group 2026: Doctors & Portal

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California Central Coast · Orthopedic appointments, specialists, surgery and billing

Find the Right Central Coast Orthopedic Specialist and Prepare for Every Step of Care

Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group serves patients across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Its physicians treat injuries and conditions involving bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and Santa Maria.

This patient guide explains which specialist to choose, how referrals and insurance authorization work, what to bring, how on-site X-rays and injections fit into care, what surgery bills may include, and how to use the portal, payment and medical-record systems without unnecessary repeat calls.

Find the right specialist Prepare for an appointment Check insurance steps
Use emergency care for serious injuries. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for an open fracture, bone visible through the skin, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe neck or back trauma, a cold or blue limb, sudden paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Region served

San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Main offices

San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and Santa Maria.

Satellite office

Templeton location listed in patient resources.

Clinical convenience

On-site digital X-ray and joint injections are listed.

Established care

Serving Central Coast families and athletes since the 1980s.

Start with the correct route

Which type of orthopedic care solves your problem?

ORTHOPEDIC OFFICE New or ongoing muscle and joint problem

Use an orthopedic appointment for persistent joint pain, sports injuries, suspected ligament or tendon damage, arthritis, hand problems, spine symptoms or follow-up after an emergency visit.

Best for: diagnosis, X-rays, injections, nonsurgical treatment, surgical evaluation and recovery planning.
PRIMARY CARE OR AUTHORIZATION Your plan controls specialist access

CenCal Health, Medi-Cal, HMO, EPO and some other plans may require a referral or prior authorization before the orthopedic office can schedule or treat you.

Best first action: ask your primary care office to send the referral, authorization, notes and imaging to the correct orthopedic location.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Severe or limb-threatening injury

Do not wait for a routine office appointment when an injury threatens blood flow, nerve function, the spinal cord or the stability of an open fracture.

Emergency signs: severe deformity, exposed bone, uncontrollable bleeding, new paralysis, cold or blue fingers or toes.
Useful local sequence: Stabilize urgent injuries first, verify referral and authorization requirements, choose a physician by body area, send outside images before the visit, and confirm the exact office rather than assuming every physician works at all locations.

Go directly to the orthopedic task you need

The important patient rules are explained inside this guide. Official pages are mainly reserved for the final appointment, portal, payment or form action.

Physician matching

Choose a Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group physician by body area

Orthopedics is divided into subspecialties. Choosing by body area and condition usually works better than selecting the first available surgeon.

Officially listed physician focus areas
Physician Published focus Useful for discussing
Ryan Filler, M.D. Foot and ankle Ankle injuries, foot pain, fractures, tendon problems and related surgical questions.
James C. Kasper, M.D. Shoulder, knee and sports medicine Athletic injuries, shoulder pain, knee instability and arthroscopic treatment questions.
Luke Lovro, M.D. Joint replacement Advanced hip or knee arthritis and replacement evaluation.
Matthew Sabatino, M.D. Spine surgery Neck, back, spinal nerve and surgical spine evaluation.
Otto J. Schueckler, M.D. Shoulder, knee and sports medicine Sports injuries, shoulder and knee conditions and minimally invasive options.
Jeffrey E. Spoo, M.D. Shoulder, knee and joint replacement Arthritis, shoulder or knee surgery and joint-replacement evaluation.
Dennis Blackburn, D.O. Spine and joint replacement Spine disorders and advanced hip or knee arthritis.
Nicholas M. Caggiano, M.D. Hand and wrist Hand injuries, wrist pain, nerve compression, fractures and tendon problems.
Paul H. Castello, M.D. Shoulder, knee and joint replacement Shoulder and knee disorders, arthritis and replacement decisions.
Dimitri Delagrammaticas, M.D. Joint replacement Hip or knee arthritis and joint-replacement planning.
Sean Devine, M.D. Shoulder and knee Shoulder or knee injury, arthritis and surgical evaluation.
Marie Dusch, M.D. Hands, wrists and elbows Upper-extremity pain, nerve problems, tendon injuries and fractures.
Do not choose from the list alone. Physician schedules, accepted plans, hospital privileges, new-patient status and office locations can change. Tell the scheduler the exact body part, diagnosis if known, injury date and whether the problem is work-related.
Specialist-matching script
“I need an evaluation for [right/left body part]. The problem began on [date] after [injury or gradual onset]. I have [X-ray, MRI, CT or no imaging]. Which physician treats this condition, at which office, and what referral or authorization must be received before scheduling?”
Open the live physician directory
Three main offices and one satellite

Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group locations and phone numbers

Official office directory
Location Address Appointment phone Practical use
San Luis Obispo 862 Meinecke Avenue, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 805-541-4600 Primary San Luis Obispo-area physician and orthopedic service access.
Pismo Beach 921 Oak Park Boulevard, Suite 204, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 805-473-4949 Convenient for South San Luis Obispo County and Five Cities-area patients.
Santa Maria 2342 Professional Parkway, Suite 200, Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-349-9545 Primary Santa Barbara County and Santa Maria Valley office.
Templeton satellite 322 Posada Lane, Suite A, Templeton, CA 93465 805-541-4600 Satellite access; confirm physician, service and appointment-day availability before travel.
Local driving tip: Save the suite number as well as the street address. Medical campuses can contain several practices, imaging facilities and surgery offices with similar building names.
Appointment workflow

How to make the correct orthopedic appointment

Identify the injured or painful body area Be specific: right shoulder, left wrist, lower back, right knee or left ankle. This helps the scheduler match you with the correct subspecialist.
Explain how the problem began State whether it followed a fall, collision, sports injury, work event, surgery or gradual wear. Work injuries follow a separate authorization process.
Check your referral requirement CenCal Health, Medi-Cal, HMO, EPO and some other plans may require authorization from a primary care physician before the orthopedic visit.
Confirm that authorization reached the correct office Ask your referring office where and when it sent the referral. Then call the orthopedic office to confirm receipt rather than assuming transmission was successful.
Tell the scheduler about existing imaging Identify the type, date and facility for every X-ray, MRI, CT scan or ultrasound. Ask whether images must be uploaded, mailed or brought on disc.
Verify your exact insurance plan Give the complete plan and network name from the card. Ask whether the physician, office and planned service are in network.
Record the exact location Save the physician name, date, arrival time, street address, suite, office phone and cancellation instructions.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early The practice asks patients to arrive early for registration and the health questionnaire. New-patient paperwork and image transfer may require additional time.
Appointment call script
“I need an appointment for [body part and condition]. I am a [new/existing] patient. My plan is [complete insurance name]. My referral or authorization number is [number, if available]. I have imaging from [facility and date]. Which physician should I see, which office should I use, and what must arrive before the appointment?”
Avoid repeat visits

What to bring to a Central Coast Orthopedic appointment

Current government-issued photo identification
Current primary and secondary insurance cards
Referral and authorization information
Medication list with dose and frequency
Drug, latex and adhesive allergy list
Outside X-rays, MRI or CT images and reports
Emergency-room or urgent-care notes
Previous operative reports for the same body part
List of treatments already attempted
Work-status documents for occupational injuries
Copay or expected self-pay amount
Written questions and recovery goals

Create a one-minute symptom summary

Location

Point to the exact area and describe whether pain travels elsewhere.

Timing

State when it started and whether it is constant, intermittent or worsening.

Function

Explain which activities, work duties, sports or sleep positions are limited.

Treatment tried

List rest, braces, medication, injections, therapy or previous surgery.

Image-transfer tip: A written radiology report is useful, but the orthopedic physician may also need the actual images. Ask the imaging facility for electronic transfer or a readable disc before the appointment.
What happens during evaluation

How an orthopedic diagnosis is usually developed

History The clinician asks when the problem began, how it affects movement, which treatments were attempted and whether numbness, weakness, locking, instability or swelling occurs.
Physical examination The visit may include range-of-motion, strength, sensation, circulation, stability, tenderness and movement testing.
Imaging review Existing images are reviewed when available. New on-site digital X-rays may be ordered when they can answer the clinical question.
Further testing MRI, CT, nerve testing, laboratory work or another specialist evaluation may be recommended when X-rays and examination do not provide enough information.
Treatment decision The physician explains the likely diagnosis, nonsurgical choices, surgical options when appropriate, risks, expected recovery and follow-up plan.
An MRI is not always the first step. Many bone and joint problems can be evaluated initially with history, examination and X-rays. Insurance plans may also require conservative treatment before authorizing advanced imaging.
Surgery is one option, not the only option

Common orthopedic treatment paths

01
Activity modification

Temporarily changing painful work, exercise or daily movement while the condition is evaluated.

02
Medication

Appropriate pain or inflammation treatment based on medical history and clinician guidance.

03
Brace or support

Temporary stabilization, protection or movement control for selected injuries.

04
Physical therapy

Structured work on mobility, strength, balance, mechanics and return to activity.

05
Joint injection

Selected injections may reduce symptoms or help guide diagnosis and treatment.

06
Arthroscopic surgery

Minimally invasive joint surgery using a small camera and specialized instruments.

07
Fracture treatment

May involve protection, casting, bracing, reduction, follow-up imaging or fixation surgery.

08
Joint replacement

Considered when advanced joint damage severely limits function and other treatment is no longer sufficient.

09
Spine treatment

May include medication, therapy, injections, monitoring or surgery depending on diagnosis and neurologic findings.

Decision question to ask: “What happens if I wait, what nonsurgical options remain, what result should each option realistically provide, and what finding would make surgery the better choice?”
Clinical and surgical care

Services listed by Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group

Service and patient preparation
Service What it addresses What to confirm
Sports medicine Athletic injuries, overuse problems, ligament and tendon conditions and return-to-sport planning. Injury date, sport, competition level, prior treatment and return goal.
Osteoarthritis treatment Pain, stiffness and reduced function caused by joint cartilage damage. Previous medication, therapy, injections, imaging and daily limitations.
Trauma and fracture care Broken bones, dislocations and orthopedic injuries after emergency stabilization. Emergency records, images, splint instructions and whether surgery may be time-sensitive.
Work-related injuries Orthopedic problems arising from an occupational event. Employer report, workers’ compensation carrier, claim number and written treatment authorization.
Joint injections Selected painful or inflamed joints. Medication allergies, blood thinners, diabetes, current infection and insurance authorization.
On-site digital X-ray Bone alignment, arthritis, fractures and other conditions visible on plain radiographs. Availability at the selected office and whether outside images are already sufficient.
Arthroscopic surgery Selected problems inside a joint through small incisions. Procedure goal, anesthesia, rehabilitation, driving restriction and time away from work.
Total joint replacement Advanced joint damage causing severe pain and loss of function. Hospital, implant plan, medical clearance, home support, therapy and separate facility charges.
Spine surgery Selected neck, back, disc, stenosis, deformity or nerve-compression problems. Neurologic symptoms, prior therapy, imaging, injections, medical clearance and recovery restrictions.
Before elective surgery

Orthopedic surgery preparation and separate-cost checklist

The surgeon’s bill is not the complete surgery cost. The practice states that its bill covers the orthopedic surgeon. The hospital or surgery center and anesthesiologist issue separate bills. Additional imaging, pathology, therapy, equipment and assistant fees may also apply depending on the procedure.
Understand the exact procedure Ask for the procedure name, body side, diagnosis, expected benefit, alternatives and the reason surgery is recommended now.
Confirm every participating facility and provider Verify the surgeon, hospital or surgery center, anesthesiology group, assistant surgeon and post-operative therapy network.
Obtain insurance authorization Confirm that authorization covers the procedure, surgeon, facility and scheduled date. Save the authorization number.
Review the estimated patient portion The practice estimates the patient’s share using plan terms and deductible progress. Elective surgery may be delayed when the required portion cannot be paid in advance.
Complete medical clearance Follow instructions for primary-care evaluation, blood work, heart testing, medication changes and infection screening.
Plan transportation and home support Arrange a responsible adult, safe transportation, medication pickup, meals, mobility assistance and a recovery area.
Prepare equipment before surgery Confirm whether you need crutches, a walker, sling, brace, cold-therapy device, raised seating or wound-care supplies.
Know the urgent post-operative warning signs Get written instructions describing fever, drainage, worsening swelling, uncontrolled pain, chest symptoms, breathing problems and circulation or nerve changes.

Questions to ask before agreeing to surgery

What improvement is realistic for my condition?
What happens if I delay or decline surgery?
Which complications require an emergency call?
When can I drive, work and return to exercise?
How long will I need a brace, sling, walker or crutches?
When does physical therapy begin?
Which medications must be stopped or continued?
Which separate providers will bill me?
Referral and coverage rules

Central Coast Orthopedic insurance and authorization guidance

The practice states that it participates in many major and regional health plans, along with Medicare, Medi-Cal and CenCal Health. Participation does not automatically mean every physician, office or procedure is covered by every product.

Plans commonly requiring authorization

CenCal Health, Medi-Cal, HMO, EPO and certain other products may require primary-care authorization before orthopedic treatment.

Plans that may allow self-referral

Many PPO and other open-access products may allow direct scheduling, but the patient remains responsible for checking plan rules.

Covered California

The practice states that it accepts Blue Shield of California Covered California non-HMO products at its three main offices.

Insurance-company name is not enough. “Blue Shield,” “Cigna” or “Medicare” can contain several networks and products. Read the full product name and network from the card.
Call the insurer first Ask whether the selected physician and exact office address are in network.
Describe the planned service Coverage for an office visit does not guarantee coverage for an injection, MRI, brace, surgery or therapy.
Ask about authorization Confirm who must request it, what records are needed and how long review normally takes.
Call the orthopedic office Confirm that it recognizes the same network and has received any required referral.
Save reference numbers Record the insurer representative, date, reference number and authorization number.
Insurance verification script
“My plan is [full plan and network], member ID [number]. I want to see [physician] at [exact address] for [body part and service]. Is the physician and location in network? Do I need a referral, prior authorization or imaging preapproval? What deductible, copay and coinsurance apply?”
Financial policy explained

What patients are expected to pay and when

Published financial-policy rules
Situation Practice policy Best patient action
Insurance information unavailable The patient may need to reschedule or pay in full at the time of service. Bring current identification and all insurance cards to every appointment.
Copay The required copay must be collected when treatment is provided. Check the specialist copay printed on the card and bring an accepted payment method.
Insurance has not paid within 90 days The patient may be expected to pay the balance. Respond quickly to insurer information requests and investigate claim delays.
Self-pay Payment is due at the time of service; a discounted fee structure is described. Request the expected amount before the visit and ask what is excluded.
Out-of-network care The patient pays the full amount on the day of service and seeks reimbursement from the insurer. Ask the insurer about allowed amounts, reimbursement percentage and claim-submission requirements.
Elective surgery The estimated patient portion is generally collected before surgery. Request separate estimates from the surgeon, facility and anesthesia provider.
Statement balance Payment in full is expected when the statement is received. Compare the statement with the insurer’s explanation of benefits before paying.
Payment difficulty A monthly payment plan may be available in some cases. Call the Patient Financial Counselor before the account becomes seriously overdue.
Unpaid balance after 120 days The account may be transferred to an outside collection agency. Discuss a written arrangement before the 120-day point.
Account overpayment The practice states that a refund check is sent within two weeks. Keep proof of payment and confirm the mailing address on file.
Patient Financial Counselor

805-473-4949, extension 208

Use for payment-plan questions and difficulty paying a statement in full.

Telephone payment

888-847-1407

The financial policy lists cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover as accepted methods.

Do not ignore an insurer request. The practice warns that a claim can be denied when the patient does not provide information requested by the insurance company, leaving the patient responsible for payment.
Open the official financial policy Open online bill payment
Occupational injury routing

What to do when the orthopedic injury happened at work

Report the injury to the employer The practice states that the employer must be notified before it can treat the injury under workers’ compensation.
Obtain claim information Collect the employer name, claims administrator, insurance carrier, claim number, adjuster name and contact information.
Get written treatment authorization The orthopedic office can schedule work-injury care only after authorization from the employer’s insurance carrier.
Send medical records and imaging Make sure the authorized body part, injury date, records and imaging match the requested appointment.
Bring current work-status paperwork Keep copies of restrictions, modified-duty instructions and follow-up dates.
Understand disputed claims The financial policy warns that the patient or private insurance may become responsible if the employer later determines that the condition is not work-related.
Workers’ compensation scheduling script
“My injury occurred at work on [date]. The claim number is [number], the carrier is [company], and the adjuster is [name and phone]. Has written authorization been received for [body part and requested physician], and are any records still missing?”
Online patient tools

How to use the patient portal safely

M
Routine messages

Use the portal for non-emergency communication when the function is available.

D
Documents

Review available visit information and documents associated with your account.

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Account actions

Use the official patient-resource page to reach the approved portal and online payment system.

Do not send emergency symptoms through a portal. Call the clinical office for urgent instructions or use 911 and emergency care when symptoms could threaten life, limb, blood flow or neurologic function.
You cannot sign in Verify the name, date of birth, email and mobile number the practice has on file before repeatedly attempting password resets.
The wrong practice appears Return to the official Central Coast Orthopedic patient-resource page and use its portal link rather than a search-engine advertisement.
A result is missing Contact the ordering office to learn whether the result is complete, reviewed and available for release.
You need a medication refill Include the medication, strength, directions, pharmacy and remaining supply. Do not wait until the final dose.
Open the official portal gateway
Records and image transfer

How to request medical records from Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group

Decide what is actually needed Request a focused range such as office notes, operative report, X-ray report, injection record, work-status report or complete chart.
Download the release form Use the official Medical Records Release Form page to obtain the current authorization document.
Identify the patient and record dates Enter the patient’s legal name, birth date, contact information and the beginning and ending dates of the requested records.
Name the recipient accurately Include the receiving physician, facility, address, fax and purpose of disclosure.
Separate images from written records Ask whether X-ray or other image files require a separate disc, electronic transfer or imaging-department request.
Sign and date the authorization Incomplete signatures, missing dates or unclear recipients can delay processing.
Submit it to the treating office Call the office to confirm the accepted delivery method and whether identification or representative documentation is required.
Confirm receipt before a deadline When records are needed for another appointment, surgery, disability claim or legal matter, verify delivery rather than assuming it occurred.
Best request wording: Ask for both the radiology report and the actual image files when another orthopedic clinician needs to independently review the study.
Download the official records form
Fix common appointment delays

Why an orthopedic appointment, test or surgery may be delayed

Referral was sent to the wrong office Confirm the physician name, location and transmission number with both the referring office and orthopedic office.
Authorization covers the wrong body part Ask the referring office or insurer to correct the authorized diagnosis, body side, service or physician.
Only the imaging report arrived Arrange transfer of the actual images so the orthopedic clinician can review them directly.
The physician does not treat that condition Ask to be matched by body region and diagnosis rather than choosing only by location.
The plan is out of network Request a self-pay estimate or ask the insurer for an in-network orthopedic physician before receiving non-emergency treatment.
An MRI is not authorized Ask which clinical notes, X-rays, therapy or conservative-treatment period the plan requires.
Surgery is approved but not scheduled Check medical clearance, patient prepayment, facility availability, implant planning and separate authorization status.
A work-injury appointment is blocked Confirm that the claims adjuster sent written authorization naming the physician, body part and treatment requested.
The bill does not match insurance Compare the service date, procedure, insurer adjustment and patient responsibility before calling the billing office.
Symptoms worsened while waiting Call the clinical office for new instructions. Use emergency care for circulation loss, severe weakness, exposed bone, uncontrolled bleeding or other serious warning signs.
Central Coast patient tips

Practical ways to avoid wasted travel and repeat calls

01
Confirm the suite

Medical complexes may contain several practices at one street address.

02
Allow highway travel time

Build extra time into trips between North County, San Luis Obispo, Five Cities and Santa Maria.

03
Bring images, not only reports

The surgeon may need to inspect the actual scan rather than rely only on the written summary.

04
Verify the body side

Make sure referrals and authorizations correctly identify right versus left.

05
Ask about all surgery bills

Surgeon, facility and anesthesia charges are separate.

06
Respond to insurance requests

An unanswered insurer questionnaire can lead to claim denial.

07
Discuss payment early

Call the financial counselor before an unpaid balance approaches collection.

08
Save work restrictions

Keep every modified-duty note and give updated copies to the employer.

09
Plan your ride after procedures

Injections, sedation, surgery or restricted limb use may affect safe driving.

Office maps

Find the correct Central Coast orthopedic office

San Luis Obispo

862 Meinecke Avenue, Suite 100
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Appointment phone: 805-541-4600

Pismo Beach

921 Oak Park Boulevard, Suite 204
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Appointment phone: 805-473-4949

Santa Maria

2342 Professional Parkway, Suite 200
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Appointment phone: 805-349-9545
Confirm before driving. The physician directory and patient resources can list several offices, but not every doctor or service is available at every location on every day.
Patient questions answered

Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group FAQs

Where are the main offices?

The main offices are in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and Santa Maria. Patient resources also list a Templeton satellite office.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call San Luis Obispo at 805-541-4600, Pismo Beach at 805-473-4949 or Santa Maria at 805-349-9545. Explain the body part, injury date, insurance plan and referral status.

How early should I arrive?

The practice asks patients to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for registration and a health questionnaire.

Which orthopedic conditions are treated?

The group treats sports injuries, fractures, osteoarthritis, shoulder and knee conditions, hand and wrist problems, foot and ankle disorders, hip problems, work injuries and spine conditions.

Is on-site X-ray available?

On-site digital X-ray is listed as a clinical service. Confirm availability at the office where your appointment is scheduled.

Do I need a referral?

CenCal Health, Medi-Cal, HMO, EPO and some other plans may require referral or prior authorization. Many PPO plans may allow self-referral.

Does the practice accept Medicare and Medi-Cal?

The financial policy says the practice participates in Medicare, Medi-Cal, CenCal Health and many major and regional plans. Verify the exact physician, location and service.

When is my copay due?

Copays are collected when treatment is provided. Uninsured and out-of-network patients are generally expected to pay at the time of service.

Can I get a payment plan?

Monthly arrangements may be available in some cases. Contact the Patient Financial Counselor at 805-473-4949 extension 208.

How do I request medical records?

Download the official Medical Records Release Form, identify the records and recipient, sign it and submit it according to the form instructions. Ask separately about actual image files.

Final live actions

Official patient tools

The important appointment, insurance, payment and records rules are explained above. Use the official system when you are ready to complete a live physician search, portal login, bill payment or form download.

Find a physician Contact an office Patient portal and payment Financial policy Medical records form Patient education
Independent patient-information notice:

USMedicalGroup.org is not Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group and cannot schedule appointments, provide medical advice, confirm insurance coverage, release records or process payments. Physician schedules, locations, plan participation and treatment policies can change.

This guide is educational and does not replace diagnosis or advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Call 911 for a life-threatening or limb-threatening emergency.

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