1. About the Practice
What kind of doctor is Dr. Murakami?
Dr. Murakami is a dual board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Pain Medicine, and a certified acupuncturist with over 15 years of clinical experience. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), she takes a whole-body approach to diagnosing and treating pain.
What conditions do you treat?
Dr. Murakami specializes in complex and chronic pain, spine conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries — particularly cases that haven’t resolved with standard care. Common conditions include neck and back pain, radiculopathy, joint pain, nerve pain, and sports or overuse injuries.
Treatment options may include interventional procedures, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, regenerative orthobiologics, and integrative therapies tailored to your diagnosis.
What makes this practice different?
This is a fee-for-service practice, which means appointments are not rushed and the treatment plan is built around your goals and necessary treatments — not around insurance approvals. Dr. Murakami combines expertise in interventional pain procedures, regenerative medicine, and integrative medicine therapies including osteopathic medicine and acupuncture. She will take the time to create a multi-modal treatment for you that suits your philosophy when it comes to healing.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes. No referral is required. Having prior records and imaging available before your visit is helpful but not required to schedule.
2. Appointments & What to Expect
How do I schedule an appointment?
Dr. Murakami will start seeing patients in May 2026. You can request an appointment by calling our office or using the contact form. New patient consultations are available in person at our Walnut Creek location or via telehealth.
Can I be seen via telehealth?
Yes. Initial consultations and follow-up evaluations are available via telehealth for remote patients. Dr. Murakami reviews your records and imaging in advance, so your appointment time is focused entirely on assessment and planning.
What happens at my first visit?
That depends on the type of consultation you book.
Comprehensive Consultation — Designed for patients with complex or longstanding pain. It is also for patients with spine pain (neck, mid-back, low back), multiple regions or sources of pain, two or more affected joints, or other medical conditions contributing to their symptoms. Dr. Murakami will conduct an in-depth review of your history, prior treatments, and imaging, followed by a thorough physical examination. You’ll leave with a clear diagnostic assessment and a concrete plan forward. If you have been under the care of another provider and didn’t get the results you were hoping for, this consultation is for you.
Single Joint Consultation — A focused evaluation for one joint or region. Dr. Murakami will review relevant history and imaging and perform a targeted examination to assess the joint and discuss treatment options.
3. Fees & Payment
Is this an insurance-based practice?
No. This is a fee-for-service practice, meaning you pay directly for your care at the time of service. This model allows for unhurried appointments, individualized treatment planning, and direct access to Dr. Murakami — without insurance dictating your care.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards, and HSA (Health Savings Account) cards. Payment is collected at the time of service.
Can I use my FSA or HSA?
Yes. Medical consultations and procedures are eligible expenses under most FSA and HSA plans. We recommend confirming coverage details with your plan administrator, as individual plan rules vary.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice are subject to a $100 cancellation fee.
4. Insurance & Reimbursement
Do you accept insurance?
Dr. Murakami is an out-of-network provider and does not bill insurance directly. However, patients with PPO plans may be eligible for partial reimbursement by submitting a superbill to their insurance carrier.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes your diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and provider credentials — everything your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim. We provide a superbill at each visit upon request.
How much can I expect my insurance to reimburse?
This varies significantly by plan. PPO plans typically reimburse a percentage of the allowed amount for out-of-network services, after your deductible is met. We recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card and asking specifically about your out-of-network benefits for office visits and procedures before your appointment.
Do you accept Medicare or Medi-Cal?
No. This practice is not contracted with Medicare or Medi-Cal.
What if I have an HMO?
HMO plans generally do not provide out-of-network benefits, meaning visits would not be reimbursable. If you have an HMO, we recommend contacting your plan directly to confirm your out-of-network benefits before booking.
5. Procedures Done at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
What procedures are performed at a surgery center versus your office?
Joint injections and some nerve blocks can be performed in the office, using ultrasound guidance when necessary. More complex procedures — including certain neck injections, low back injections, spinal nerve blocks, and neuromodulation — are performed at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC) for safety and precision under fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance.
Will my insurance cover ASC procedures?
Patients with PPO plans may have partial coverage for the facility fee at an accredited ASC. Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether the facility is in-network. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier in advance to confirm your benefits.
Why is the physician fee still cash-pay even at the ASC?
Dr. Murakami operates as an out-of-network provider regardless of where the procedure is performed. The ASC facility fee and the physician fee are billed separately — the facility may be covered in part by your PPO, but Dr. Murakami’s fee is always paid directly at or before the time of service.
How do I know if I need an office procedure or an ASC procedure?
This is determined during your consultation. Dr. Murakami will recommend the appropriate setting based on the type of procedure, the complexity of your case, and what is safest and most effective for you.
6. Regenerative Medicine & Orthobiologics
What is regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine uses your body’s own biological materials to support healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function in damaged joints, tendons, and spinal structures. At this practice, regenerative medicine treatments are one tool within a broader diagnostic and treatment framework — recommended when they are the right fit for your specific condition, not as a default offering.
PRP injections are offered at Dr. Murakami’s Walnut Creek practice for patients throughout the East Bay and Lamorinda area.
What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is derived from a small sample of your own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the affected area to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation. PRP is commonly used for joint pain, tendon injuries, and spine conditions.
What is BMAC?
BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) is derived from a small sample of your own bone marrow, typically drawn from the pelvis. It contains a concentration of regenerative cells and growth factors. BMAC is generally reserved for more advanced degeneration of your joint or spine where a higher concentration of cells may be beneficial.
Is PRP or BMAC covered by insurance?
Regenerative treatments including PRP and BMAC are not covered by insurance and are paid out of pocket. We will discuss fees transparently so you can make an informed decision.
Am I a candidate for regenerative treatment?
Candidacy depends on your diagnosis, imaging findings, prior treatments, and overall health. Dr. Murakami will evaluate whether regenerative medicine is appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation — and will recommend it only when it is likely to be beneficial.
7. Practical Information
Where are you located?
Dr. Murakami’s practice is located at 1270 Springbrook Road, Suite E, Walnut Creek, CA. Dr. Murakami sees patients in a private medical office within the Evolved Medical suite.
What days are you seeing patients?
In-person appointments are currently available on Thursdays. Telehealth appointments may be available on additional days — contact our office for availability.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free parking is available on site.