--- title: "Dr. Melissa S. Lara | Family Doctor in Livermore, CA | Sutter Health" description: "Dr. Melissa S. Lara, M.D. practices Family Medicine in Livermore, CA. Accepting new patients." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Find a provider](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider) / 3. Melissa S. Lara, M.D. ![Melissa S. Lara, M.D.](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/FYbvSk0oBFnES3oiVY0a39fKINHdECTM-3EbAfKWyWY/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=230,height=230) 4.9/5 [(115 ratings)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/star-ratings) # Melissa S. Lara, M.D. ## Family Medicine - Accepting new patients [7683 Southfront RoadSuite 100Livermore, CA 94551](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7683+Southfront+Road+Livermore%2C+CA+94551+US) Jump to: - [About](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#provider-about) - [Insurance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#provider-health-plans) - [Locations](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#provider-locations) - [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#provider-services) ## About Dr. Lara Languages English and Spanish (Fluent) Gender Female Ages treated All ages Uses [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online) for scheduling and messaging Offers [video visits](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-care/video-visits) for existing patients ### Approach to care Dr. Lara is a full-scope family medicine physician passionate about providing compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals and families at every stage of life. She believes that exceptional healthcare begins with truly getting to know her patients, understanding their stories, and building strong, trusting relationships. She practices with a blend of evidence-based medicine and personalized care, working closely with each patient to create a health plan that aligns with their unique goals, values, and lifestyle. Her approach is rooted in collaboration—she wants her patients to feel empowered, informed, and supported at every step of their health journey. With special interests in nutrition, exercise, women’s health, and in-office procedures, she enjoys incorporating lifestyle-focused care into her practice whenever possible. Whether patients are navigating a new diagnosis, managing a chronic condition, or simply seeking a physician who listens and truly cares, she is dedicated to supporting their health and well-being for the long term. I support the American Academy of Family Medicine Practitioners (AAFMP) and the California Dept of Public Health's (CDPH) guidelines and schedules on vaccinations to protect your child's and the community's health. ### Outside of medicine Outside of Medicine, personal interests include in her personal time, she enjoys reading, practicing Pilates, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. ## Education and training **Medical school:** Universidad San Francisco de Quito **Internship:** San Joaquin General Hospital **Residency:** San Joaquin General Hospital, Family Medicine ## Board certifications - Family Medicine ## Affiliations ### Medical groups - Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group ## Accepted insurance Search plan or carrier name **Aetna (19 plans)** ### Aetna - Aetna Choice POS II - Aetna Select EPO - Aetna Select Open Access - Aetna Signature Administrators (ASA) - Aetna Student Health Program - Health Fund HMO (aka HMO/HRA) - Health Fund POS - HMO - HMO Deductible Plans - Managed Choice POS - National Advantage Plan (NAP) - Open Access Elect Choice EPO - Open Access Managed Choice POS - Open Choice PPO - Quality Point of Service (QPOS) - Stanford University Faculty & Staff (SUFS) - Copay Plan - Open Access Aetna Select - Stanford University Faculty & Staff (SUFS) ACA High Deductible Health Plan POS II (ACA HDHP-POS II) - Stanford University Faculty & Staff (SUFS) High Deductible Health Plan POS II (HDHP POS II) - Traditional Choice **Alignment (4 plans)** ### Alignment - Alignment Health Plan My Choice (Medicare Advantage PPO) - Alignment Health Sutter Advantage +More (Medicare Advantage HMO) - Retiree Options (Medicare Advantage HMO) - Retiree Options (Medicare Advantage PPO) **Anthem Blue Cross of California (21 plans)** ### Anthem Blue Cross of California - Advantage HMO - Advantage PPO (Tier 1) - Anthem Blue Cross HMO Saver Small Group Plan - Anthem Blue Cross HMO, also sometimes known as California Care or Rural Cal Care (includes CalPERS Traditional HMO) - Anthem Blue Cross HMO/POS (California Care Plus) - Anthem Blue Cross Individual and Family EPO Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum-Covered California (Pathway - EPO) - Anthem Blue Cross Individual HMO (also sometimes known as California Care) - Anthem Blue Cross Small Group HMO (also sometimes known as California Care) - Anthem Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum PPO (Prudent Buyer Plan) - Anthem High Performance Narrow Network - Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO Medicare Advantage Plans for Group Retirees - Behavioral Health Program - BlueCard - CareAdvocate PPO - Direct Access - Federal Employee Program (FEP) - PPO - GeoBlue - Indemnity - Managed Care Services - My Choice PPO - SmartSense **Blue Shield of California (24 plans)** ### Blue Shield of California - Active Choice PPO - Administrative Services Only (ASO) - Self-Funded PPO - Blue Shield $0 Cost Share PPO (IFP) - Blue Shield Access+ HMO CalPERS Limited Network - Blue Shield Access+ HMO Plan - Blue Shield Added Advantage POS (Point-Of-Service) Plan**Note:** - PPO Benefit Level - Blue Shield Bronze PPO (IFP & Small Group) - Blue Shield CalPERS EPO - Blue Shield CalPERS Medicare (PPO) Employer Group Medicare Advantage - Blue Shield Gold PPO (IFP & Small Group) - Blue Shield Life and Health Insurance Company - Blue Shield Medicare (PPO) Employer Group Medicare Advantage - Blue Shield Minimum Coverage PPO (IFP) - Blue Shield of California PPO/EPO (aka Full Network PPO/EPO) - Blue Shield Platinum PPO (IFP & Small Group) - Blue Shield Silver PPO (IFP & Small Group) - BlueCard Plan - Federal Employee Program - PPO**Note:** - FEP accesses Anthem Blue Cross for Hospital Providers - Indemnity - PERS Platinum PPO - Shared Advantage - PPO/EPO and Shared Advantage Plus - PPO/EPO (Full Network PPO) - UC Care PPO - University of California HealthSavings+ - Vital Shield 900 Plans Coverage can vary, so we suggest confirming with your health plan and provider’s office before your visit. ## Care locations [Livermore Care Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/livermore-care-center-2012678031) 7683 Southfront Road Suite 100 Livermore, CA 94551 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7683+Southfront+Road+Livermore%2C+CA+94551+US) [925-803-4790](tel:+19258034790) 510-679-6581 Sunday Closed Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed **View additional hours** Sunday Closed Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed ## Areas of expertise Explore the services and treatments this provider may offer. **Clinical expertise** ### Procedures - Annual physical exam - Cold and Flu Care - Intrauterine Device Insertion - Intrauterine Device Removal - Laceration Repair - Minor Office Procedures - Obstetrical Care - Skin Tag Removal - [Wound care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/wound-care) ### Conditions - Adolescent Health and Development - [Asthma](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma) - Bone Diseases - Cardiovascular disease - Depression - [Diabetes](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/diabetes) - Irregular Periods - [Men's Health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/mens-health) - [Menopause](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/menopause-care) - Mental Health - [Migraine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/headache-migraine-care) - Obesity - [Prediabetes](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/prediabetes-care) - [Prenatal care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/prenatal-care-and-testing) - Sebaceous Cyst ### Reasons for visit - Annual checkup - Cholesterol Management - Chronic disease management - Geriatric Medicine Consultation - Headache and Migraine Care - Hypertension Management - Management of Menstrual Irregularities - Nutrition consultation - [Women's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/womens-health) ## Related services offered by Sutter - [Family medicine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/family-medicine) ## Similar providers nearby [View all](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%2C%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Near%3A+Livermore+Care+Center%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_offices.officeOrFacility.builtin.location%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24near%22%2C%22value%22%3A%7B%22lat%22%3A37.71486575542364%2C%22lng%22%3A-121.70322096098141%2C%22radius%22%3A16093%7D%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) - ![Carla R. Antypas](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/xI8LrTaAnoafSJDPgT-zVJTbzuD5GNE87Qnf1Z25l1E/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=230,height=230) ### [Carla R. Antypas, D.O.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-carla-r-antypas-1098924842) (149) 7683 Southfront Road Suite 100 Livermore, CA 94551 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7683+Southfront+Road+Livermore%2C+CA+94551+US) [925-803-4790](tel:+19258034790) #### Family Medicine - Accepting new patients - ![George S. Besser](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/aPtvNpkg-y0QoclFKJWl0ZLrS1Jl2cJwUC26EaXfU5w/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=230,height=230) ### [George S. Besser, D.O.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-george-s-besser-1046236132) (453) 7683 Southfront Road Suite 100 Livermore, CA 94551 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7683+Southfront+Road+Livermore%2C+CA+94551+US) \+ 1 location [800-478-8837](tel:+18004788837) #### Family Medicine - Accepting patients graduating out of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pediatric department. - ![Huong Nguyen Dang](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/XgXR3ll4ccdpXxymc4lEko0zCBFQnha6XRvrA3oUZtY/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=230,height=230) ### [Huong Nguyen Dang, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-huong-nguyen-dang-1046235921) (274) 7683 Southfront Road Suite 100 Livermore, CA 94551 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=7683+Southfront+Road+Livermore%2C+CA+94551+US) [925-803-4790](tel:+19258034790) #### Family Medicine - Accepting new patients - ![Brea E. Fisher](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/ZFn6p-Ts0cmTKtbk_Qd8PHhmx0qPIOyDrUh95J-fO3w/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=230,height=230) ### [Brea E. Fisher, M.D., FAAFP](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-brea-e-fisher-1046245571) (316) 4050 Dublin Boulevard Floor 2 Dublin, CA 94568 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=4050+Dublin+Boulevard+Dublin%2C+CA+94568+US) [925-875-6100](tel:+19258756100) #### Family Medicine - Accepting patients graduating out of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pediatric department. - [![Provider placeholder image](https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/fallback-provider.png) View all](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%2C%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Near%3A+Livermore+Care+Center%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_offices.officeOrFacility.builtin.location%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24near%22%2C%22value%22%3A%7B%22lat%22%3A37.71486575542364%2C%22lng%22%3A-121.70322096098141%2C%22radius%22%3A16093%7D%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) [View all](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%2C%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Near%3A+Livermore+Care+Center%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_offices.officeOrFacility.builtin.location%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24near%22%2C%22value%22%3A%7B%22lat%22%3A37.71486575542364%2C%22lng%22%3A-121.70322096098141%2C%22radius%22%3A16093%7D%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ### Disclaimer _This provider directory is provided as a convenience to you. It is not intended as a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any particular provider. Physicians are not employees or agents of Sutter Health or its subsidiaries. The information is submitted by each doctor and we make no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy of the information. You should verify the accuracy of the information directly with the provider's office._ _All doctors on this site are in the Sutter system. Doctors meeting your search criteria are presented in order of relevance based on search criteria, based on those providers with appointment availability._ [_Find out more about star ratings_](https://www.sutterhealth.org/star-ratings)_._ ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Find a provider","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Melissa S. Lara, M.D."}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"IndividualPhysician","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601","areaServed":[{"@type":"GeoCircle","geoMidpoint":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":37.71486575542364,"longitude":-121.70322096098141},"geoRadius":"80467"}],"availableService":[{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Cold and Flu Care"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Intrauterine Device Insertion"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Intrauterine Device Removal"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Laceration Repair"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Minor Office Procedures"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Obstetrical Care"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Skin Tag Removal"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Wound care","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/wound-care"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Annual physical exam"}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":"4.9","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1","reviewCount":"115"},"description":"Dr. Melissa S. Lara, M.D. practices Family Medicine in Livermore, CA. Accepting new patients.","faxNumber":"(510) 679-6581","hasCertification":[{"@type":"Certification","name":"Board Certification - Family Medicine"}],"hasCredential":[{"@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential","credentialCategory":"Medical school","name":"Universidad San Francisco de Quito"},{"@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential","credentialCategory":"Internship","name":"San Joaquin General Hospital"},{"@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential","credentialCategory":"Residency","name":"San Joaquin General Hospital, Family Medicine"}],"healthPlanNetworkId":["Aetna","Alignment","Anthem Blue Cross of California","Blue Shield of California","Central California Alliance for Health","Cigna","Health Net","HealthSmart","Multiplan","Pacific Health Alliance","PHCS (Private Healthcare Systems, Inc.)","Provider Networks of America","Santa Clara Family Health Plan","SCAN","Sutter Health Plan","TRICARE","UnitedHealthcare","Valley Health Plan"],"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","propertyID":"US NPI","value":"1679211593"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","representativeOfPage":true,"description":"Melissa S. Lara, M.D. profile picture","contentUrl":"https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/FYbvSk0oBFnES3oiVY0a39fKINHdECTM-3EbAfKWyWY/fit=crop,gravity=auto,width=480,height=480"},"isAcceptingNewPatients":true,"knowsLanguage":[{"@type":"Language","name":"English"},{"@type":"Language","name":"Spanish"}],"parentOrganization":{"@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org"},"practicesAt":[{"@type":"MedicalClinic","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/livermore-care-center-2012678031","name":"Livermore Care Center","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"7683 Southfront Road, Suite 100","addressLocality":"Livermore","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"94551","addressCountry":"US"},"geo":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":37.71486575542364,"longitude":-121.70322096098141},"telephone":"(925) 803-4790","faxNumber":"(510) 679-6581","hasMap":{"@type":"Map","url":"https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=7683+Southfront+Road+Livermore%2C+CA+94551+US&sll=37.71486575542364%2C-121.70322096098141"},"image":"https://a.mktgcdn.com/p/AY5sgMTH41uRHMsVxlKv-yRltk_iuk4K-VsFkM-M58Q/1600x700.jpg","openingHoursSpecification":[{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Sunday","opens":"00:00","closes":"00:00"},{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Monday","opens":"08:00","closes":"17:00"},{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Tuesday","opens":"08:00","closes":"17:00"},{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Wednesday","opens":"08:00","closes":"17:00"},{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Thursday","opens":"08:00","closes":"17:00"},{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Friday","opens":"08:00","closes":"17:00"},{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":"Saturday","opens":"00:00","closes":"00:00"}]}],"medicalSpecialty":[{"@type":"MedicalSpecialty","name":"Family Medicine","sameAs":["https://schema.org/PrimaryCare"]}],"memberOf":[{"@type":"Organization","name":"Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group"}],"name":"Melissa S. Lara, M.D.","potentialAction":{"@type":"ReserveAction","name":"Schedule appointment","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601","actionPlatform":["https://schema.org/DesktopWebPlatform","https://schema.org/MobileWebPlatform"]}},"telephone":"(925) 803-4790","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601","usNPI":"1679211593","sameAs":["https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#Person","https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1679211593"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601#Person","name":"Melissa S. Lara, M.D.","additionalName":"S.","alumniOf":[{"@type":"EducationalOrganization","name":"Universidad San Francisco de Quito"}],"familyName":"Lara","gender":"Female","givenName":"Melissa","hasOccupation":{"@type":"Occupation","name":"Family Doctor"},"honorificPrefix":"Dr.","honorificSuffix":"M.D.","jobTitle":"Physician","sameAs":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-melissa-s-lara-2025655601","knowsLanguage":[{"@type":"Language","name":"English"},{"@type":"Language","name":"Spanish"}],"worksFor":{"@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org"}} ```