The Arthritis Center of Riverside
About Our Facility

We are located in downtown Riverside adjacent to Riverside Community Hospital. The Arthritis Center of Riverside has been established since 1988.  Al Robert Franco, MD, FACR is the founder and Medical Director.  We have two medical providers and a staff of fourteen people to serve your medical needs.

 The Arthritis Center of Riverside Building

Our office is happy to assist you with your insurance questions. We are contracted and accept many of the major insurance plans such as PPO's, Indemnity Plans and we participate in the Medicare program. Please call our office and speak with the insurance department with any questions or concerns.

We have recently expanded our facility to approximately 5,000 square feet.  The Arthritis Center of Riverside is a full service Rheumatology Medical Center that includes the following services:

 ACR Staff

Services on site include:
• High Complexity Laboratory
• Radiology Facility
• Osteoporosis Center (DEXA Scanner) (Coming in the fall of 2000)
• Physical Therapy
• Infusion Therapy
• Preventive Medicine
• Nutritional Counseling and supplies
• Support groups (currently being formed)
• Patient Education
• Travel planning assistance

Laboratory Services:
• High Complexity Laboratory
• Licensed by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) under the supervision of
HCFA (Health Care Financing Act)
• Accredited by COLA (Commission of Laboratory Assessment)
• Consistently receives ratings 99%-100% during inspections
• State of the art equipment
• Licensed and experienced personnel

Technician at State of the Art Equipment Technician at State of the Art Equipment

Radiology Services:
• State of the art equipment
• High Energy Beam delivers less radiation
• Frequent inspections to ensure safety
• Licensed and experienced personnel
• Full Body DEXA scanning for Osteoporosis

 Technician at State of the Art Equipment

Physical Therapy:
• Vivatek NDR (Non-Invasive Disc Rehapilitation)
• Spinal Manipulation
• Pain Management
• Exercise programs
• Ultrasound
• Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture

Office Hours:
Regular office hours are from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
We are closed on Fridays.

By Appointment Only:
As a necessity, Dr. Franco and Dr. Lallande must work by appointment. Every effort will be made to see each patient in the earliest possible time frame. Should a situation arise where immediate treatment is needed, our staff will make a strong effort to schedule a same day appointment. If you are unable to keep an appointment, we ask that you contact our office beforehand no later than 48 hours prior to your appointment, in order for our staff to utilize your time period for another patient.

Financial Policy and Insurance:
In general, fees charged by our office are comparable to fees charged by other competent Rheumatologists in Southern California. The payment of fees is the direct obligation of the patient. All patients are required to resolve any payments owed on their account. If payment arrangements are needed, they must be approved in advance.

Emergencies:
After hours, weekends and on holidays Dr. Franco, Dr. Lallande or another physician covering for the doctors will be available for Rheumatology emergencies only. All other types of emergencies should be directed to you primary care provider. After hours, your call will be answered by the answering service.