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The Best Doctors in Boulder Colorado

Boulder, Colorado is known for its scenic beauty, thriving arts and culture, forwards-thinking business environment, and healthy population. The city of Boulder is located where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, in in Boulder Valley. Just outside the city are found the iconic Flatirons, visually striking vertical slabs of sedimentary rock which have come to symbolize the city of Boulder.

Click to enlarge health grade report

Outside the city lie thousands of acres of outdoor recreational space, nature preserves, and conservation easements, and nature preserves, most of which is open to the public. With its temperate and sunny climate, and access to outstanding rock climbing, cycling, kayaking, and hiking areas, it’s no wonder that Boulder, Colorado is one of the most active places in the country. In fact, Boulder has been ranked as the healthiest and fittest city ion the nation by sources like Forbes, USA Today, and AARP Magazine. The city of Boulder, Colorado is also supported by excellent healthcare infrastructure, including excellent doctors and medical facilities.

Some of the most notable healthcare facts about Boulder, Colorado:

  • 94.7% of Boulder residents have in medical insurance, a rate far exceeding the national average. About 56.6% are on employer-provided health plans, 8.03% on Medicare, 6.86% on Medicaid, 22.6% on non-group plans, and 0.618% on VA or military plans.
  • There is one primary care doctor for every 1,243 patients in the state of Colorado, which is well below the national average.
  • The average healthcare spending per person in Boulder was $6,804 as of 2014, which included the charges picked up by health insurance plans.

The following guide to health professionals in Boulder will introduce you to the city’s largest medical centers and the most popular doctors in Boulder.

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Hospitals in Boulder

Boulder is home to three major medical centers:

  • Foothills Hospital
  • Boulder Community Health
  • Boulder Medical Center

Foothills Hospital is the city’s largest acute care hospital, with a total of 168 licensed beds. It is a nonprofit entity and a regional Level II Trauma Center. It is also a Nationally-certified Primary Stroke Center and offers the most comprehensive treatment for heart conditions in the county.

Boulder Community Health housed the facilities, staff, and services of Foothills Hospital up until 2014, when all acute care was transferred to the Foothills Hospital location. Foothills is now one of many medical centers that belong to the Boulder Community Health network. Other Boulder Community Health locations include:

  • Anderson Medical Center (cardiology)
  • Associated Neurologists
  • BCH Imaging at Boulder Medical Center
  • Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases
  • Boulder Community Health Sleep Diagnostics-Boulder
  • Boulder Surgery Center
  • Boulder Women’s Care

Boulder Medical Center is a medical facility rather than a hospital, and is the parent institution of Foothills Hospital. Outside of the Foothills trauma center, Boulder Medical Center offers many of the other services patients seek from hospitals, including surgery, urgent care, cardiology, and other specialty care. Boulder Medical Center has a total of five locations throughout Boulder County, including 80 primary care providers, 300 support staff, and services in 22 medical specialties.

Pediatricians in Boulder

Pediatricians are physicians that provide primary care to children, from birth to adolescence. They handle routine care, monitor development, and can recognize, diagnose, and treat a variety of illnesses and conditions in children. Children tend to contract illnesses more frequently than adults, and need more checkups and vaccinations, so regular pediatric care is important. A pediatrician can also check to see if children are hitting physical and cognitive developmental milestones (such as first words or first menstruation) on a typical timeline.

There are a total of 43 pediatricians practicing in Boulder. Many practice in the pediatric wing of a hospital or a medical center, and others work in a private practice or group practice. Some of the most popular pediatric groups in Boulder are:

  • The Pediatric Center of Boulder, Colorado, which has won multiple recognitions for excellence. There are five pediatricians and one nurse practitioner on staff at this large practice, and is open six days per week, with some evening hours for exams as well. The Pediatric Center of Boulder, Colorado has been in operation since 1982, and is a Certified Medical Home Practice endorsed by the Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy & Financing, a Patient-Centered Medical Home endorsed by the NCQA, and participates in the Colorado State Health Information Exchange.
  • Mindful Pediatrics, which blends evidence-based Western Medicine with a holistic approach to the medical treatment of children. Mindful Pediatrics emphasizes traditional general pediatrics, mindfulness, nutrition, and holistic medicine to treat the whole patient. The practice has a pediatrician, nutritionist, and physician’s assistant on staff, all of whom have extensive clinical medical experience as well as natural medicine training.

Family Practice Doctors in Boulder, Colorado

Like pediatricians, family practice doctors have the training required to oversee the health of children, from checkups and immunizations to treating illness and injury. But family medicine doctors are also qualified to treat adults, so they can serve as primary care physicians to people and families across the lifespan. Most primary care doctors today are doctors of family medicine.

There are 127 family medicine doctors located in Boulder, Colorado. There are many family medicine doctors working in hospitals, but many others work in group practices. The most popular family doctor groups in Colorado include:

  • Rocky Mountain Family Medicine, which has an impressive track record, boasting an average user rating of 4.6 stars based on 212 Google reviews. Conveniently, Rocky Mountain Family Medicine also offers occupational medicine, physical therapy, and urgent care services. Their family medicine practice has a strong emphasis on preventative medicine, providing routine physicals, well-child care, well-woman care, and sports physicals.
  • Boulder Valley Family Practice, which has locations in both Boulder and Broomfield. This family medicine practice offers same-day appointments, online scheduling, and is open until 6 pm weekdays (an hour later than most practices). Boulder Valley Family Practice provides routine checkups, acute care, and sports medicine, plus Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Boulder Valley Family Practice has one family medicine doctor, a physician assistant and nurse on staff.

Internal Medicine Doctors in Boulder, Colorado

Doctors of internal medicine (aka “internists”) are another type of primary care provider. Like family medicine physicians, they are trained to provide checkups, deliver vaccinations, and to diagnose and treat routine injuries and illnesses. But doctors of internal medicine, like pediatricians, work with only a specific age group- in this case, adults. Internists focus on the conditions of adulthood and the aging process. They are trained to manage conditions like gout, arthritis, and heart disease that affect adults. They can also monitor conditions related to the aging process, such as menopause, ED, bone density loss, and memory problems.

There are 149 doctors of internal medicine located in Boulder, both in hospitals and in private or group practices. Many of these internists have other specialties as well, such as pulmonary disease, endocrinology, and orthopedics. A few of the most popular doctors of internal medicine in Boulder include:

  • Internal Medicine Associates of Foothills, which is part of the sizable Community Medical Associates, a group of clinics owned and operated by Boulder Community Health Network. Internal Medicine Associates of Foothills has three doctors on staff. The clinic won the Patients’ Choice Award from Vitals and is a designated NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home. In addition to regular office hours, Internal Medicine Associates of Foothills offers a free After Hours Nurse On Call for established patients.
  • Boulder Internal Medicine, which offers advanced preventative care based on a concierge medicine model. By paying a periodic enrollment fee, patients can have enhanced access to their doctors and receive preventative imaging and testing services that are not covered in traditional internal medicine settings. Boulder Internal Medicine has three doctors on staff, as well as a physician’s assistant and nurse practitioner.

Specialist Doctors in Boulder, Colorado

Primary care doctors focus on routine care, so when they identify an issue that goes beyond the scope of everyday treatment, they will refer their patient to a specialist. Specialist doctors have general medical training, plus advanced training in caring for a specific system of the body, body part, or medical condition. Some of the most well-known specialty physician types are Hematologists (who treat conditions of the blood), Dermatologists (who treat skin conditions), Obstetricians (who handle pregnancy and childbirth), and Cardiologists (who treat the heart).

Boulder Medical Center is a major base for specialist doctors, as BMC offers 22 medical specialities, such as:

  • Allergy
  • Audiology
  • Cardiology
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • General Surgery
  • Neurology
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Psychiatry
  • Podiatry

Boulder Community Health also has many specialist doctors, who makeup the majority of the 400+ physicians with privileges at BCH. Boulder Community Health is particularly known for their excellence in:

  • Cardiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Oncology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Neurology

The Most Popular Doctors in Boulder, Colorado

Boulder Valley Family Practice is one of the city’s most popular location for doctors of both family medicine and osteopathy. The practice has three medical providers on staff, and has a location in Broomfield as well as one in Boulder. Many people turn to urgent care rather than seeing their primary care doctor because they can’t get same-day appointments, but Boulder Valley Family Practice reserves openings daily for established patients who need to be seen that day for an urgent medical issue. The office also specializes in sports medicine, and offers services that focus on athletes such as corticosteroid injections.Doctor at Your Door LLC is another very popular doctor’s practice in Boulder, and has earned a five-star average user rating on Google. Just as the name suggests, Doctor at Your Door LLC offers house calls by a holistic, board-certified pediatrician, with or without an assistant. Children who are too young, too sick, or too afraid of doctor’s offices to conveniently bring to a clinic can be quickly and conveniently treated through this service.

Just as Doctor at Your Door LLC focuses on the care of children, Wisdom Health focuses on the medical care of older adults at locations in Boulder and Louisville. Wisdom Health Boulder has been in operation for ten years and provides primary care, mental wellness and psychiatry, and geriatric medical consultations. The practice has two doctors, two physician assistants, and three nurse practitioners on staff, all of whom specialize in the care of adults aged 65 and up.

Telemedicine in Boulder, Colorado

If you’d rather not drive to a doctor’s office and spend time in the waiting room, you’re certainly not alone. Thanks to telemedicine, house calls are no longer a thing of the past. By seeing a medical provider through video chat, you can get routine medical services performed from the comfort of your home. Some of the services commonly provided through telemedicine are:

  • Medical diagnosis of routine ailments
  • Orders for lab work
  • Refills or new prescriptions
  • Nutritional consultations
  • Mental health services

The following telemedicine providers are available to patients residing throughout the state of Colorado:

Care On Location works directly with Colorado-based medical providers to offer remote care. The service is available 24/7, though most providers schedule their hours between 10 am and 10 pm. Care on Location provides urgent care and medical care appointments with physicians, physician-assistants, and nurse-practitioners, including providers who are experienced in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Care On Location was a 2018 Prime Health Challenge Winner for Innovation in Healthcare.

Tembihealth offers telemedicine throughout twelve states, including Colorado. The service provides consultations with doctors and nurse practitioners via video conference or telephone call. Providers can order new prescriptions and refill existing prescriptions, as well as emailing patients an order form to take to a lab or radiology center for tests. Tembihealth charges a flat fee of $49.99 per visit, which can be paid through FSA/HSA as well as credit card.

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Providers

The 15 Best Telemedicine Providers of 2020

Family With Daughter In Consultation With Doctor In Office


Americans love convenience. But our need for convenience is there for a reason.  Yes, some things have gone a little too far when it comes to convenience such as the two hour grocery shipping policy offered by some online grocery chains, and phrases like “hey Alexa” are now replacing a good old fashioned search query. Those are just a couple of examples of how convenience really clouds what is necessary.  But the convenience of online medicine is more than just another American whimsy- because of our healthcare system and our work demands for most people telemedicine is an absolute necessity.  

Even the idea that you may have to book a doctor’s appointment can be enough to put you off getting to the bottom of your medical concern.  For many booking an appointment with your doctor is a Catch 22. Just because your doctor’s office has an availability doesn’t mean your boss is going to be as flexible.  And showing up for an appointment late because of yet another horrendous traffic jam only to find out that you lost your slot and have to start all over is enough to make you scream.  Add to this fun mix that being sick and being in public stressed out simply exacerbate the symptoms. Finding that bill in the mail in the triple digits for what seemed like a routine lab makes our healthcare system look more like a biting piece of satire than a human right.  Still, politicians may be far off from coming up with a workable solution. Enter telemedicine. 

Telemedicine offers a very good option for every American looking to improve their access to health care. Whether you are swamped at work, finding your child sick in the middle of the night (again), completely uninsured, have just received a diagnosis of cancer and are looking for a second opinion, or are simply looking for a cheaper and quicker solution to well being.  Try telemedicine. Overwhelmingly, clients have reported that they are impressed and satisfied with their experience and will be doing this again. These services offer a very good solution to what likely feels like a broken healthcare system. Most of these services are risk-free so you won’t be charged until you have actually booked a consultation.  

To rate the best telemedicine providers we took a look at their prices, delivery methods, and range of conditions they treat. Take a look! 

1. MD Live 

MD Live offers a wide range of medical services including skin, health, and mental health concerns. They have 24/7 access which means you can avoid heading into the emergency room. 

Pricing Guide: 

  • Urgent Care: $75
  • Counseling: $99
  • Psychiatry: $259
  • Dermatology: $69

They can have prescription medications shipped to your pharmacy. MDLive treats over 50 common medical ailments like: 

  • Flu
  • Allergies
  • UTIs 
  • Pink Eye 
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea 
  • And More 

Register with MDLive’s secure app and you will be good to go!

2. iclinic

iCliniq is an online directory that connects you with virtual doctors in all 50 states and internationally as well. There are dozens of specialties from which to choose. 

Consult prices: 

  • Initial Inquiry: $19.99
  • Discussion with Doctor: $29.99

You can query the site based on the doctor’s name or their specialty.  They have an extensive list including: 

  • General Medicine 
  • Ayurvedic 
  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Endocrinology
  • Stem Cell Therapy
  • Yoga
  • Naturopathy
  • Medical Oncology
  • And More 

Sign up for their services online. 

3. LiveHealth Online 

LiveHealth Online is a convenient online medical service that offers fast and affordable medical solutions 365 days a year 24/7.  They offer medical, psychological, psychiatry, and allergy services.  

Pricing Guide: 

  • Medical pricing: Generally $59
  • Psychology pricing: $95, $85 
  • Psychiatry: $175 initial, $75 follow-up

Some of the common reasons to call LiveHealth Online include 

  • Flu
  • Anxiety
  • Rash
  • Tooth pain
  • Allergies
  • Cold
  • Diarrhea
  • Stress
  • Skin Conditions
  • Sore Throat 
  • And More 

If you are looking for high-quality convenient medial appointments check out LiveHealth Online. 

4. Teladoc

People love Teladoc and it’s no wonder.  They are professional, convenient and offer a wide range of services.  Simply download their app and fill in a brief medical history and you will be ready to go. 

Pricing Guide: 

  • Everyday Care: $49 or less 
  • Dermatology: $75 or less 
  • Mental Health: Therapist $80, Psychiatrist is $200 for initial visit then $95 follow-ups

You can find solutions to many common health concerns including conditions like: 

  • Cold
  • UTIs
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Ear Infection
  • Flu
  • Allergies
  • And More 

Your employer and health plan do affect which services are covered. This app-based service is easy and convenient. 

5. American Ecare

American Ecare is an app-based service that welcomes individuals with myriad of medical concerns. They even have an Urgent Care service. You simply need to download their app and you will be ready to get started. You can browse through services or learn more about individual physicians. 

Pricing Guide: 

  • Insurance Determines the Price 

Services Covered: 

  • Allergies 
  • Back Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Diabetes Management
  • Weight Loss 
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Bronchitis and Pneumonia
  • Cellulitis and Skin Infections 
  • Menopause
  • Prostate Cancer Risk
  • And More 

There are endless services available through AmericanEcare. 

6. Dr.onDemand 

Dr. on Demand is an online telemedicine service that offers affordable online doctor care for insured on uninsured people. They have four areas of medicine they focus on each with a vast number of medical conditions: urgent care, behavioral health, preventative health, chronic care. 

Pricing Guide for those without insurance:

  • Medical Visit: $75
  • Therapy: $129
  • Psychiatry: $299

Insurance likely lowers the price of these services which include: 

  • Cold
  • Flu
  • Cough 
  • Rash
  • Sunburn
  • Allergies
  • IBS
  • Fatigue 
  • Yeast Infections
  • Anxiety 
  • Stress
  • And More 

As you can see if you are suffering then chances are that Dr.OnDemand can lend a hand.  Having your own health insurance is likely to bring the cost of these services down. 

7. This American DOC

This American Doc does things a little differently. This is an online service that is run by actual physicians. Claiming that online doctor services are unfair and pay poorly, This American Doc aims to ensure that doctors are getting paid fairly and in turn, customers are receiving higher quality support. 

Areas Treated by This American Doc: 

  • Anesthesiology
  • Audiology
  • Behavioral Health
  • Cardiovascular Disease 
  • Dermatology 
  • Family Medicine
  • Urgent Care
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychotherapy
  • Wound Care
  • Epidemiology 
  • OBGYN
  • Rheumatology
  • And More

This is a comprehensive online telemedicine service with quality at its core. 

8. HealthTap

HealthTap describes their services as modern, high-quality and affordable. Individuals, companies, and organizations, as well as doctors, may all sign up for HealthTap. The company offers 24/7 support.  

Price Guide: 

  • Virtual Consult with Physician: $49
  • Searchable doctor-answered questions: Free 
  • Personalized Answers: Free 

Evaluate your symptoms using their complimentary app.  Get treated for conditions like:

  • Migraines
  • Flu
  • Cough 
  • Cold 
  • Headaches
  • Pediatrics 
  • And More 

Individuals and companies rejoice there is now a convenient online service available for any individual looking for an affordable way to be well.  

9. Virtuwell 

Virtuwell is a 24/7 online clinic that boasts ease of service.  You simply log on, answer a few questions, insert your health insurance information and you will be ready to go.  Prices will change depending on health insurance but you will never be charged more than $49. 

Price Guide: 

  • Without Insurance: $49

Take a look at just a few of the conditions that Virtuwell treats: 

Sinus 

Coughs

Allergies

Bacterial Vaginosis 

Birth Control

Bladder Infections

Pink Eye

Ear Infection (5 and older)

Chronic Prevention

Skin Rashes

And MUCH more

We love how simple this app is as well as how clear.  This affordable online telemedicine service is definitely worth checking out. 

10. 2ndMD

If you are looking for a quick way to find that second opinion, then you need to check out 2ndMD. You could link up with them through your employer or independently. 

Pricing Guide: 

  • Insurance: May Be Free Check With Company
  • Uninsured: $4,000

This is an expensive service if you are uninsured and really focuses on individuals who need specialists to investigate their condition.  If you are looking for a convenient service that caters to common ailments one of the other services we provided may be a better fit. However, for 2nd opinions, this is a fantastic option! 

What is treated: 

  • Most everything! 

11. MeMD 

MeMD has been getting a lot of buzz lately and it’s not difficult to see why they cover a lot of ground with their online services. It is an app for businesses or individual that treats a wide range of medical and behavioral conditions. This is a 24/7/365 app. 

Price Guide:

  • Medical: $67
  • Therapy: $85

They treat a ton of common medical conditions including: 

  • Addiction
  • Acne
  • Abuse
  • Conduct Disorder
  • BV
  • Bruises
  • Cough
  • Dehydration 
  • Frostbite
  • Gout
  • Sinus Symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Pink Eye 
  • Jock Itch
  • Genital Warts 
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Eyelash thinning 
  • Social Anxiety
  • And MUCH more 

We love this app because they cover a ton of ground and even provide talk therapy for teens. 

12. MD Proactive

MD Proactive is a great service for any individual who does not have health insurance though if you do then all the better!  They also offer lab testing at home including STD tests.  

Their prices are fair starting at $39.95 and going up from there. Take a look.

Pricing Guide: 

  • Ear Infection: $39.95
  • Acne: $39.95
  • STD Treatment: $49.95
  • Alcohol Use Disorder: $79.95

They treat many conditions and prices are dependent on condition. Many are priced at $49.95. Here’s a glimpse of what they treat: 

  • Ear Infection
  • Sinusitis
  • Sore Throat
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
  • Laryngitis
  • Conjunctivitis 
  • Flu
  • Acne
  • Medication Refill 
  • Tooth Ache/Infection
  • Herpes
  • Yeast Infections
  • Erectile Dysfunction for Men 
  • And More 

Looking for an affordable alternative? Give them a shot. 

13. Zipnosis 

Zipnosis promises something better where healthcare is concerned.  They offer everything including urgent care, follow-up appointments behavioral health, and much more. This service is tailored to the individual who has precious little time.  If that’s you then save yourself some time and check them out now.  

Pricing Guide:

  • Depends on what is needed but typically $25

Zipnosis hopes to streamline your experience in healthcare. Typically you will be charged $25 for a service through Zipnosis but if you need to see a physician in person they do refund you this charge.  

What they treat: 

  • Sinus Cold Infections Flue
  • UTI
  • Cosmetic
  • Eye ear and mouth
  • Vaginal Yeast
  • Pink Eye 
  • Sexual Health
  • Respiratory infections
  • Mental Health
  • Stomach Problems
  • Skin and Nails 
  • Other Concerns

If you can’t wait for better care, don’t hesitate to try Zipnosis now. 

14. Second Opinions

Second Opinions is just as it sounds. This site seeks to address a common problem that may never be eradicated from our healthcare system- human error.  Human error accounts for thousands of fatalities every year and while it may not be stoppable you can route yourself around it. If you feel like your doctor’s opinion is not quite right then you may want to jump on and give second opinions a try. 

Price Guide 

  • Silver Plan: $699
  • Gold: $1299 (includes 10 consultations) 
  • Platinum: $2000 (includes 10 specialty medical consultations)

Reimbursement is offered through your health insurance plan. This service covers just about every type of condition as this is a second opinion site.  

15. Call a Doctor Plus

Call a Doctor Plus offers affordable convenient 24/7 care to individuals who are looking for something new in healthcare. If you are tired of medical debt and are tired of waiting for hours at a time in a clinic and taking off work to do so then why not look into Call A Doctor Plus. The program covers everyone in your family. 

Pricing Guide:


Call a Doctor plus lets you shop around online to pair with a service that works for your budget.

Also partnered with Teledoc which costs about $49 for a general medical care consultation. The company covers just about everything and additionally helps you to navigate the ever-confusing healthcare system so that you can anticipate extra expenses in advance. 

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Resources

Can I Get Antibiotics Prescribed Online?

Medical nurse consulting with general practitioner via video call and recommending tablets to senior patient

Right now state medical boards are having a tricky time, while attempting to fulfill their duty to protect the public, determining how to adapt standards and regulations that have traditionally been adapted to a medical clinic or office to a new online medical model. State boards are particularly concerned about the following four areas:

  • When a Physician-Patient Relationship Is Considered Established
  • Patient Data Privacy
  • Treatment and Evaluation Online
  • Guidelines for When to Prescribe Certain Medications

Doctors who engage in telemedicine practices are held to the same high standards as doctors who are practicing in their offices. These doctors are expected to adhere to all of the same ethical codes including when it comes to prescribing antibiotics.

Establishing Physician-Patient Relationships

To establish a physician-patient relationship the patient must seek out the relationship and the physician must accept. The doctor must also fully disclose their credentials to initiate a relationship with their online patient. It really is that simple. That being said taking this initial step helps to keep the patient secure.

Patient Data Privacy

Technology does not always feel very secure and as these trends have emerged we have seen medical data breaches. It’s important to note, however, that as most medical records are recorded electronically it is possible for most medical data to be breached though highly uncommon. That being said in order for an online doctor to prescribe an antibiotic or any type of medicine that teleconference should be carried out through secured electronic conversations. Typically, these conversations happen through some form of secure videoconferencing technology. Emails texts and other types of online communication tools are not considered to be secured and are not typical ways in which to communicate with an online doctor.

Treatment and Evaluation Online

When it comes down to it, an online doctor will not prescribe medication without the confidence that he or she understands your needs. There are plenty of common ailments that don’t require very much evaluation time. Some sites will prescribe antibiotics based on the common ailment. Do you have a urinary tract infection? Is your child sick with an ear infection? These are the type of common requests that many doctors feel comfortable offering up an online prescription antibiotic. In other instances, you may not even need to have a diagnosis in order to obtain a prescription for an antibiotic. If you have a recurring case of bacteria and know exactly which antibiotic you need it is possible to head to a site like Push Health and simply enter in your state, zip code, and address and request a specific type of antibiotic directly. Services like this are convenient and fast and are a great option for when you need to get access to a specific antibiotic quickly and feel as though getting into a doctor’s office is not likely

Guidelines for When to Prescribe Certain Medication

Doctors prescribing online are just using their own discretion. Without an in-person evaluation, the doctor is relying on commonality and trust in the patient’s explanation of the ailment in order to make the judgment call. Some services like Hey Doctor make obtaining a prescription much more accessible and have predetermined services available many of which have standard set prices which are affordable. Services like Hey Doctor work because they are convenient and do not require extra evaluation time. If you are looking for prescription antibiotic services like this one may be what you need.

What Happens if My Online Doctor Is Uncertain?

Since you aren’t doing an in-person evaluation a doctor may not be 100% certain that your ailment is bacterial. Anbibiotics treat bacteria. When an online doctor is unable to ascertain whether your issue is bacterial, viral or fungal she may need to write a referral for a lab. Not all issues can be taken care of with antibiotics and it is not always wise to head back in for more and more antibiotics. Upon receiving the results of your lab your doctor can then safely proceed with or without a prescription for antibiotics.

When Should I Take Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are not always the best choice. Sure, antibiotics are convenient and take care of a lot of what ails us- bacteria, but they’re not always necessary. Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about antibiotic resistance. This phenomenon occurs when an individual has taken too many courses of antibiotics in their lifetime. Antibiotics save lives and are absolutely necessary sometimes, but using antibiotics as a convenience to shorten the duration of an infection may not always be the wise option. Here are some things to ask yourself before pulling the trigger on antibiotics:

  • Can my body fight off this infection on its own?
  • Are there things I can be doing to prevent sickness?
  • Have I taken my flu shot?
  • How many times have I taken antibiotics this year?
  • Is this a recurring problem that can be solved some other way?

Asking these questions may be just what is needed to prevent antibiotic resistance and help to save you of unnecessary GI distress down the road. If you can’t fight the infection or the infection is causing more complications then it is absolutely time to consider antibiotics.

Antibiotics are available online, and online doctors and online medical services are an affordable and convenient option if you are looking to solve problems without having to book an appointment with a doctor. Consulting with an online doctor about antibiotics may be just what is needed to get you back on your feet safely and quickly.

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Resources

Can I Get Pain Medicine Prescribed Online?

Portrait of an injured sportsman suffering from knee pain while sitting outdoors

There has been a lot of bad press lately with regards to prescription pain medication. Prescribed opiates are getting the blame for ramping up the latest opioid crisis in America. It may come as no surprise therefore, that finding an online prescription for pain medication is a lot trickier than other prescriptions like antibiotics.

Because of this, there has been a crackdown on controlled substances and many doctors refer out as they no longer feel comfortable writing these types of prescriptions. Each doctor is different and there are certain regions in the US that are more strict than others. States like West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Kentucky are among the top states affected by opioid overdose and have some of the strictest regulations restricting these medications.

Ryan Haight’s overdose changed the game with regards to online prescriptions. He obtained pain medication online without a prescription and this was enough for Congress to make some changes at the federal level.

In 2008 Congress passed the Ryan Haight Act. The Ryan Haight Act was created to regulate online prescriptions and is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This is why when it comes to controlled substances you won’t be able to simply click a few links before you are heading out the door to pick up your prescription at your local pharmacy.

The Ryan Haight Act made it so that practitioners would have to follow a few key points before writing a pain medicine prescription. Let’s take a look!

  • Practitioners who wish to issues any prescription for any controlled substance must first conduct an in-person evaluation. Practitioners are required to repeat the in-person evaluation after a period of 24 months.
  • Any Prescriber who is working within a federal health care system must familiarize themselves with that particular organization’s policy. Veteran’s Affairs, for example, may qualify for special circumstances.
  • Practitioners will also need to be sure that they are compliant with any other state or federal rules and policies regarding controlled substances.

So it does appear as though an individual can be prescribed pain medication online but not without an in-person evaluation. A refilled prescription after the initial evaluation is a much more likely scenario. In 2018 Congress did propose a few changes in the “Improving Access to Remote Behavioral Health Treatment Act”

The “Improving Access to Remote Behavioral Health Treatment Act” aims to assist patients who are in addiction recovery or in mental health facilities. These facilities should apply to become DEA registered. If your clinic is DEA registered then telemedicine provides will be able to prescribe pain medication at those facilities without an in-person prescription. This is especially useful with regards to the prescription of Methadone for patients who are suffering from an Opiate Abuse Disorder.

Seven Exceptions to the Ryan Haight Act of 2008

(Instances in which you can get prescription pain medicine online)

Exception One: Treatment in a Hospital or Clinic. Patients may opt for telemedicine prescriptions while being treated in a hospital or clinic.

Exception Two: The patient is in the physical presence of another practitioner.

Exception Three: Telemedicine in offered through an Indian Health Service or tribal organization.

Exception Four: The Secretary of Health has declared a public health emergency

Exception Five: The practitioner has obtained a special registration under section 311(h) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 831(h))

Exception Six: The department of veteran affairs has declared a medical emergency:

  • The patient is prevented from being in the presence of a practitioner
  • Patient prevented from being physically present in a hospital
  • Primary care physician unable to provide care
  • Another practitioner believes prescription will prevent further injury or death by a registered veteran health practitioner

Exception Seven: Other circumstances.

If you are on the lookout for an online prescription pain medication, it is not entirely possible but is not the easiest prescription to obtain for good reasons. We mentioned earlier that a number of primary care providers are finding it difficult to prescribe these types of medications during a visit. The opiate epidemic has made it difficult for patients who truly need these prescriptions to have access to them. If you are in pain and struggling to gain access to the appropriate medications for pain take a look at our checklist to see how you may be able to move past this roadblock.

Pain Medication Check List

Assess your own pain. Do you need a prescription? Is an over the counter option going to work well or are there other therapies that will help you to get past your pain

Book an appointment with your primary care provider. If you haven’t already done so do talk to your primary care provider about your pain. S/he may be able to recommend movements to help alleviate the pain or may write your prescription based off of your in-person evaluation.

Ask for a referral to see a pain specialist. If your primary care provider is not sure about prescribing you a pain medication S/he can always write you a prescription with a pain specialist.

Take data on your pain and have your information ready to share with your pain specialist.

Finding relief from pain is tricky but taking the necessary steps will help you to have access to online pain medication prescriptions down the road.

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Providers

The Best Doctors in Laredo

Laredo is a bustling border town in Texas, just across the Rio Grande from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is the county seat of, and largest city in, Webb County, which itself covers a full 3,376 square miles. The city is an old one as well as a busy one, having been founded back in 1755. Today, Laredo has a population of 259,512, over 95% of whom are 95.6% Hispanic and Latino.

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The city is home to the largest inland port in the US, and Laredo’s economy is based primarily around international trade with Mexico. In fact, 47% of trade from the US to Mexico, and 36% of trade from Mexico to the US, passes through the city of Laredo. As a result, there are many major transportation companies that have facilities located in Laredo, and the city is linked to a railway bridge and four international bridges, as well as Laredo International Airport.

Some of the most notable healthcare facts about the area include:

  • 70.9% of Laredo residents are enrolled in health insurance, with 31.3% on employer-provided plans, 5.2% on Medicare, 25.7% on Medicaid, 7.9% on non-group plans, and 0.88% on VA or military plans.
  • There is one primary care doctor per 1,670 patients in the state of Texas
    • 1.7% of workers in Laredo work in health diagnosis and treatment, 1.2% work as healthcare technicians, and 4.6% work in healthcare support roles.
  • The average healthcare consumer in Laredo spent $6,998 as of 2014, which included charges picked up by insurance providers.
  • Health conditions related to obesity are a primary concern in this area, where 64 % of men and 62% of women are obese
  • Laredo Medical Center is the sixth-largest employer in the city, just after the government of Webb County, employing an estimated 1,300 residents.
  • The average household income for the city is only $32,019, but this is offset by the lower cost of living in Laredo, which is a full 32.3% below the national average. On healthcare, however, the average cost is just 2.1% below the national average.

This overview of Health Care Professionals in Laredo covers the most popular medical professionals and healthcare settings in the city’s metro area, so you can better understand the local options for services and providers.

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Hospitals in Laredo

Laredo is the site of six major medical centers. These include:

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Laredo branch
  • Laredo Medical Center
  • Doctor’s Hospital
  • Gateway Community Health Center
  • Providence Surgical & Medical Center
  • Laredo Specialty Hospital

As a teaching hospital, the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Laredo branch is especially notable for being well-resourced and highly hated. Teaching hospitals are, associated with higher quality of care and patient outcomes, thanks to the large numbers of residents and interns overseen by experienced physicians.

Laredo Medical Center is the area’s largest hospital, and has been recognized by national bodies such as the Joint Commission for excellence in such areas as Stroke Care, Chest Pain, Bariatrics, and Neonatal Intensive Care. It has the largest emergency center in the area, which has been designated as an Advanced Level III Trauma Center.

Doctors Hospital of Laredo is the second-largest medical center in the city, with a total area campus area of over 58 acres and 250,000 square feet of facilities, which houses 180 licensed beds. The facility is affiliated with Universal Health Services. In addition to standard hospital services (such as emergency care), Doctor’s Hospital offers Bariatric Weight Loss Services, Heart Care, Joint Replacement, Maternity Care, Occupational Health Services, Sleep Medicine, and Wound Care. Doctors Hospital is especially notable for its well-regarded and comprehensive Cancer Care, offered through the The Doctors Regional Cancer Treatment Center.

The Laredo Specialty Hospital is a private hospital which was founded in 2006. This large hospital has a total of 40 licensed beds and offers services such as Hemodialysis, Outpatient and Inpatient Surgery, Urology, and Pulmonology.

The Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital, which is a proprietary institution affiliated with Ernest Health, is located in the Base neighborhood of Laredo. This medical center is focused on inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care, serving primarily patients recovering from surgery, injuries, stroke, and other major medical events. The Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital has a total of 20licensed inpatient beds. This medical center has been ranked among the nation’s top 10% in rehabilitative care by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) for four years in a row, and is particularly recognized for its care of stroke survivors.

Laredo is also home to several health centers. Unlike hospitals, these institutions do not offer emergency care, but have healthcare providers and clinics offering a range of centralized medical services. The largest of these, the Gateway Community Health Center is a nonprofit health center supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gateway has three branches in the greater Laredo area: the El Cenizo Community Center, the South Clinic, and the Quad City Community Center. Its main building is an impressive 4,000 square feet in size. Gateway provides services that include Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Podiatry, Oral Health, and Behavioral Health.

Pediatricians in Laredo

Just as adults have primary care physicians in charge of their general medical care, children depend on pediatricians. Pediatricians are the general medical providers for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. They have training to diagnose and treat developmental age-specific issues, such as problems related to teething or puberty. They also treat children for general medical issues, from flus to rashes. Children tend to get sick more often than adultsz, and also require more developmental checkups and routine vaccinations. This means that finding a pediatrician who is reliable and available is especially important.

Most people who work in pediatrics are general pediatricians, but there are also pediatric specialists who treat specific conditions among children, such as:

  • Pediatric Cardiologists
  • Pediatric Dermatologists
  • Pediatric Neurologists
  • Pediatric Surgeons
  • Pediatric Allergists

There are 36 pediatric doctors practicing in Laredo, including both general pediatricians and specialists, such as pediatric allergists and pediatric psychiatrists. There are also several group pediatrics practices located in Laredo, including Laredo Pediatrics-Neonatology, Children’s Clinic, Recto Pediatrics, and Safari Pediatrics. Of these, Laredo Pediatrics-Neonatology has garnered the highest number of positive google reviews, with patients praising the responsiveness of their physician.

Family Practice Doctors in Laredo, Texas

Family practice doctors see patients across the lifespan, from babies to older adults. They perform routine checkups, diagnose and treat diseases, and serve as primary care physicians. In fact, most primary care doctors are family practice physicians.

It can make sense to see a family practice doctor as your primary care physician if you anticipate that you will need mostly routine care, and if you’d like to have family members of different ages seen by the same physician. Its worth noting that you don’t need to have a family in order to see a family physician.

There are 63 doctors of family medicine located in Laredo. One of the highest-rated by patients is Dr. Isaias Garza Jr, who has a full 37 years’ experience in the field. Another is Dr. Maurice A Click Jr, with 30 years’ in practice. Some of the most experienced family medicine doctors in the area are Dr. Oscar Benavides, with 39 years’ experience, and Dr. Luis M Benavides, with no less than 44 years’ experience. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna are the most widely accepted forms of insurance among family medicine practitioners in Laredo.

Internal Medicine Doctors in Laredo, Texas

Internal Medicine Doctors (also called “Internists”), are another type of primary care physician. Unlike family medicine doctors, doctors of internal medicine focus exclusively on treating adults. They provide services such as routine care, annual checkups, illnesses, and vaccinations. They are also trained in diagnosing and managing conditions that commonly affect adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, menopause, and gout. Internists make referrals to specialists and serve as the hub of a medical treatment team. A doctor f internal medicine is a good choice in general practitioners if you have an ongoing medical condition (such as IBS, epilepsy, or asthma) that is likely to require more than just routine care.

There are a full 68 doctors of internal medicine based in Laredo. The majority of these are in independent practice, though many more work within hospitals and group practices. Some of the more notable doctors of internal medicine in Laredo include:

  • Dr. Arturo A Martinez, who has worked in the field for 41 years and speaks both English and Spanish. He has admitting privileges at Doctors Hospital Of Laredo, and is a member of the Laredo Internal Medicine Associates group practice.
  • Dr. Rana Beg, who has affiliations with Good Samaritan Medical Center and Laredo Medical Center, has 5 star ratings on Vitals and on Google. She has 8 years experience in the field.
  • Dr. Zakaria I Hamdan is an internist with 17 years’ experience and multiple five star patient ratings. Dr. Hamdam is affiliated with University Hospital.

Specialist Doctors in Laredo, Texas

When your primary care physician identifies a medical issue that falls outside the scope of routine care, they will make a referral to a specialist. Specialist doctors undergo advanced training to work with a specific part of the body (such as the skin, kidneys, or heart) or with a specific condition (such as cancer). Unless your insurance requires it, you don’t need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. If, for instance, you develop foot pain that concerns you, you can go ahead and book an appointment with a podiatrist (foot specialist) to get it checked out. Patients also see specialists for routine screenings such as annual pap smears, prostate exams, and skin cancer checks. A few of the most common medical specialty doctors include:

  • Gerontologists (who treat older adults)
  • Gynecologists (who deal with women’s reproductive and sexual health)
  • Rheumatologists (who treat joint conditions)
  • Cardiologists (who treat conditions of the heart and circulatory system)
  • Proctologists (who manage prostate health)

    • Many of Laredo’s specialists work in the area’s hospitals and medical centers, where they have access to in-house medical teams and advanced equipment, and larger facilities. For instance, the Laredo Specialty Hospital focuses on providing long-term acute care to patients who are recovering from serious injuries or illnesses, so they have specialists on staff in areas such as:

  • Anesthesiology and Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Orthopedics
  • Wound Care

    • Doctor’s hospital of Laredo, fo instance, has multiple specialists working in each of their service areas, which include:

    • Oncology
    • Cardiology
    • Radiology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Gynecology
    • Hyperbaric Medicine

    The Laredo Medical Center has specialists in a high number of fields as well, which include:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Oncology
    • Cardiology
    • Orthopedics
    • Obstetrics
    • Occupational Health Services
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Rehabilitation Services
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Wound Care

    The Most Popular Doctors in Laredo, Texas

    As noted above, Doctor’s Hospital of Laredo is highly regarded for its cancer care and emergency medicine. In addition to their many specialist doctors and nurse practitioners, they also have 33 family medicine doctors and 10 doctors of internal medicine on staff. Many people opt to see a doctor affiliated with a large hospital such as this because it allows them to easily access referrals within the same medical setting.

    Laredo Physicians Group is affiliated with Doctor’s Hospital of Laredo, and serves patients of all ages. Laredo Physicians Group provides medical care through both primary care and specialist doctors. Their staff of five physicians has:

    • a family medicine doctor
    • a hospitalist
    • a cardiovascular surgeon
    • a sports medicine doctor

    Laredo Physicians Group has a convenient and secure online patient portal where patients can not only view their medical records, make appointments, and pay bills, but also view lab results and communicate with their doctor.

    The Laredo Care Clinic is an urgent care facility affiliated with Laredo Medical Center, the city’s largest medical facility. The Laredo Care clinic is staffed by nurse practitioners, and stands out for offering highly accessible care, treating patients from toddlers to seniors with all sorts of health conditions and needs. Some of the services offered at Laredo Care Clinic include:

    • acute and routine illnesses and injuries
    • Heart disease/blood pressure management
    • Asthma management
    • Diabetes management
    • On-site lab and x-ray imaging

    The Laredo Care Clinic has two locations in the city: Laredo Care Clinic North (on McPherson Rd.) and Laredo Care Clinic South (on Highway 83). The clinic also offers community-based health and wellness events.

    Telemedicine in Laredo, Texas

    Nowadays, we book travel, shop, and even date remotely. So when it comes to getting medical care for routine ailments, a trip to a brick-and-mortar clinic or medical center can seem downright archaic. Thanks to telemedicine, you can use technology to save time and hassle by seeing a provider via video conference. Telemedicine is a great choice for addressing run-of-the-mill injuries and ailments such as a sinus infection, pinkeye, or the common cold. Some of the services offered through telemedicine include:

    • Medical evaluations
    • Refills of prescriptions
    • Nutritional consultations
    • Second opinions
    • Counseling and mental health

    Most telemedicine services also offer 24/7 coverage, so you can speak to a telemedicine doctor whenever you need to. Particularly when you’re not feeling well, being able to speak to a doctor or nurse practitioner over video chat from the comfort of your own home (or even your own sick bed!) is a game-changer.

    The following telemedicine providers are available throughout the state of Texas:

    Oscar stands out as a uniquely patient-centered health insurance company, and offers subscribers a number of valuable perks, along with a strong focus on health technology. Their telemedicine Doctor on Call service is free, unlimited, and is available 24/7. Their responsive concierge team answers questions and helps patients connect with the right doctor. In fact, this company has a higher rate of mobile engagement than any other health insurer. A full 63% of their subscribers’ interactions with their health care providers are virtual.

    Ambetter is also a health insurance company, but unlike Oscar, serves members only in the state of Texas. Ambetter is provided by Superior HealthPlan for the Health Insurance Marketplace. All providers in the Ambetter network provide telemedicine via mobile app or online video, so there’s no need to seek out a telemedicine-specific doctor. No prior authorization is required, and the deductible, co-payments, and co-insurance for a a telemedicine consultation are exactly the same as they would be for an office visit. In fact, in-network providers can be seen via telemedicine for a $0 copay cost through Ambetter.

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    Best Doctors in Buffalo

    Buffalo is the second largest city in New York, with a population of 256,304, and is the county seat or Eerie County. Buffalo is situated just 16 miles away from Niagara Falls, and borders Canada. Significant international commerce and travel across the US/Canada border passes through the city of Buffalo. The city’s robust economy, once built around manufacturing, is now centered around government, higher education, and healthcare. In fact, Kaleida Health and Catholic Health are two of the top five largest employers in the city of Buffalo, employing 10,000 and 6,628 people respectively.

    Click health report to enlarge

    Some of the most notable healthcare facts about the area include:

    • 94.9% of the population of Buffalo, NY has health coverage, with 36.6% on employee plans, 41.5% on Medicaid
    • Primary care physicians in Buffalo see an average of 1202 patients per year, which represents a 0.25% increase from the previous year (when they averaged 1199 patients).
    • Mental health providers located in Buffalo see an average of 393 patients per year and dentists see 1,240.
    • 3.78% of workers in Buffalo work in health diagnosis and treatment, 1.74% work jobs as healthcare technicians, and 6.76% are employed in healthcare support roles.
    • The overall cost of living in Buffalo is .9% lower than the national average, but the cost of healthcare in Buffalo is significantly below the national average- a full 25.5% less.
    • The median household income is $37,359 in Buffalo, and healthcare represents a significant expense. The average healthcare spending per person is $9,778 (including charges picked up by insurance).

    This overview of Health Care Professionals in Buffalo will explore some of the most prominent healthcare providers and institutions in the area.

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    Hospitals in Buffalo

    The city of Buffalo has two private healthcare systems, operate a combined total of eight hospitals, as well as a great many clinics. The state and county also operate three public hospitals in Buffalo. There are a total of 13 hospitals in the city, including:

    • Mercy Hospital of Buffalo (located in South Buffalo)
    • Sisters of Charity Hospital (located in Central Buffalo)
    • Kaleida Health (network with multiple locations)
    • Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute (located in Downtown Buffalo)
    • Oishei Children’s Hospital (located in Downtown Buffalo)
    • The Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) (located in Eastern Buffalo)
    • Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (located in Downtown Buffalo)
    • The Buffalo State Hospital (a mental and behavioral facility in Northern Buffalo operated by the state)
    • Kenmore Mercy Hospital (located in the suburb of Kenmore, NY)
    • St. Joseph’s Hospital (located in the suburb of Cheektowaga, NY)

    Many of these hospitals have noteworthy distinctions that make them stand out and attract patients from outside Buffalo itself. One of the city’s newest hospitals, Oishei Children’s Hospital, opened in 2017, and is one of the only children’s hospitals in the state of New York. Buffalo General Medical Center has earned top national rankings for its treatment and into the causes and treatment off stroke and neurological care. The Erie County Medical Center has also earned the distinction of Level One Trauma Center accreditation, and serves several regions outside of Buffalo and in Pennsylvania and Canada as well for both trauma and burn care. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is the world’s oldest institute devoted exclusively to cancer research, and is recognized as one of the nation’s top centers for cancer treatment and research, and attracts doctors from around the world.

    Pediatricians in Buffalo

    Children, just like adults, need a primary care physician. A pediatrician is a doctor trained to care for children from birth through adolescence. They handle the many check-ups and vaccinations that children require, monitor development, screen for health issues, and handle the common illnesses and injuries of childhood, from bumps on the head to runny noses. Pediatricians handle children with general medical problems (such as asthma or the flu) as well as medical issues particular to children (such as delayed puberty, teething problems, and scoliosis). Because children require more screenings, vaccinations, and checkups than adults (and get sick more frequently), it’s especially important to establish a longstanding relationship with a pediatrician.

    In addition to general pediatrics, some doctors practice pediatric specialties. This means treating a particular part or system of the body in children. For instance, a pediatric cardiologist treats heart problems in children. Some other pediatric specialists include:

    • Pediatric Endocrinologists
    • Pediatric Dermatologists
    • Pediatric Oncologist
    • Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists
    • Pediatric Allergists
    • Pediatric Hematologists

    There are 499 pediatricians located in Buffalo, New York, including those practicing as pediatric specialists. Some of these practitioners work in hospital settings or in solo practices, but many are part of a group practice, where doctors with similar treatment philosophies work as partners and share patient caseloads. One of the most popular pediatric groups in Buffalo is Buffalo Pediatric Associates, which has two locations in Buffalo and has earned a 3.6-star rating on Google. The practice has six providers, including three doctors and three nurse practitioners, one of whom is a certified lactation consultant. Three of their practitioners also have specific training in treating behavioral, psychiatric, and mental health issues in children and adolescents.

    Delaware Pediatrics is another popular group practice, with a 3.7 star rating on Google based on 32 reviews. The group’s seven doctors and four nurses have more than 100 years of combined experience in pediatric and adolescent medical practice. The facility also offers breastfeeding support and provides on-site counseling through two social workers and an on-site pediatric psychiatrist.

    Family Practice Doctors in Buffalo, New York

    Family practice physicians are primary care doctors who work with patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. Family practice doctors conduct routine checkups, diagnose and treat illnesses, deliver vaccines, and provide medical education to their patients. While general practitioners were once the most common type of primary care doctor, family practice physicians are now the norm. You don’t need to have a family in order to see a family practice doctor as your primary care physician, but if you do have a family, this option can allow your relatives young and old to all see the same physician.

    There are no less than 538 family medicine practitioners located in Buffalo, an impressive number even for a large city. One of the most highly rated and popular of these is Dr. Mohammadreza Azadfard, whose office is located in Amherst, a suburb of Buffalo. In addition to working as a family medicine doctor, Dr. Mohammadreza Azadfard has a specialty in addiction medicine. Dr. Ellis E Gomez is also highly rated, and won the 2018 Bridges to Excellence: Physician Office Systems Recognition award. He is affiliated with Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo and has 29 years of medical experience.

    Buffalo Medical Group is another popular option. This group physician practice dates back to 1946, and has a total of four main locations and eight satellite locations in the greater Buffalo area. In addition to family medicine doctors, Buffalo Medical Group has surgeons, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and nutritionists on staff, which makes seeing a referred specialist seamless.

    Internal Medicine Doctors in Buffalo, New York

    Internal Medicine Doctors (also known as “Internists”), are the other most common type of primary care physician. Doctors of internal medicine, unlike family care physicians, provide care exclusively for adults. Internists offer annual checkups, routine care, medical education, screenings, and vaccinations.

    If you have health concerns or conditions that may require more than routine care, a doctor of internal medicine is a good choice for your primary care physician. This is because internists are trained in diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, menopause, glaucoma, and others that affect adults. Having a knowledgable primary care physician to make referrals and serve as the hub of your treatment team can improve your health outcomes.

    There are 1,271 internal medicine doctors based in Buffalo. Erie County Medical Center, part of the University at Buffalo Medical Center, is one popular practice where patients see internal medicine doctors. The facility is centrally located, and, as part of a teaching hospital, has many medical residents on staff. UBMD Internal Medicine & Pediatrics is another well-established clinic, and is also affiliated with the University at Buffalo’s Department of Medicine. Their team has no less than 135 physicians, and serves patients throughout Western New York.

    Among Buffalo’s solo practitioners, Dr. Nicholas S Peters Jr. is one of several highly-rated internists. Dr. Nicholas S Peters Jr has additional specialties in Emergency Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, and sees patients in a total of five locations, such as the Regional Center For Wound Care and the Sitrin Medical Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Jyotsna Rajeswary has also earned high ratings from patients, and has a full 22 years’ experience as an internist. She is praised by patients for her bedside manner as well as her medical expertise.

    Specialist Doctors in Buffalo, New York

    Some medical issues are too serious or too complex to be spotted, diagnosed, and treated by a primary care physician. Others require special equipment and facilities. When a medical need falls outside the scope of basic routine care, you’ll need to see a specialist. A specialist doctor has standard medical training plus training in treating a specific part or system of the body or a specific medical condition. Some of the most well-known types of specialist doctor are:

    • Gerontologists (who treat seniors)
    • Dermatologists (who treat the skin)
    • Proctologists (who deal with prostate health)
    • Hematologists (who treat blood issues)
    • Allergists (who deal with allergies)

    Buffalo’s high number of well-resourced hospitals means that this city has a large number of specialist doctors. Some of the most prominent of these are the oncologists in the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Many of the Center’s 300 doctors focus exclusively on cancer research, but many more provide hands-on care, treating all forms of adult and pediatric cancer. As one of the country’s best cancer centers, Roswell Park employs some of the most expert oncologists in the nation.

    The Sisters of Charity Hospital, in addition to being a general medical and surgical hospital, also specializes in women’s health services. The hospital has a large number of specialists who treat women’s health issues on staff, including obstetricians (who specialize in fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth) and gynecologists (who specialize in women’s reproductive and sexual wellness).

    Buffalo General Medical Center and the adjacent Gates Vascular Institute are notable for their specialists who treat strokes and the physiological and neurological recovery process. In fact, the Gates Stroke Center is one of the nation’s largest stroke programs. The Center and Institute have a number of prominent cardiologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons on staff.

    The Most Popular Doctors in Buffalo, New York

    UB Family Medicine is a popular choice for primary care in Buffalo. This well-established medical group originated as a small academic practice back 1969, and is now a multi-site physician group that sees a collective 100,000 visits annually. The doctors of UB Family Medicine see patients across the life span, from infants through seniors, and have admitting privileges at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

    Buffalo Medical Group is another popular source of medical care, and is notable for its use of technology to improve health outcomes and patient convenience. Buffalo Medical Group was the first medical practice in Western New York to adopt the popular electronic platform, Epic, to manage our patient medical records. There are no less than 35 medical and surgical departments at Buffalo Medical Group, covering everything from primary care and sports medicine to neurology and podiatry. Buffalo Medical Group also operates 16 branches of clinical support services, such as radiation therapy and cardiac imaging.

    Pinnacle Orthopedic and Spine Specialists has earned an impressive average of 4 stars in Google reviews, based on feedback from 20 patients. The center offers specialized services in hand treatment, spinal surgery, knee and hip surgery, shoulder surgery, and physical or occupational therapy. Pinnacle Orthopedic and Spine Specialists offers the services of four physicians who provide medical care and surgery, and three therapists providing physical and occupational therapy.

    Telemedicine in Buffalo, New York

    When you’re feeling ill, the last thing you want to do is schedule an appointment with a doctor, drive to a medical center, check in at their office, wait in their waiting room before being seen. While house calls are a thing of the past, your doctor can save you a lot of time and trouble by seeing you in your own home (virtually) through telemedicine.

    By asking targeted questions, 70% of primary care medical issues can be diagnosed and treated fully online. In a telemedicine conference, you’ll video chat with a doctor or nurse practitioner via computer or an app on a mobile device. Routine medical concerns like sinus infections, allergies, colds, and flus can easily be resolved via telemedicine. Many insurance companies provide telemedicine services, which are cheaper for physicians and insurance carriers since there’s no overhead for facilities required. Many telemedicine services are available 24/7, so you can see a doctor from the comfort of home whenever a medical need pops up.

    Some telemedicine providers have nationwide coverage, while others operate within only one or several states. Telemedicine providers operating statewide in New York include:

    While many of the providers listed above are traditional medical care companies with telemedicine branches, Sherpaa is notable for its exclusive focus on telemedicine. This newer company offers fast and seamless connections with doctors. Sherpaa has a network of hundreds of physicians, each of whom is a full-time telemedicine provider for the company, and therefore an expert in remote consultations. Each has over ten years of professional experience practicing after finishing residency. Sherpaa’s telemedicine doctors order medical tests, prescribe medications, and make referrals to local specialists as needed. Unlike with most telemedicine services, Sherpaa subscribers can keep their same doctor for all visits, and keep their primary physician even if they change insurers.

    Ascension Online Care is also offered in New York for telemedicine appointments. Ascension has experienced doctors on call 24/7. Their physicians provide medical consultation, diagnosis, and can write or refill prescriptions when appropriate. While Sherpaa aims to replace primary care (as well as other medical needs) with telemedicine, Ascension Online Care aims to fill the needs that would otherwise bring users to an urgent care clinic. The cost of a virtual visit through Ascension Online Care comes to $49 and does not require insurance.

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    Best Doctors in Chandler

    Chandler is a suburb of the Phoenix metropolitan area, also known as the Valley of the Sun. In keeping with this name, the weather in Chandler is remarkably sunny, with an average of 330 sunny days per year. For this reason, some 15 Major League baseball teams do their spring training in this warm climate. The city is also notable for its embrace of tech; it’s home to manufacturing plants serving companies like Microchip, Motorola and Intel, as well as innovations like a public Solar Walk, city-sponsored entrepreneur incubation development program, and annual science festival. For these reasons, the city calls itself the Innovation and Technology Hub of the Southwest.

    Click on the health report to enlarge

    With its high population growth, strong tech presence, and strong infrastructure, Chandler has many cutting-edge medical centers, great health professionals, and popular medical practices. This, along with the high rates of activity among Chandler residents, has helped to make this city remarkably healthy, with an average life expectancy of over 80 years. The following guide to health professionals in Chandler covers some of the largest medical facilities and most prominent physicians in the the city.

    Some of the most notable healthcare facts about Chandler, Arizona:

    • 91.9% of Chandler residents have in medical insurance. About 62.5% are on employer-provided health plans, 9.39% on Medicare, 7.19% on Medicaid, 19% on non-group plans, and 1% on VA or military plans.
    • There is one primary care physician for every 1,519 patients in the state of Arizona
    • The average healthcare spending per person in Chandler was $6,452 as of 2014, which included the charges picked up by health insurance plans.
    • Although the overall cost of living in this city is 5% higher than the national average, the cost of healthcare in Chandler is actually about 2% lower than the national average.

    Our overview of Health Care Professionals in Chandler introduces the most popular medical settings and doctors in this city, so you can understand your options for medical services and providers.

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    Hospitals in Chandler

    Chandler is home to three major medical centers:

    • Chandler Regional Medical Center
    • Arizona Specialty Hospital
    • Dignity
    • Oasis Behavioral Health Hospital

    Chandler Regional Medical Center is the city’s largest hospital by far, with 338 licensed beds. It is a full-service, acute care, nonprofit hospital which dates back to 1961 and now serves the East Valley Phoenix metropolitan area. Chandler Regional Medical Center is a part of the Dignity Health system, which is among the biggest healthcare systems in the west. Chandler Regional Medical Center provides:

    • cardiovascular treatment
    • emergency care through their level I trauma center
    • a family birth center
    • gastroenterology
    • a sleep center
    • orthopedics

    Arizona Specialty Hospital is, like Chandler Regional Medical Center, part of the Dignity Health system. This short term cut care hospital has 24 beds and provides:

    • general medical services
    • bariatric services
    • orthopedic services

    Arizona Specialty Hospital has 6 operating rooms, and specializes in surgery related to Bariatrics, Orthopedics, Pain, Podiatry, and the Spine. This hospital has garnered a 95% patient satisfaction rating based on post-service patient surveys. Many patients discharged from Arizona Specialty Hospital receive rehabilitative care at Dignity Health East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliated medical center. Dignity Health East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital has 50 beds, and provides rehabilitative services like respiratory therapy and occupational therapy, with an emphasis on technology to track data and improve outcomes.

    Oasis Behavioral Health Hospital provides both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, and has a total of 146 licensed beds. Oasis Behavioral Health Hospital serves both adolescents and adults, and is particularly strong in addiction treatment. Unlike most behavioral health hospitals, Oasis Behavioral Health Hospital offers recreation services such as art therapy and yoga.

    Pediatricians in Chandler

    Pediatricians are doctors who provide primary care to children, from newborns to adolescents. They are trained to treat routine illnesses and injuries as they appear within this age group, and to monitor age-related developmental milestones, such as teething, speech development, and puberty. They can screen for commonly occurring childhood issues like scoliosis, ADHD, and lice, and can make referrals to pediatric specialists, such as pediatric cardiologists and pediatric neurologists, if needed.

    There are a total of 323 pediatricians practicing in Chandler, including general pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Many pediatricians practice in the pediatric wing of hospitals such as hospitals such as Chandler Regional; Medical Center, while others work in a private or group practice. Some of the most popular pediatric group practices in Chandler are:

    • Chandler Pediatrics, whose pediatric doctors have over 30 years of medical experience. Chandler Pediatrics provides sick and well visits for children, behavioral screenings, pediatric weight management, and even circumcision and ear piercing.
    • Pendleton Pediatrics, which has earned an impressive 4-star rating on Google based on 80 reviews. The medical team consists of one pediatric doctor and three certified nurse practitioners, as well as 12 support staff. Patients appreciate that visits are fast (with a total of 12 examination rooms) and hygienic (with separate entrances for children who are sick versus well). There’s a private and quiet lactation room for nursing parents as well.
    • Agave Pediatrics Chandler, which has partner practices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale. The pediatric office’s welcoming underwater decor and lighting helps children feel calm, and parents can easily book appointments and manage their child’s medical information through a convenient online patient portal. Along with general pediatric care, Agave Pediatrics Chandler offers speech therapy, lactation support, sports physicals, tongue tie release, circumcision, and allergy treatment.

    Family Practice Doctors in Chandler, Arizona

    Family practice doctors treat patients of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Nowadays, the majority of primary care physicians are doctors of family medicine. As primary care physicians, they diagnose and treat routine illnesses and injuries, deliver immunizations, and perform annual well-visits, and provide medical consultation and education. They also may make referrals to specialists as needed.

    There are 461 family medicine doctors based in Chandler, Arizona. Like pediatricians, doctors of family medicine may work in the family medicine division of a hospital, hold down a private practice, or participate in a group practice. In a group practice, doctors rotate between patients based on availability for ill visits, but patients see their own family physician for checkups. Some of the most popular family medicine group practices in Chandler are:

    • Warner Family Practice, which has a four-star average Google review 268 patient reports. This group family medicine practice has a large staff, which includes one family medicine doctor, two osteopaths, six physician’s assistants, four family nurse practitioners, and two naturopaths. Along with routine care and preventative medicine, Warner Family Practice provides testing such as retinal screening and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. They also sell personalized supplements and operate the Live Well Wellness Center, an integrative medical practice.
    • East Valley Family Physicians, which is another very large and popular family medicine group practice. East Valley Family Physicians has seven doctors of family medicine on staff, an osteopath, and two physician’s assistants. They provide a wide range of services that go beyond the usual standard of routine care, such as Smoking Cessation, Sutures, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Mole Biopsies, and screenings for ADD/ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety.
    • Hatfield Medical Group- Chandler, which is one of six locations operated by Hatfield Medical. There are five doctors of family medicine on staff and one osteopath, as well as seven physician assistants, four nurse practitioners. Across all facilities, Hatfield Medical Group emphasizes compassionate and accessible care.

    Internal Medicine Doctors in Chandler, Arizona

    Internists, or doctors of internal medicine, are another type of primary care physician. Like family medicine doctors, they diagnose and treat routine illnesses and injuries, provide medical consultation and education, deliver vaccinations, and perform annual checkups. But doctors of internal medicine treat only adults, and have a special focus on managing adult medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

    There are 717 doctors of internal medicine based in Chandler. Many of these have other specialties as well, such as endocrinology, pulmonary disease, and radiology. A few of the most popular and highly ranked doctors of internal medicine based in Chandler include:

    • Arrow Medical Internal Medicine and Primary Care, which has earned a 4.1 star average Google patient rating. Arrow Medical Internal Medicine provides primary care as well as Spirometry, EKGs, and advanced wound care. The staff speaks English, Spanish, and Yoruba.
    • Ocotillo Internal Medicine Associates, which has a staff of five doctors and six physician’s assistants. Ocotillo Internal Medicine Associates offers sick and well visits for adults as well as women’s health visits (including pap smears), management of Coumadin (a blood thinner which requires close monitoring) and Federal Aviation Administration checkups required for flights.
    • AZ Internal Medicine, which is staffed by two internists with over 15 years of experience serving the Chandler community. Like Ocotillo Internal Medicine Associates, its internal medicine group practice offers a Coumadin clinic, EKGs, Spirometry, as well as prostate screening and women’s health. AZ Internal Medicine emphasizes the patient’s role as leader in their healthcare choices, and provides medical counseling and education around wellness and risk factors.

    Specialist Doctors in Chandler, Arizona

    When your primary care physician finds a medical issue that goes beyond the bounds of routine care, they will likely refer you to a specialist. A specialist doctor has extensive education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of a particular part or system of the body, or a particular medical problem. Some of the most commonly known medical specialty doctors include:

  • Hematologists (who treat conditions of the blood)
  • Otolaryngologists (who treat the ear, nose, and throat)
  • Dermatologists (who treat skin conditions)
  • Cardiologists (who treat the heart)
  • Oncologists (who treat cancer)

    • Many specialists work in Chandler Regional Medical Center, particularly surgeons. Because Chandler Regional Medical Center is notable for its surgery department, the hospital offers advanced techniques, such as da Vinci robotic surgical system. Chandler Regional Medical Center has the following specialist doctors on staff:

    • orthopedic surgeons
    • plastic surgeons
    • cardiac surgeons
    • cardiothoracic surgeons
    • bariatric surgeons

    The CDC estimates that 20% of adults deal with acute or chronic pain. Chandler residents dealing with pain can turn to Chandler Pain Management Clinic, which has earned a high rating among patients. The clinic is staffed by specialists such as a pain medicine doctor, and anesthesiologist and a doctor of rehabilitation, and a chiropractor.

    The Most Popular Doctors in Chandler, Arizona

    Arizona is home to many excellent medical centers and clinics, with conventional, high-tech, and even alternative medical approaches. One popular doctor source in Chandler is Gilbert Center for Family Medicine, which has been in operation for over a decade. The Gilbert Center for Family Medicine’s medical staff has a combined experience of more than 100 years. Gilbert Center for Family Medicine operates on the principle of patient-centered care, and performs medical advocacy and counseling as well as primary care. The medical center has three popular doctors on staff, as well as two physician assistants and four nurse practitioners. Along with routine primary care, Gilbert Center for Family Medicine offers allergy testing, Remote Patient Monitoring, General Ultrasounds, Echocardiograms, retinal scanning, and on-site lab work. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available, which is helpful for those with busy work schedules.

    Live Well Family Medicine is another popular doctor group in Chandler, with three family physicians in their practice. They offer same-day appointments so that patients can quickly be seen for illnesses and injuries without having to resort to urgent care clinics. Along with routine medical care and health management, Live Well Family Medicine offers procedures like skin biopsies, cyst removals, pap smears, and joint injections. Unlike many clinics, they are not staffed by physicians’ assistants or nurse practitioners, so patients see a board-certified doctor at every visit. All their staff speaks both English and Spanish.

    Live Well Family Medicine is one of several medical practices that partners with Sonora Quest Laboratories. Sonora Quest Laboratories has two locations in Chandler, and allows patients to request their own lab work, if they choose, without a doctor’s order or insurance. Sonora Quest Laboratories can also send a professional to your door for specimen collection, and allows patients to quickly and securely look up their test results online.

    Telemedicine in Chandler, Arizona

    When you’re feeling sick, the last thing you want to do is take more time off work or away from resting in bed to travel to a doctor’s office or wait around to be seen by a physician or nurse practitioner. Telemedicine solves this problem by quickly and conveniently bringing medical professionals to you through video conferencing. Telemedicine is ideal for treating straightforward and routine medical issues, such as sinus infections and the flu. In fact, studies suggest that as many as 70% of medical concerns can be resolved through telemedicine consultations. Other issues that can be addressed through telemedicine include:

    • Refills of prescriptions
    • Nutritional consultations
    • Medical evaluations
    • Mental health services

    The following telemedicine providers are available to patients living in the state of Arizona:

    Bayless Integrated Healthcare is a comprehensive healthcare practice of integrated family medicine and behavioral health which serves the Greater Phoenix area, including Chandler. Along with mental health, family medicine, and addition treatment, Bayless Integrated Healthcare also provides telemedicine. Its Virtual Care program works on mobile apps and desktop, and has earned CHQI Accreditation for Telemedicine. Providers contract with Bayless, and so payment and insurance varies by provider.

    Tela NP Online, another popular option, is different from most telemedicine portals. Instead of a network of doctors and nurse practitioners, Tela NP Online is owned and operated by a single nurse practitioner, who offers telemedicine services 7 days per week. Melissa Madalone, DNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP, has over 10 years’ experience in medicine, and is highly rated by patients. Tela NP is not covered by insurance, but the rate for a secure and personal virtual office visit is lower than many copays, costing a flat fee of $59.

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    Best Doctors in Scottsdale

    Scottsdale is a culturally rich and prosperous city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, and is part of the Greater Phoenix Area. Scottsdale is a fairly new city, founded in 1894 and incorporated in 1951. Today, the population of Scottsdale is estimated at 255,310, making it the sixth-largest city in Arizona. Scottsdale is known for its arts scene and nightlife, and is rated by many sources as one of the “most livable cities” in the nation.

    Click to enlarge health report

    With its many amenities, the city’s official slogan is “The West’s Most Modern Town,” and The New York Times calls Scottsdale “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach.” Like South Beach, Scottsdale is also known for the healthy lifestyle of its residents and solid healthcare infrastructure. There are many well-resourced and modern healthcare facilities and highly-rated doctors based in Scottsdale.

    Some of the most notable healthcare facts about Scottsdale, Arizona:

    • 93.9% of Scottsdale residents have in health insurance, one of the nation’s highest rates of enrollment. About 50% are on employer-provided health plans, 18.4% on Medicare, 5.5% on Medicaid, 19% on non-group plans, and 1% on VA or military plans.
    • There is one primary care doctor for every 1,519 patients in the state of Arizona
    • The average healthcare spending per person in Scottsdale was $6,452 as of 2014, which included the charges picked up by health insurance plans.
      • 7.28% of workers in Scottsdale work in health diagnosis and treatment, 1.43% work as healthcare technicians, and 1% work in healthcare support roles.
    • Healthcare jobs related to diagnosis and treatment (including physicians) paid an average salary of $86,238 in Scottsdale.
    • A wide range of sources, such as WalletHub and Niche, rank Scottsdale among the “healthiest cities in America,” thanks to the high rates of physical activity and low rates of smoking and obesity among Scottsdale’s residents.
    • The median household income in Scottsdale is high, at $80,306, but the cost of healthcare in this city is also somewhat higher here, about 3% above the national average.

    Our overview of Health Care Professionals in Scottsdale introduces the most popular medical settings and doctors in this city, so you can understand your options for medical services and providers.

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    Hospitals in Scottsdale

    Scottsdale is the site of several major medical centers. The largest of these are:

    • Abrazo Scottsdale Campus
    • Banner Behavioral Health Hospital
    • Cancer Treatment Centers of America
    • HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center
    • HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
    • HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
    • Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Scottsdale

    HonorHealth has a big presence in Scottsdale, with multiple hospital locations throughout the city. It is also Scottsdale’s largest overall employer, with 6,382 workers, more than double the workforce of the city’s next-largest employer. HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides general medical and surgical services, focusing on short term acute care. It has a total of 341 beds.

    HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center is a general medical hospital that has even more licensed beds, with a total of 427. Sources like US News and World Report have recognized this medical center’s outstanding cardiac and joint care. The center offers women’s health services, a pediatric emergency department, and both a pediatric and neonatal ICU. It is ranked as a bariatric surgery center of excellence, a designated Primary Stroke Center, and a total joint replacement center.

    Abrazo Scottsdale Campus is also a general hospital offering short-term acute care, and is an accredited Chest Pain Center and an accredited Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center. This hospital has a total of 127 licensed beds.

    Both HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Scottsdale focus on rehabilitative care. Many patients at these centers are recovering from surgery at one of the area’s acute care hospitals. HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital has 50 staffed beds, while Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Scottsdale is slightly larger, with a total of 60 beds, and offers on-site hemodialysis and physical therapy.

    Banner Behavioral Health Hospital is one of 28 hospitals in the western US operated by Banner Health network. This site focuses on inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care for adults and adolescents, with a staff of doctors, nurses, clinical care managers, and behavioral health technicians treating conditions such as substance use and eating disorders.

    Pediatricians in Scottsdale

    Pediatricians are the doctors who provide primary care to children and adolescents. They have training in treating age-specific conditions such as premature newborns, puberty in teens, and motor skill development in toddlers. Pediatricians administer checkups to children, monitor their developmental milestones, and deliver age-appropriate immunizations, such as the Chicken Pox Vaccine. They also have training in diagnosing illnesses and disorders that can appear in childhood.

    General pediatricians may make referrals to a pediatric specialist. These doctors have training in treating a specific part of the body or condition in children. Some examples of pediatric specialists are:

    • Pediatric Cardiologists
    • Pediatric Surgeons
    • Pediatric Dermatologists
    • Pediatric Opthamologists
    • Pediatric Neurologists
    • Pediatric Allergists

    There are 296 pediatric doctors practicing in Scottsdale, which includes both general pediatricians and specialists. This is a high number, even relative to the city’s sizable population, which means Scottsdale residents are fortunate to be able to choose the pediatrician that’s the best fit for their family’s needs.

    One of the most popular pediatric group practices in Scottsdale is Scottsdale Children’s Group, which has earned an impressive 4.7 average stars based on 90 Google reviews. The practice has seven physicians, one nurse practitioner, and a social worker on staff. Scottsdale Children’s group also provides a 24/7 pediatric registered nurse triage service to assist on weekends and after hours.

    North Scottsdale Pediatrics is another popular choice for pediatricians in Scottsdale. This group practice has locations in Deer Valley and in Ironwood, with the Ironwood office providing Saturday service in addition to the usual weekday appointments. North Scottsdale Pediatrics was established back in 1988, and has a large staff of 35 pediatricians, two social workers, a nurse practitioner, and an assistant physician. The pediatricians of this group practice are consistently rated among the “Top Docs” rankings in Phoenix Magazine.

    Family Practice Doctors in Scottsdale, Arizona

    Family practice doctors see patients of different ages, from toddlers through seniors. They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, provide routine annual checkups, and serve as primary care physicians for people across the lifespan. Today, the majority of primary care physicians are family practice doctors.

    These are several good reasons to opt for a family medicine doctor as your primary care physician, but continuity of care is an especially important one. A doctor who sees patients across the lifespan is well-positioned to form a long-term relationship. A family medicine doctor is also a good choice for those with children in their household, as the family members can all see the same physician for care.

    There are 530 doctors of family medicine based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Many doctors of family medicine participate in a group practice, where physicians can rotate between patients for sick visits. One of the most popular family medicine doctor practices is North Scottsdale Family Medicine Associates, which has earned a remarkable average patient rating of 4.8 stars on Google, based on no less than 435 reviews. There are three physicians on staff as well as a nutritionist and certified diabetes counselor. North Scottsdale Family Medicine Associates conducts their lab work and X-ray services on site, which maximizes convenience for their patients.

    Another popular family medicine group practice in Scottsdale is Family Medicine Of Scottsdale. This small practice consists of two doctors of family medicine, plus office staff. Services offered include wellness and prevention, chronic illness care, and in-office procedures. Family Medicine Of Scottsdale is notable for prioritizing seeing sick patients quickly, and offers same-day appointments. Reviewers consistently praise these family medicine doctors for their responsiveness and fast, high-quality medical service.

    Grayhawk Family Practice is one of a growing number of concierge medicine practices. In a concierge medicine practice, patients pay an annual retainer in exchange for enhanced medical services, particularly longer and more easily available appointments from doctors with smaller patient loads. At Grayhawn Family Medicine, patients have 24/7 access to their health care provider, and can receive on-site couple entry services like IV therapy and naturopathic medicine. Unlike many concierge medicine practices, Grayhawk Family Practice accepts insurance and FSA payments (outside of the quarterly membership fee).

    Internal Medicine Doctors in Scottsdale, Arizona

    Internal Medicine Doctors (AKA “Internists”) also primary care physicians. But unlike family medicine physicians, internists focus exclusively on adults 18 and up. Doctors of Internal Medicine offer routine care, annual checkups, treat illnesses, and provide vaccinations. A doctor of internal medicine is a good choice for primary care physician if your health needs go beyond simple routine care. For instance, a doctor of internal medicine is trained to help patients manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sleep apnea, diabetes, and elevated blood pressure.

    There are a full 1,152 doctors of internal medicine based in Scottsdale. Many internists work in hospital settings or in group practices. Some of the most popular and highly ranked doctors of internal medicine based in Scottsdale include:

    • Scottsdale Internal Medicine, which boasts an average 4.4 star Google user review, with patients praising the doctors’ responsiveness. The medical team of Scottsdale Internal Medicine has more than 20 years of clinic experience. In addition to general healthcare, the clinic has specializations in hormone imbalances, back pain, prescription drug withdrawals, and depression and anxiety mental health.
    • Ironwood Internal Medicine, which averages 4.5 stars on Google, has 3 practicing physicians. Patients praise the doctors in this group practice of internal medicine and family medicine for their professionalism and personal attention.
    • Desert Breeze Internal Medicine, which is the private practice of Dr. Brian Marks, who has been practicing internal medicine locally for over 20 years. In addition to annual checkups and routine care, Desert Breeze Internal Medicine provides Pulmonary Function Studies, Complicated Disease Management, EKGs, Diabetes Management, and Dermatology Services.

    Specialist Doctors in Scottsdale, Arizona

    Plenty of medical conditions fall outside the scope of routine care. If your primary care physician has any concerns about your health that go beyond preventative medicine and straightforward illnesses or injuries, they will refer you to a specialist. Specialist physicians have training in the medical care of a particular body part, system, or condition.

    Some of the most well-known medical specialty doctors include:

  • Gerontologists (who treat senior citizens)
  • Rheumatologists (who treat joints)
  • Otolaryngologists (who treat the ear, nose, and throat)
  • Cardiologists (who treat the heart)
  • Oncologists (who treat cancer)

    • Most specialist doctors work in hospitals and specialty clinics, and Scottsdale’s high-caliber hospitals are home to specialists in a wide number of areas. At HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center, there are a number of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists working in their certified Chest Pain Center, and performing advanced procedures like cardiac catheterization. This hospital is also notable for its orthopedic surgeons, who regularly perform total joint replacement and robotic-assisted surgery.

    A number of excellent oncologists can be found at Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Scottsdale Outpatient Care Center. In addition to radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology consultations, Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Outpatient Care Center provides infusion chemotherapy and genetic testing and counseling.

    People in Scottsdale dealing with chronic or acute pain have given high ratings to the specialist doctors of Arizona Pain. This pain management clinic has an interventional pain medicine physician, and anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, a doctor of medicine and rehabilitation, and even a chiropractor on site.

    The Most Popular Doctors in Scottsdale, Arizona

    The world-famous Mayo Clinic has two campuses in the greater Phoenix area, located just 14 miles apart. The Scottsdale Mayo Clinic campus provides outpatient care, research, and a branch of the Mayo Clinic’s School of Medicine. Services offered at this location include Diagnostic testing, Laboratory services, Outpatient surgery, and Radiology imaging. In addition, the building’s thoughtful design incorporates lounges, a quiet room, and outdoor walking paths and meditation garden.

    Scottsdale Ear Nose Throat is another setting for some of the most popular doctors in Scottsdale, in this case, otolaryngologists (or “ENTs”). Scottsdale Ears, Nose & Throat is recognized as the most advanced ENT center in the state, and is staffed by some of Arizona’s most prominent doctors in this specialty. The facility has cutting-edge medical technology, and has been in operation for over 20 years. Scottsdale Ear Nose Throat is staffed by specilists including:

    • three otolaryngologists
    • two audiologists
    • one physical therapist

    Scottsdale Ear Nose Throat provides hearing, balance and vestibular testing and therapy, as well as testing and treatment of allergies and head and neck surgery.

    Another specialist center which is home to some of the most popular doctors in Scottsdale is Scottsdale Hand to Shoulder Center. The center is staffed by one of the state’s leading orthopedic surgeon’s, providing:

    • Hand surgery
    • Elbow surgery
    • Shoulder surgery
    • Microsurgery of arteries and nerves
    • Joint replacement surgery
    • Trauma and reconstructive surgery

    Scottsdale Hand to Shoulder Center is affiliated with HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center and HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, and serves patients of all ages, including pediatric orthopedics.

    Telemedicine in Scottsdale, Arizona

    When you’re feeling very sick, or very busy, going to a doctor’s office for an in-person visit can be extremely inconvenient. Fortunately, telemedicine makes seeing a doctor online as fast and easy as logging in to a website or opening an app and video chatting with a doctor or nurse practitioner.

    Some studies show that as many as 70% of medical issues can be resolved via teleconference with a medical provider. Telemedicine is well suited for routine illnesses such as pinkeye, a sinus infection, or the common cold. Most are also available 24/7 and covered by insurance. Services available through telemedicine include:

    • Refills of prescriptions
    • Medical evaluations
    • Nutritional consultations
    • Counseling and mental health
    • Second opinions

    The following telemedicine providers are offered in the state of Arizona:

    Oscar is a health insurance company that’s dedicated to providing uniquely patient-centered and tech-driven health care. Oscar offers telemedicine through their Doctor on Call service, which is is unlimited, free, and available 24/7. Oscar’s medical concierge team communicated with subscribers online and connects patients to the right doctor. In fact, Oscar has the highest mobile engagement rate of any health insurance company, with 63% of Oscar’s doctor/patient exchanges taking place through telemedicine.

    A full 40% of adults with insurance receive mental health services one or more times per year. For many people, speaking with a mental health counselor weekly or bi-weekly is part of their routine and integral to their health. But counselors specialized in treating specific conditions are not available everywhere, and attending frequent in-person con selfing sessions can be very disruptive got patients’ work and lives. Psychology Today partners with mental health counselors, such as social workers, psychologists, and psychotherapists, who are licensed to provide services in the state of Arizona. Each service provider contracts with an individual patient, using the Psychology Today portal, and most accept health insurance for their services. Users can browse each provider’s credentials and profile online, then access private, secure, and convenient mental health treatment via telemedicine.

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    200+ Telemedicine Providers By State

    Medical nurse consulting with general practitioner via video call and recommending tablets to senior patient

    You likely have some notion that telemedicine offerings have expanded rapidly in recent years. Telemedicine providers are routinely seen in primetime telivision spots. If you have health insurance, you likely recieve information through your account portal or in the mail about telemedicine options.

    Telemedicine isn’t the best for every type of ailment or health condition. But for many of the most routine, including mental health, prescription refills, obtaining paperwork for work or travel, and common infections, viruses, and so forth, telemedicine is often just as good or better than “traditional” office visits.

    Telemedicine has been shown to reduce expensive emergency room visits, to reduce exposure to infections, and to provide an often more affordable alternative to even primary care visits.

    Additionally, telemedicine providers have expanded to offer a range of services broadly construed as telemedicine. These include:

    • House calls
    • Updating of prescriptions
    • Lab work
    • Mental health and therapy visits
    • 24/7 response times for routine matters
    • And more

    Perhaps one of the best elements of telemedicine is that you have so much choice regarding what providers you want to choose. While many towns may just have a handful of primary care options, there many nationwide and local telemedicine providers (we’ve gathered them all, below…).

    So what are the benefits of pursuing a telemedicine provider local to you?

    First of all, location-based telemedicine is often used to augment existing services. You can head to a local hospital for a bad infection. And if the location has a telemedicine service you can follow up via your phone or computer. You can hold routine check ups from the comfort of your home, and then follow up for more hands-on evaluations at a local branch.

    These are just some of the benefits of quality telemedicine services, an area in which BestDoctorOnline specializes. Don’t see your provider on our list? Get it touch!

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    Internal Medicine vs. General Practice vs. Family Medicine

    Family With Daughter In Consultation With Doctor In Office

    These days, medical choices can be overwhelming. The medical technologies, insurance plans, treatment philosophies, and healthcare settings available are widely varied. Learning what your needs are, determining your options, and making the right medical decision can take a lot of time and effort. Fortunately, choosing between a doctor of internal medicine vs. general practice vs. family medicine is actually relatively straightforward.

    Each of these doctors is qualified to provide your primary care, so there’s really no wrong answer here. That said, you should put some thought into which you choose, since there are some key differences between a doctor of internal medicine vs. general practice vs. family medicine. Knowing what those differences are, and how they apply to your health care, can make your decision process an easy one.

    What is a Primary Care Doctor?

    As we’ve briefly noted, doctors of internal medicine, general practitioners, and doctors of family medicine are all primary care physicians. This means that they provide routine care, make referrals to specialists, and serve as the “hub” of your medical team. They are familiar with a wide range of medical conditions, and patient demographics. A primary care physician’s duties include:

    • performing annual checkups
    • setting up routine screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies
    • administering vaccinations
    • monitoring health changes over time
    • making referrals as needed
    • screening for behavioral health issues
    • treating routine illnesses and injuries

    If you’re like many of today’s busy patients, you may turn to urgent care for most of your day-to-day medical concerns. Urgent care centers are a convenient resource for a quick fix when you have a straightforward and pressing medical problem such as a UTI or sprained ankle. But it’s not a good idea to rely on urgent care alone, and skip finding a primary care physician. As the Commonwealth Fund reports, adults with a primary care physician spend an average of 33% less on health care than those without. Having a primary care physician can even be life-saving; the same source states that adults in the US with a primary care physician have 19% lower odds of dying prematurely. In short, when it comes to whether or not to find a primary care doctor, the choice is obvious. The real decision you’ll need to make is whether to choose a doctor of internal medicine vs. general practice vs. family medicine.

    What is a Doctor of Internal Medicine?

    Doctors of Internal Medicine are sometimes also called “general internists,” “internists,” and “internal medicine physicians.” People sometimes get “internist” and “intern” confused, but an intern is actually a doctor working on their residency training. Doctors of internal medicine work to diagnose, treat and care for adult patients across the full health spectrum, from wellness to complex illness. Because they frequently treat people with severe or complex health conditions, many internists work in hospital settings.

    Doctors of internal medicine are different from doctors of family medicine or general medicine because they work specifically with adults and focus managing on health conditions. People who have or are at risk for chronic health conditions should opt for a doctor of internal medicine as their primary care provider. Some of the conditions these doctors typically diagnose, treat, and manage include:

    • heart disease
    • asthma
    • hypertension
    • osteoporosis
    • arthritis
    • diabetes
    • fibromyalgia
    • obesity

    What is a General Practitioner?

    General Practice physicians are also called general practitioners or just “GPs.” Like doctors of internal medicine, these physicians provide routine care for both chronic and acute illnesses and also provide preventive care. But unlike doctors of internal medicine, general practitioners treat patients of all ages and genders. This category of doctor also includes osteopaths, doctors who practice osteopathy, a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the skeletal and muscular systems. General practitioners are trained to provide holistic care, meaning that they focus on:

    • physiological health
    • psychological well being
    • social factors relevant to patient care

    Because a general practitioner sees patients of all ages, you have the potential to see the same general practice doctor when you’re 13 and 23, which can be great for continuity of care. A general practice doctor is also a good choice if your healthcare needs are fairly straightforward. In general, this classification of primary care physician has been declining in the United States as more new professionals enter the higher-paying fields of family medicine and internal medicine. The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that as of 2010, there were 71,487 doctors of internal medicine practicing as primary care physicians and 79,831 doctors of family medicine, with only 9,557 general physicians serving as general practitioners.

    What is a Doctor of Family Medicine?

    Just as the name suggests, doctors of family medicine are generalists with one specific focus: families. Like general practice doctors, doctors of family medicine see patients of all ages. They are qualified to treat newborns, great-grandparents, and everyone in between. When the whole family can be seen by a single doctor, it’s easier to keep track of everyone’s medical history, develop a longstanding doctor-patient relationship, and continue seeing the same person when transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Although both general practitioners and family medical doctors treat people across the lifespan, a doctor of family medicine has also completed a medical residency in family medicine of 3-4 years.

    A doctor of family medicine is a good choice if you would like all your family members to have the convenience of seeing the same person and develop a long-term doctor/patient relationship. A doctor of family medicine is also a great choice for monitoring for and managing conditions that are often shared by multiple family members. These may include conditions such as:

    • asthma
    • diabetes
    • eczema
    • insomnia
    • heart disease
    • ADHD
    • allergies
    • mood disorders
    • obesity
    • inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)

    In addition to treating children and adults, family medicine physicians have training in obstetrics, the care of pregnant women. They also have training in adolescent medicine and in geriatrics, the care of elderly patients. It’s worth noting that you do not need to be a parent in order to see a doctor of family medicine as your primary care physician.

    Choosing Between a Doctor of Internal Medicine vs. General Practice vs. Family Medicine

    As we’ve noted, having a primary care physician is associated with better health outcomes and lower health spending. If you care about protecting your health and your finances, you’ll need to have a primary care physician. But which type should you choose: a doctor of internal medicine vs. general practice vs. family medicine- and does it make a difference?

    Because the number of general practitioners is much lower than the number of other primary care physicians, most people will find themselves choosing between a doctor of internal medicine and a doctor of family medicine. Each of these types of doctor is capable of diagnosing medical conditions, providing treatment, and making referrals. Your age, gender, health conditions, and personal preferences will determine which type makes the most sense for you.

    Choose a general practitioner if you:
    • Have relatively straightforward medical needs
    • Are looking for a doctor of osteopathic medicine
    • Would like to see a physician with an integrative, holistic approach
    • Prioritize continuity of care over the long term
    Choose a doctor of internal medicine if you:
    • Have no family members under 18 that you’d like seen by your doctor
    • Have a chronic, complex or serious medical condition
    • Are at high risk for developing an illness or medical issue
    • Would like to see a doctor in a hospital setting
    Choose a doctor of family medicine if you:
    • Have family members under the age of 18 -Would like to bring your children or other relatives to the same medical practice
    • Share a medical condition with your family that you’d like monitored by the same physician
    • Would like your primary care physician to handle your routine obstetric and gynecological care
    • Would like to see a doctor in a private practice or clinic setting

    Ultimately, the type of primary care provider you choose is usually less important than the quality of your doctor/patient relationship. You’ll want to have a doctor whose expertise you trust, whose practice is convenient enough for you to see regularly, and with whom you can freely bring up sensitive medical questions. In choosing between a doctor of internal medicine vs. general practice vs. family medicine, it makes sense to keep your options open and seek out a person with whom you have a good rapport.