Dr. Ajit Pannu, MD – Family Physician | Scranton, PA

To confirm if Dr. Ajit Pannu is currently accepting new patients, please contact (570) 230-0019.

Dr. Ajit Pannu, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Scranton, PA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and practices under the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985). Dr. Ajit Pannu provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Ajit Pannu’s practice focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Ajit Pannu, MD is a family medicine physician in Scranton, PA. He is affiliated with Regional Hospital of Scranton. His approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Ajit Pannu is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the Scranton community.

Dr. Ajit Pannu addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: This is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract, often involving the nose, throat, and sinuses.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: This refers to a decline in physical or cognitive function in adults, often involving weight loss and decreased energy.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection of the urinary system, typically involving the bladder or urethra.
• Nausea: This is a feeling of sickness in the stomach that may or may not lead to vomiting.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This occurs when the body doesn't have enough vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.
• Constipation: This is infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
• Thrush: This is a yeast infection of the mouth, throat, or other areas.
• Joint Pain: This is discomfort or pain in one or more joints.
• Shortness of Breath: This is difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This is a dependence on tobacco products, often leading to significant health problems.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Ajit Pannu addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Ajit Pannu offers a range of services to meet his patients’ healthcare needs, such as:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Drug Allergy Testing: This test identifies which medications might cause an allergic reaction.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This involves coordinating care among multiple healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex needs.
• Bone Density Scan: This scan helps determine your risk of fractures by measuring how much bone mineral you have.
• Obesity Counseling: This helps patients manage their weight through lifestyle changes and other interventions.
• Immunization Administration: This involves administering vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Ajit Pannu. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in Pennsylvania and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

Dr. Ajit Pannu is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Ajit Pannu can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With the right treatment, patients find relief from the discomfort of thrush, allowing them to enjoy eating and socializing without worry. They are able to return to their normal routines and activities with renewed confidence.
• Through careful management of their condition, patients rediscover their appetite and energy, leading to improved overall health and a renewed ability to participate in the activities they enjoy. They find themselves re-engaging with life's simple pleasures and building stronger connections with loved ones.
• With appropriate treatment, patients quickly recover from their acute upper respiratory infection, feeling significantly better and able to return to their normal activities. They experience relief from congestion, cough, and other symptoms, allowing them to resume work, school, and social engagements.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Ajit Pannu, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is located in a family medicine practice in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area. It’s conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Scranton and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Scranton. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Ajit Pannu. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Ajit Pannu or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: APCN Open Access Aetna Select
  • Plan: Aetna HMO
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Plan: Select
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Geisinger Health Plan
  • Plan: Geisinger Choice with no Referral
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BCBS, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue High Performance, Type: Network
  • Plan: Community Blue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: PPOBlue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Performance Blue
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: MD IPA/Optimum Choice HMO/Preferred POS HMO, Type: HMO-POS
  • Plan: Navigate Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: PPO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Ajit Pannu is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Ajit Pannu) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (570) 230-0019 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Ajit Pannu may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Regional Hospital of Scranton (Scranton, PA)

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Ajit Pannu:

Are services from Dr. Ajit Pannu typically covered by health insurance in Pennsylvania?

Dr. Ajit Pannu, as a Family Physician in Pennsylvania, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic’s office at (570) 230-0019 prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Ajit Pannu is ‘in-network’ for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask our office about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Ajit Pannu as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Ajit Pannu to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Ajit Pannu will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Ajit Pannu, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when the clinic is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency (such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, or major trauma), please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER) immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until our clinic reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like ours, may have an on-call physician or an answering service that can direct you to appropriate care or provide advice for urgent patient queries after hours; please check our clinic voicemail [(570) 230-0019] or website for specific after-hours instructions. Your insurance plan may also offer a 24/7 nurse advice line that can help you determine the best course of action.

Does Dr. Ajit Pannu at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Ajit Pannu at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Ajit Pannu if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan’s coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Ajit Pannu before scheduling such an appointment.

Can Dr. Ajit Pannu help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your Family Physician, Dr. Ajit Pannu plays a crucial role in mental and behavioral healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Ajit Pannu can provide an initial assessment (often using screening tools), offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications), and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists (LCSW, LPC, MFT), or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care (like specific types of psychotherapy) is needed. Dr. Ajit Pannu can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions, often working in an integrated care model.

How long do appointments with Dr. Ajit Pannu typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Ajit Pannu will vary based on the purpose of the visit. For a quick follow-up on a stable issue or a very straightforward problem, 15 minutes might suffice. For annual physicals/wellness visits, new patient consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Ajit Pannu will usually book a longer slot, such as 30-45 minutes, or occasionally more. Always try to be specific about your needs when scheduling your appointment at the clinic so the team can ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Ajit Pannu to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor’s visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services before your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay after you’ve met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Ajit Pannu recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer’s member services for details specific to your policy.

What if Dr. Ajit Pannu works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Ajit Pannu?

Dr. Ajit Pannu practices as part of a group practice, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Ajit Pannu, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Ajit Pannu is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Ajit Pannu for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

501 S Washington Ave Ste 1000
Scranton PA 18505
Phone: (570) 230-0019

Dr. Ajit Pannu, MD is regulated by the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985) in Pennsylvania and is licensed by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1841816642

Registration can typically be verified through The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Ajit Pannu are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.