Dr. Alicia Chennell, MD – Family Physician | McPherson, KS

Dr. Alicia Chennell, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in McPherson, KS. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Alicia Chennell is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (620) 504-5996 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Alicia Chennell’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. She serves patients of all ages and is registered with The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts and practices under the Kansas Statutes, Chapter 65, Article 28 (Healing Arts Act).

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, Dr. Alicia Chennell brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2011 and is affiliated with McPherson Hospital. Dr. Alicia Chennell is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Alicia Chennell is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients and the McPherson community.

Dr. Alicia Chennell addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Shingles: This viral infection, often reactivated from chickenpox, can cause a painful rash and blisters.
• Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain can have various causes, requiring a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying issue.
• or Poison Sumac Poisoning: This allergic reaction to poison sumac causes an itchy rash and inflammation.
• Language and Learning Disorders: These disorders can impact a person's ability to learn and communicate effectively.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: These disorders affect the body's ability to absorb and utilize essential minerals.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and other health issues.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, causing urinary problems.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health problems, including weakened bones.
• Migraine: Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Yeast Infections: Yeast infections are fungal infections that can affect various parts of the body.
• Earwax Buildup: Excessive earwax can impair hearing and cause discomfort.
• Menstrual Disorders: Menstrual disorders can cause irregular or painful periods and other symptoms.
• Malaise and Fatigue: Malaise and fatigue can be symptoms of various underlying medical conditions.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Alicia Chennell 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 she 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. Alicia Chennell offers a range of services to meet her patients’ healthcare needs, such as:

• Dipstick Urinalysis: A quick test to check for substances in the urine.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Testing for the herpes simplex virus.
• Thyroid Screening: Testing to assess thyroid function.
• Vaginosis Screening: Screening for bacterial vaginosis.
• Mole Evaluation: Assessment of moles to detect potential skin cancer.
• Fetal Cardiac Monitoring: Monitoring the fetal heartbeat during pregnancy.
• Patch Testing: Identifying allergens through skin testing.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Testing for chlamydia infection.
• Disability Evaluation: Assessment for disability benefits.
• Strep Test: Testing for streptococcal infection.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Evaluating psychological readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Testing for gonorrhea infection.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Comprehensive skin examinations and tests.
• Dementia Evaluation: Assessment for cognitive impairment.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Alicia Chennell. 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 Kansas and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

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

• With prompt treatment, patients experiencing poison sumac poisoning find relief from the irritating rash and inflammation, allowing them to comfortably return to outdoor activities they enjoy.
• Patients experiencing earwax buildup find relief through proper treatment, restoring clear hearing and allowing them to once again enjoy activities like listening to music or engaging in conversations without difficulty. This improved hearing quality significantly enhances their overall quality of life.
• With effective management, patients find relief from debilitating menstrual symptoms, allowing them to fully participate in work, social activities, and daily life without the limitations of painful periods. Improved quality of life and increased energy levels are common outcomes.

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

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the McPherson, Kansas area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in McPherson and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving McPherson. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Alicia Chennell. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Alicia Chennell 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: 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
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
  • Plan: Preferred Care Blue, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
  • Plan: Blue Choice Preferred Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Choice, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: 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. Alicia Chennell 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. Alicia Chennell) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (620) 504-5996 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. Alicia Chennell may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• McPherson Hospital (McPherson, KS)

She earned her medical degree from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2011. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (graduated 2014), honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

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

Are services from Dr. Alicia Chennell typically covered by health insurance in Kansas?

Dr. Alicia Chennell, as a Family Physician in Kansas, 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 crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic’s office at (620) 504-5996 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Alicia Chennell 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 the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Alicia Chennell to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Alicia Chennell 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. Alicia Chennell, 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 does it mean for Dr. Alicia Chennell to be ‘in-network’ or ‘out-of-network’ with my health insurance?

‘In-network’ means Dr. Alicia Chennell (or the clinic she practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. ‘Out-of-network’ means there’s no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called ‘balance billing’). It is always best to verify Dr. Alicia Chennell’s network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Alicia Chennell?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Alicia Chennell’s office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Alicia Chennell and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Alicia Chennell, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Alicia Chennell, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate, but this can add time. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

What does ‘preventative care’ involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Alicia Chennell in the US?

Preventative care provided by Dr. Alicia Chennell aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage, following established US guidelines. This includes regular physical exams or wellness visits (many insurance plans cover one per year), vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Alicia Chennell can help guide you in these efforts.

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

Dr. Alicia Chennell 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. Alicia Chennell, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Alicia Chennell 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. Alicia Chennell for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

A Family Physician, often your Primary Care Physician (PCP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages – from newborns to seniors. In the US healthcare system, they serve as your main point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like wellness visits, immunizations, health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system.

What is ‘continuity of care’ and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Alicia Chennell?

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Alicia Chennell, and her care team. It’s important because it allows Dr. Alicia Chennell to get to know you, your comprehensive health history, your values, your family/social context, and how you respond to treatments. This deep understanding helps Dr. Alicia Chennell make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists (navigating insurance referrals if needed), and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a PCP is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, increased adherence to medical advice, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources (e.g., fewer unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations).

1101 N Main St
McPherson KS 67460
Phone: (620) 504-5996

Dr. Alicia Chennell, MD is regulated by the Kansas Statutes, Chapter 65, Article 28 (Healing Arts Act) in Kansas and is licensed by The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1639465982

Registration can typically be verified through The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts 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. Alicia Chennell 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.