Dr. Carla Henke, MD – Family Physician | Buffalo, NY

To confirm if Dr. Carla Henke is currently accepting new patients, please contact (716) 529-3020.

Dr. Carla Henke, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Buffalo, NY. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) and practices under the New York Education Law, Article 131 (Medicine). Dr. Carla Henke provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Carla Henke, MD is a family medicine physician in Buffalo, NY and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO / SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE in 2008. She is affiliated with Buffalo General Medical Center. She is accepting telehealth appointments. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. Her 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.

Dr. Carla Henke is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She serves patients of all ages and strives to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Carla Henke looks forward to continuing to serve the Buffalo community and improving the lives of her patients.

Dr. Carla Henke addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Constipation: This condition involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often caused by lifestyle factors or underlying medical issues.
• or Neck: This refers to pain or discomfort in the head or neck region, which can have various causes.
• Viral Enteritis: This is an inflammation of the intestines caused by a viral infection, often leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Animal Allergies: These allergies are triggered by exposure to animal dander, saliva, or urine, resulting in symptoms like sneezing, itching, or skin rashes.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: This type of high blood pressure is caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
• Asthma: This chronic respiratory condition causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: This is an inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the digestive tract.
• Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): These injuries involve damage to ligaments, tendons, or muscles, often resulting from sudden movements or overexertion.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: This degenerative joint disease affects the cartilage in the hip and thigh joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This condition, also known as runner's knee, causes pain around the kneecap.
• Joint Pain: This encompasses pain in any joint, which can be caused by various conditions such as arthritis, injury, or inflammation.
• Adhesive Capsulitis Shoulder: This condition, also known as frozen shoulder, involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
• Malaise and Fatigue: These symptoms often indicate an underlying health problem and can manifest as general discomfort and tiredness.
• Genital Herpes: This sexually transmitted infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus and can cause sores or blisters on the genitals.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• McMurray's Test: This is a physical examination maneuver used to assess the integrity of the meniscus in the knee.
• Dementia Evaluation: This involves a comprehensive assessment to evaluate cognitive function and diagnose dementia.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This screening uses ultrasound to assess the health and development of the fetal heart.
• Immunization Administration: This service involves administering vaccines to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Syphilis Screening: This involves testing for the presence of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: This involves testing for the presence of herpes simplex virus, which can cause oral or genital herpes.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test measures the body's response to ACTH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This involves testing for anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Melanoma Screening: This involves examining the skin for suspicious lesions that could indicate melanoma.
• VAP Lipid Testing: This test measures the levels of various lipids in the blood.
• Detoxification Evaluation: This involves assessing the need for detoxification services.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: This involves a comprehensive assessment of mental health, including diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: This test is used to detect pregnancy.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Carla Henke. 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 New York and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM).

Dr. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients experiencing constipation often find relief through a personalized treatment plan, leading to improved digestion and a return to comfortable daily activities. This allows them to enjoy increased energy levels and participate more fully in their lives.
• With proper treatment and physical therapy, patients successfully recover from sprains and strains, regaining full mobility and returning to their favorite activities, whether it's playing sports or simply enjoying daily walks. Their pain subsides, and they experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life.
• Patients experiencing secondary renovascular hypertension find relief through effective treatment, leading to normalized blood pressure and a significant improvement in their overall well-being. This allows them to return to active and fulfilling lives, free from the limitations imposed by the condition.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Carla Henke, 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 located in a family medicine practice in the Buffalo, New York area, conveniently situated near key city attractions and public services. It's generally accessible via local transportation options serving Buffalo. 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. Carla Henke. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Carla Henke or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • 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 APCN Choice (OAMC), Type: POS II
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Plan: Savings Plus of Metro, NY
  • Plan: Select
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
  • Plan: Preferred Choice, Type: POS
• Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP)
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: HMO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: BluePreferred, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• EmblemHealth
  • Plan: GHI CBP
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BCBS, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Community Blue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Performance Blue
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
  • Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Type: PPO
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Care HMO
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO
• MagnaCare
  • Plan: MagnaCare PPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access

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. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (716) 529-3020 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. Carla Henke may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Buffalo General Medical Center (Buffalo, NY)

She earned her medical degree from STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO / SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE in 2008.

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

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Carla Henke:

Are services from Dr. Carla Henke typically covered by health insurance in New York?

Dr. Carla Henke, as a Family Physician in New York, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients should always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Carla Henke is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their 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. Carla Henke as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke, 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 happens if Dr. Carla Henke determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Carla Henke determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Carla Henke's office sending a formal referral request, including your relevant medical information and reason for consult, to the specialist's office. Depending on your insurance plan (especially HMOs), a formal referral from Dr. Carla Henke may be required by your insurer for the specialist visit to be covered or for you to receive in-network benefits. Our staff at the clinic will work to find an in-network specialist for you where possible and may assist with any necessary prior authorization process from your insurance. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly. The specialist's office will typically contact you directly to schedule an appointment once the referral (and any insurance authorization) is processed. Please follow up with our clinic if you encounter issues or haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe as advised by Dr. Carla Henke.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Carla Henke?

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. Carla Henke's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Carla Henke, 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 is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Carla Henke?

Continuity of care refers to the process where your Family Physician, Dr. Carla Henke, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr. Carla Henke becomes familiar with your medical background, your lifestyle, and what's 'normal' for you. This knowledge aids in quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and ensures that your care is well-coordinated, especially important when dealing with multiple specialists or navigating complex insurance plans. It's about having a trusted healthcare partner throughout your life who understands your complete health picture.

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. Carla Henke recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Carla Henke handle complex care?

As a Family Physician, Dr. Carla Henke is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. She will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Carla Henke will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved (ensuring referrals are appropriate, results are integrated, and treatment plans are aligned), manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions and polypharmacy (reviewing for necessity and effectiveness), and develop a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan that aligns with your overall health goals, values, and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions, medications, and concerns is key to this process.

How long do appointments with Dr. Carla Henke typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke 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. Carla Henke to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

1021 Broadway St
Buffalo NY 14212
Phone: (716) 529-3020

Dr. Carla Henke, MD is regulated by the New York Education Law, Article 131 (Medicine) in New York and is licensed by The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM).

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1508023037

Registration can typically be verified through The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) 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. Carla Henke 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.