Dr. Christine Gates, MD – Family Physician | Yarmouth, ME

Dr. Christine Gates, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Yarmouth, ME. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine and practices under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 48 (Board of Licensure in Medicine). Please note: Dr. Christine Gates is not currently accepting new patients. You may wish to check back periodically for updates or contact (207) 846-8586 to inquire about potential future openings or waitlists.

Dr. Christine Gates 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. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. Dr. Christine Gates, MD is a family medicine physician in Yarmouth, ME and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS / BOSTON CAMPUS in 2000. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Northern Light Mercy Hospital and Maine Medical Center.

Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. She serves patients of all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Christine Gates is committed to ensuring her patients receive the best possible care and to contributing to the overall well-being of her community.

Dr. Christine Gates addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Asymptomatic Post-Menopausal Status: This refers to the period after menopause when a woman experiences no significant symptoms.
• Black Hairy Tongue: This is a harmless condition where the tongue appears dark and hairy due to an overgrowth of papillae.
• Lipid Disorders: These involve abnormalities in blood fats (lipids), such as high cholesterol or triglycerides, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Limb Pain: Pain in an arm or leg can have various causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious conditions.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: This condition, also called menorrhagia, involves heavier or longer menstrual periods than normal.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: This involves inflammation of the elbow joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Common Cold: This common viral infection causes symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This involves the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Sarcoidosis: This is a rare inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs, often the lungs and skin.
• Sinus Bradycardia: This is a condition where the heart beats slower than normal.
• Cellulitis: This is a bacterial skin infection causing redness, swelling, and pain.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: This involves diabetes affecting the kidneys, leading to complications like kidney disease.
• Symptomatic Menopause: This refers to the period after menopause when a woman experiences symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats.
• Atherosclerosis: This involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart disease.

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

• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This involves assessing and addressing alcohol or substance use issues.
• Thyroid Screening: This involves testing to check the function of the thyroid gland.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: This involves a comprehensive assessment of a child or adolescent's mental health.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This involves testing to assess bone density and risk of osteoporosis.
• Diabetic Evaluation: This involves assessing blood sugar levels and overall diabetes management.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: This is a bone density scan to assess osteoporosis risk.
• Strep Test: This test detects streptococcal bacteria, a common cause of strep throat.
• Skin Testing and Screening: This involves checking the skin for abnormalities and performing allergy tests.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: This may involve blood tests or imaging to screen for ovarian cancer.
• Cancer Screening: This involves various tests to screen for different types of cancer.
• Drug Allergy Testing: This involves testing to identify allergies to certain medications.
• Bone Density Scan: This test measures bone density to assess osteoporosis risk.
• McMurray's Test: This is a physical examination technique to assess meniscus tears in the knee.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: This involves assessing symptoms and ordering tests to diagnose Lyme disease.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Christine Gates. 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 Maine and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine.

Dr. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective management of their menopausal symptoms, patients often experience a significant reduction in hot flashes and night sweats, leading to improved sleep and increased energy levels for daily activities. This allows them to enjoy a better quality of life and participate more fully in their personal and professional pursuits.
• Through careful management of their diabetes and kidney health, patients experience improved kidney function and a significant reduction in related complications. This allows them to enjoy increased energy levels and participate more fully in the activities they love.
• With effective management, patients often experience significant relief from their limb pain, enabling them to return to favorite activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle. This improved mobility and reduced discomfort greatly enhances their overall quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Christine Gates, 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 Yarmouth, Maine area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Yarmouth and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Yarmouth. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Christine Gates. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Christine Gates 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
• Anthem
  • Plan: Blue Choice-ME, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Maine, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Pathway Enhanced-ME, Type: POS
  • Plan: Pathway-ME, Type: HMO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Plan: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care HMO
• 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. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (207) 846-8586 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. Christine Gates may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Northern Light Mercy Hospital (Portland, ME)
• Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME)
• Pen Bay Medical Center (Rockport, ME)

She earned her medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS / BOSTON CAMPUS in 2000. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Maine Medical Center, honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

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. Christine Gates:

Are services from Dr. Christine Gates typically covered by health insurance in Maine?

Dr. Christine Gates, as a Family Physician in Maine, 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 prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Christine Gates to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates, 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.

How often should I see Dr. Christine Gates for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, with Dr. Christine Gates can vary based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Many insurance plans in the US cover one annual preventive visit for adults with no co-pay. Generally, healthy younger adults may still benefit from regular check-ins (e.g., every 1-3 years if no major concerns, but an annual visit is often encouraged if covered by insurance), while older adults (e.g., annually, especially for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits), or individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) typically require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-6 months or annually, as determined by Dr. Christine Gates). For specific screening tests like Pap smears, mammograms, or colonoscopies, there are established national guidelines (USPSTF, ACS, ACOG) based on age and gender which Dr. Christine Gates follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Christine Gates to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Christine Gates?

To each appointment with Dr. Christine Gates at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Christine Gates) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Christine Gates beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

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

A Family Physician (Family Physician) in the US is a physician who has completed residency training and is typically board-certified in Family Medicine (e.g., by the American Board of Family Medicine - ABFM). She are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the US healthcare system, including coordinating with your insurance plan for necessary care.

What happens if Dr. Christine Gates determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates'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. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates.

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

Yes, Dr. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates 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. Christine Gates before scheduling such an appointment.

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

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

259 Main St
Yarmouth ME 04096
Phone: (207) 846-8586

Dr. Christine Gates, MD is regulated by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 48 (Board of Licensure in Medicine) in Maine and is licensed by The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1639138894

Registration can typically be verified through The Maine Board of Licensure in 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. Christine Gates 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.