Dr. David McNamara, MD – Family Physician | La Crosse, WI

To confirm if Dr. David McNamara is currently accepting new patients, please contact (608) 782-7300.

Dr. David McNamara, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in La Crosse, WI. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board and practices under the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 448 (Medical Practices). Dr. David McNamara provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. David McNamara, MD is a family medicine physician in La Crosse, WI and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Connecticut in 1982. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. His 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. David McNamara is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. He believes in empowering his patients to take an active role in managing their health and well-being. Dr. David McNamara looks forward to continuing to serve the La Crosse community and providing the highest quality of care to his patients for years to come.

Dr. David McNamara addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Hypertension: This condition, also known as high blood pressure, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication to reduce the risk of serious health problems.
• Lipid Disorders: These involve unhealthy levels of fats (lipids) in the blood and are often addressed with diet, exercise, and medication to prevent heart disease.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: This symptom can have various underlying causes, and proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to address the root problem.
• Heart Disease: This encompasses several conditions affecting the heart; management involves lifestyle changes, medication, and potentially procedures to improve heart health.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: These disorders affect how the body processes minerals, requiring careful evaluation and management.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: These affect the body's use of magnesium, a vital mineral for many bodily functions.
• Diabetes Type 2: This chronic condition requires careful management of blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication to prevent complications.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: These wounds often require specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications.
• Hyperlipidemia: This refers to high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Anemia: This condition involves low red blood cell count, leading to fatigue and other symptoms; treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause.

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

• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: This helps assess an individual's risk of developing breast cancer.
• Arrhythmia Screening: This helps detect irregular heartbeats.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This assesses psychological readiness for weight-loss surgery.
• Dyslexia Assessment: This evaluates for reading difficulties.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: This measures bone density.
• Psychological Evaluation: This assesses mental health and well-being.
• Skin Screenings: This checks for skin abnormalities.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: This investigates the cause of chest pain.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: This assesses cardiovascular risk online.
• Gonorrhea Screening: This tests for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.
• Home Sleep Study: This evaluates sleep disorders in the comfort of one's home.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This tests for the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This evaluates heart function during exercise.
• Thyroid Screening: This assesses thyroid hormone levels.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. David McNamara. 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 Wisconsin and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

Dr. David McNamara 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. David McNamara can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Through careful management of their heart disease, patients often experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improved cardiovascular health. This allows them to regain their energy and enjoy a fuller life, participating in activities they previously found challenging.
• Through consistent management, many patients successfully control their type 2 diabetes, experiencing improved energy levels and a reduced risk of serious complications, allowing them to enjoy an active and fulfilling life. This often includes resuming favorite activities and strengthening relationships with loved ones.
• With proper treatment, patients experience significant healing of their leg and foot ulcers, leading to reduced pain and the ability to walk comfortably and participate in favorite activities once again. Many find renewed confidence and mobility as their wounds heal.

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

Dr. David McNamara and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Wisconsin. Please contact our office or your insurer for details.

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. David McNamara 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. David McNamara) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (608) 782-7300 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.

Information on hospital affiliations can be obtained by contacting the clinic.

He earned his medical degree from University of Connecticut in 1982.

Are services from Dr. David McNamara typically covered by health insurance in Wisconsin?

Dr. David McNamara, as a Family Physician in Wisconsin, 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 PRIOR to scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. David McNamara is 'in-network' for your plan and to fully 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. David McNamara as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. David McNamara 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. David McNamara 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. David McNamara, 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 do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. David McNamara?

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. David McNamara's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. David McNamara 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. David McNamara, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. David McNamara, 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 it mean for Dr. David McNamara to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. David McNamara (or the clinic he 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. David McNamara'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.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. David McNamara?

To each appointment with Dr. David McNamara 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. David McNamara) 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. David McNamara 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 if Dr. David McNamara works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. David McNamara?

Dr. David McNamara practices as part of a medical group, 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. David McNamara, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. David McNamara 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. David McNamara for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

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

What does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. David McNamara in the US?

Preventative care provided by Dr. David McNamara 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. David McNamara can help guide you in these efforts.

1910 South Ave
La Crosse WI 54601
Phone: (608) 782-7300

Dr. David McNamara, MD is regulated by the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 448 (Medical Practices) in Wisconsin and is licensed by The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1740256288

Registration can typically be verified through The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board 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. David McNamara 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.