Dr. David Merritt, MD – Family Physician | Durango, CO

Dr. David Merritt, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Durango, CO. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. David Merritt is registered with The Colorado Medical Board and practices under the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12, Article 240 (Medical Practice Act).

Dr. David Merritt is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (970) 247-3537 to inquire or schedule an appointment. 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 Merritt is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. He provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. David Merritt looks forward to contributing to the health and well-being of his patients and the Durango community.

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

• Nosebleed: This common condition often involves simple first aid measures and may require further evaluation to identify underlying causes.
• Bursitis: This inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints often responds well to conservative management strategies.
• Lipid Disorders: Management may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or both to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Polyneuropathy: This condition causing nerve damage often requires a thorough evaluation and treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
• Animal Allergies: These allergies can range from mild to severe and require appropriate diagnosis and management to minimize symptoms.
• Arthritis: This group of conditions causing joint pain and inflammation often requires long-term management strategies.
• Nail and Nail Bed Infection: These infections require prompt treatment to prevent complications and spread.
• Sciatica: This nerve pain often requires a multi-faceted approach to pain management and functional restoration.
• Tinnitus: This condition causing ringing in the ears requires a thorough evaluation to identify potential causes and explore management options.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This knee pain often responds well to conservative management strategies.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: This degenerative joint disease often requires a multi-faceted approach to pain management and functional restoration.
• Bronchitis: This respiratory infection often requires supportive care and may require antibiotic treatment in certain cases.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): This serious condition requires prompt medical attention.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This addiction requires a comprehensive approach to cessation, including counseling and medication.

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

• VAP Lipid Testing: This test helps assess cardiovascular risk by measuring lipid levels in the blood.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory examination to aid in diagnosis.
• Wart Removal: Various methods are used to remove warts and prevent recurrence.
• HIV Screening: This test helps detect the presence of the HIV virus.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This test helps detect the presence of the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: A thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the possibility of Lyme disease.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This screening helps to detect bone loss and assess the risk of osteoporosis.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine the cause of chest pain.
• Tissue Transfer: This surgical procedure involves moving tissue from one area of the body to another.
• Cholesterol Screening: This test helps assess cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.
• Home Sleep Study: This test helps evaluate sleep disorders in the comfort of a patient's home.
• or Destruction of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue (incl. Mohs Micrographic Surgery): This procedure is used to remove skin lesions.
• Skin Screenings: Regular skin screenings help detect skin cancer early.
• Immunization Administration: Dr. David Merritt administers various vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.

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

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

• With the right care, patients find relief from their bronchitis symptoms, allowing them to breathe easier and return to their normal activities, such as work or spending time with loved ones.
• With careful management of their polyneuropathy, patients often experience a significant reduction in pain and numbness, allowing them to regain mobility and participate more fully in their favorite activities. Improved quality of life and renewed independence become achievable goals.
• Patients find freedom from nicotine's grip, reclaiming their breath and energy, and often rediscovering passions they'd set aside while smoking. This renewed vitality allows them to fully engage in life's activities, strengthening relationships and pursuing personal goals.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. David Merritt, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Durango, Colorado area, near key city attractions and public services. It is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Durango. 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. David Merritt. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. David Merritt 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: 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
• Cigna
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), 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. David Merritt 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 Merritt) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (970) 247-3537 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. David Merritt may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Southwest Memorial Hospital (Cortez, CO)

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. David Merritt:

Are services from Dr. David Merritt typically covered by health insurance in Colorado?

As a Family Physician in Colorado, Dr. David Merritt likely accepts many health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (970) 247-3537 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. David Merritt 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, 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. David Merritt as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. David Merritt 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 Merritt 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 Merritt, 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 your specific insurance plan's referral requirements.

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

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. David Merritt does as your PCP. He will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized and appropriate, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented and that everyone on your healthcare team is informed. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively within the context of your insurance and overall healthcare access.

Can Dr. David Merritt help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. David Merritt are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex or require specific psychotherapies not offered in-office. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. David Merritt.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, with Dr. David Merritt 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. David Merritt). 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. David Merritt follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. David Merritt to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. David Merritt one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. David Merritt, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for his patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. He manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

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 [(970) 247-3537] 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.

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

Always bring your insurance card(s) and a form of photo ID to your appointment with Dr. David Merritt. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products), including dosages, is crucial for Dr. David Merritt to review for safety and interactions. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary you can provide are beneficial. If you monitor things at home (like blood pressure or blood sugar), bringing your logbook and device can be helpful. Preparing a list of your symptoms or questions in advance can also make your appointment more productive. Also, be aware of your insurance co-pay or deductible responsibilities.

575 Rivergate Ln
Durango CO 81301
Phone: (970) 247-3537

Dr. David Merritt, MD is regulated by the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12, Article 240 (Medical Practice Act) in Colorado and is licensed by The Colorado Medical Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1003851049

Registration can typically be verified through The Colorado Medical 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 Merritt 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.