Dr. Dennis Wales, MD – Family Physician | Durango, CO

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

Dr. Dennis Wales is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (970) 764-1790 to inquire or schedule an appointment. His focus is 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. Dennis Wales, MD is a family medicine physician in Durango, CO and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He serves patients of all ages and embodies the principles of humankindness, providing treatment and treating patients with compassion and care. He graduated from University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 1997 and is affiliated with CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Dennis Wales provides consultations primarily in English. He remains committed to his patients’ health and the well-being of the Durango community.

Dr. Dennis Wales addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: This refers to chronic pain that is not caused by cancer or other serious conditions.
• Pollen Allergy: An allergic reaction to pollen from plants, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain lasting for an extended period, requiring comprehensive management strategies.
• Diarrhea: Frequent loose or watery bowel movements, often caused by infection or dietary factors.
• Urinary Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, often treatable with lifestyle changes or medical interventions.
• Cluster Headache: Severe headaches occurring in clusters over a period of time, requiring specific treatment approaches.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: High blood pressure caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, necessitating specialized management.
• Jock Itch: A fungal infection affecting the groin area, typically treated with antifungal medications.
• Lipid Disorders: Abnormalities in blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides), often managed through lifestyle changes and medication.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, requiring prompt medical attention.
• Hives: Raised, itchy welts on the skin, often caused by allergic reactions or other triggers.
• Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often caused by acid reflux.
• Plantar Wart: A viral infection causing a growth on the sole of the foot.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Imbalances in the body's mineral levels (like calcium or phosphorus), requiring careful monitoring and treatment.

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

• Cardiac Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment and management of diabetes mellitus.
• Thyroid Screening: Tests to evaluate thyroid hormone levels and detect potential problems.
• Bone Density Scan: Measurement of bone density to assess risk for osteoporosis.
• Mole Evaluation: Examination of moles to detect potential skin cancer.
• Dementia Evaluation: Assessment of cognitive function to detect and manage dementia.
• Joint Fluid Test: Analysis of fluid from a joint to diagnose joint disorders.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: A test to evaluate adrenal gland function.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Testing for chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Identification of allergies through blood tests.
• Dyslexia Assessment: Evaluation for dyslexia, a learning disability affecting reading.
• Immunization Administration: Providing routine vaccinations to prevent diseases.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Testing for various sexually transmitted infections.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Assessment of functional limitations due to injury or illness.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Dennis Wales. 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. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper treatment, patients find their plantar warts heal, eliminating the pain and discomfort that once hindered their daily activities. They are then able to enjoy walking, running, and other activities without restriction.
• Through consistent effort and a personalized treatment plan, many patients find their chronic pain significantly reduced, allowing them to participate more fully in activities they enjoy and improve their overall quality of life. This renewed ability to engage in daily life brings increased independence and a greater sense of well-being.
• With effective management, many patients regain confidence and control over bladder function, allowing them to enjoy a more active social life and pursue their favorite activities without worry. They experience improved quality of life and reduced anxiety related to leaks.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Dennis Wales, 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 located in a family medicine practice in the Durango, Colorado area, conveniently situated 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. Dennis Wales. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Dennis Wales 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 Plus - Innovation Health
  • Plan: Whole Health Colorado Front Range
• Anthem
  • Plan: Blue Priority, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Priority-CO, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Colorado, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Gold PathwayCO, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Mountain Enhanced/Mountain Enhanced X, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Pathway-CO, Type: HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
  • Plan: Statewide - AZ, Type: EPO
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
  • Plan: Blue Preferred Plus
  • Plan: BluePPO EvolutionSM, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
  • Plan: National, Type: POS
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: PPO
• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue, 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. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (970) 764-1790 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.

For direct insurance inquiries with the clinic, you may also try calling (720) 279-0798 if available and different from the main office line. 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. Dennis Wales may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital (Durango, CO)

He earned his medical degree from University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 1997.

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. Dennis Wales:

Are services from Dr. Dennis Wales typically covered by health insurance in Colorado?

Dr. Dennis Wales, as a Family Physician in Colorado, 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 CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales, 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch 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 CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch, 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) 764-1790] 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.

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

Does Dr. Dennis Wales at CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Dennis Wales at CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch 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. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales before scheduling such an appointment.

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

Dr. Dennis Wales practices as part of CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch, 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. Dennis Wales, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Dennis Wales 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. CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch will always strive to have you see Dr. Dennis Wales for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Dennis Wales one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Dennis Wales, 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.

Can Dr. Dennis Wales help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Dennis Wales 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. Dennis Wales.

CommonSpirit Primary Care Horse Gulch
810 E 3rd St Unit 201
Durango CO 81301
Phone: (970) 764-1790

Dr. Dennis Wales, 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): 1376650408

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. Dennis Wales 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.