Dr. Donald O’Connor, MD – Family Physician | Falls Church, VA

Dr. Donald O'Connor, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Falls Church, VA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Virginia Board of Medicine and practices under the Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 29 (Medicine and Other Healing Arts).

To confirm if Dr. Donald O'Connor is currently accepting new patients, please contact (703) 207-7100. Dr. Donald O'Connor, MD is a family medicine physician in Falls Church, VA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in 1987. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients.

Dr. Donald O'Connor provides 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 and provides consultations primarily in English. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Donald O'Connor is committed to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the community he serves.

Dr. Donald O'Connor addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: It's a form of lupus that involves skin problems like rashes, sores, or changes in skin color.
• Skin Discoloration: This refers to unusual spots or patches developing on the skin.
• Urticaria Due to Cold: Cold temperatures cause itchy welts to develop on the skin.
• Flexural Eczema: This skin condition causes inflammation and irritation in the creases of the body, leading to discomfort and itchiness.
• Rosacea: Rosacea causes facial flushing or redness and can cause acne-like breakouts.
• Gait Abnormality: This involves an unusual manner of walking or moving.
• Difficulty With Walking: This refers to challenges or limitations in the ability to walk.

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

• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This screening helps detect the presence of the Hepatitis C virus.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This evaluation assesses the psychological readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: This screening helps detect various sexually transmitted infections.
• Psychological Evaluation: This evaluation assesses mental health and well-being.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: This screening assesses spinal health and posture.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: This test detects pregnancy through urine analysis.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This screening helps detect the presence of Trichomoniasis.
• Pregnancy Test: This test helps determine if a person is pregnant.
• Bacteriuria Screening: This screening checks for bacteria in the urine.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: This evaluation assesses the cause of chest pain.
• Dyslexia Assessment: This assessment evaluates for dyslexia.
• Syphilis Screening: This screening helps detect the presence of syphilis.
• Blood Allergy Testing: This test identifies allergies through blood samples.
• Skin Screenings: This screening checks for skin abnormalities.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Donald O'Connor. 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 Virginia and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Virginia Board of Medicine.

Dr. Donald O'Connor 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. Donald O'Connor can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With consistent treatment, patients often see a significant reduction in facial redness and blemishes, restoring their confidence and allowing them to enjoy social activities without self-consciousness. Many are able to resume their normal routines and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
• With careful management, patients experience significant reduction in skin inflammation and scarring, allowing them to confidently enjoy outdoor activities and social events without the self-consciousness that often accompanies the condition. Their improved skin health contributes to a greater sense of well-being and improved quality of life.
• Patients experiencing skin discoloration found relief and regained confidence in their appearance after receiving appropriate treatment. This allowed them to enjoy social activities and feel comfortable in their own skin once more.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Donald O'Connor, 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 Falls Church, Virginia area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Falls Church and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Falls Church. 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. Donald O'Connor. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Donald O'Connor or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Cigna
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Connecticare
  • Plan: Flex Connecticut, Type: EPO
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO

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. Donald O'Connor 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. Donald O'Connor) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (703) 207-7100 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 George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in 1987.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Donald O'Connor:

Are services from Dr. Donald O'Connor typically covered by health insurance in Virginia?

Dr. Donald O'Connor, as a Family Physician in Virginia, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients must always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Donald O'Connor 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. Donald O'Connor as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Donald O'Connor to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Donald O'Connor 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. Donald O'Connor, 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 can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Virginia who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First, check your health insurance plan's 'Find a Doctor' or 'Provider Directory' tool (often available online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. Also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Virginia Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups, as they often have affiliated family physicians who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. It can be challenging and may require persistence. Verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Donald O'Connor one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Donald O'Connor, 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 if Dr. Donald O'Connor works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Donald O'Connor?

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

Does Dr. Donald O'Connor at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Dr. Donald O'Connor 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. Donald O'Connor 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. Donald O'Connor before scheduling such an appointment.

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). He is 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 does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Donald O'Connor in the US?

With Dr. Donald O'Connor, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations (flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc.), screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on USPSTF recommendations for your age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Donald O'Connor works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

3302 Gallows Rd
Falls Church VA 22042
Phone: (703) 207-7100

Dr. Donald O'Connor, MD is regulated by the Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 29 (Medicine and Other Healing Arts) in Virginia and is licensed by The Virginia Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1235152430

Registration can typically be verified through The Virginia Board of 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. Donald O'Connor 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.