Dr. Erin Piontek, MD – Family Physician | Yarmouth, ME

Dr. Erin Piontek, 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. Dr. Erin Piontek is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (207) 846-3060 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Erin Piontek 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. She serves patients of all ages and is registered with The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, practicing under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 48 (Board of Licensure in Medicine).

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, Dr. Erin Piontek brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. Dr. Erin Piontek, MD is a family medicine physician in Yarmouth, ME and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2003 and is affiliated with The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Erin Piontek provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Erin Piontek is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients and the Yarmouth community.

Dr. Erin Piontek addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Pediatric Obesity: This involves assessing and managing weight-related health risks in children.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: This focuses on managing pain and improving mobility in the foot due to joint degeneration.
• Gait Abnormality: This involves identifying and addressing problems with walking patterns.
• Strep Throat: This involves diagnosing and treating bacterial infections of the throat.
• Dysentery: This focuses on managing this infectious disease causing severe diarrhea.
• Proteinuria: This involves assessing and managing the presence of excess protein in the urine.
• Balanoposthitis: This involves diagnosing and treating inflammation of the penis.
• Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis: This focuses on managing inflammation and blood clots in the veins.
• Ringworm: This involves diagnosing and treating fungal skin infections.
• Balanitis: This involves diagnosing and treating inflammation of the glans penis.
• Celiac Disease: This involves diagnosing and managing this autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
• Pediatric Overweight: This involves assessing and managing weight-related health risks in children.
• Acute Bronchitis: This involves diagnosing and treating inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
• Obesity: This involves assessing and managing weight-related health risks.

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

• STD Screening: This involves testing for sexually transmitted diseases to ensure early detection and treatment.
• Drug Allergy Testing: This helps identify specific drug allergies to prevent adverse reactions.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This ensures seamless management of multiple health issues and procedures.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This involves testing for the hepatitis C virus to ensure early detection and treatment.
• Patch Testing: This helps identify allergens causing contact dermatitis.
• Dementia Evaluation: This involves assessing cognitive function to diagnose and manage dementia.
• Detoxification Evaluation: This involves assessing the need for detoxification services.
• Vaginosis Screening: This involves testing for vaginal infections.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This involves assessing the need for and suitability of a wheelchair.
• Disability Evaluation: This involves assessing the extent of disability.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This utilizes ultrasound to image the heart.
• Wellness Examination: This focuses on preventative care and overall health promotion.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This records the heart's electrical activity.
• Diabetes Counseling: This involves education and support for managing diabetes.

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

• With the right treatment, patients quickly clear up their ringworm infections, leading to a significant reduction in itching and discomfort. They can then confidently resume their normal activities, such as swimming or wearing their favorite clothes without worry.
• With careful management, patients experiencing gait abnormalities often regain a more stable and confident stride. This renewed mobility allows them to participate more fully in the activities they enjoy, enhancing their overall quality of life.
• With prompt treatment, patients quickly recover from strep throat, experiencing a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. They're then able to return to their normal activities, free from the debilitating effects of the infection.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Erin Piontek, 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. 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. Erin Piontek. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Erin Piontek or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
• Anthem
  • Plan: Maine Tiered Options-ME, Type: HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Assurant Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
• Coventry Health Care
• Coventry Health Care of Missouri
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care)
• Golden Rule
• Group Health Cooperative (GHC)
  • Plan: Group Health Cooperative
• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Plan: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care PPO
• HealthLink
• Humana
• Molina Healthcare
  • Plan: Molina
• MultiPlan
  • Plan: MultiPlan PPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: United Healthcare

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. Erin Piontek 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. Erin Piontek) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (207) 846-3060 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. Erin Piontek may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital (Greensboro, NC)

She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2003. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Family Medicine at University Of Missouri Columbia School Of Med (graduated 2006), 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. Erin Piontek:

Are services from Dr. Erin Piontek typically covered by health insurance in Maine?

Dr. Erin Piontek, as a Family Physician in Maine, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, it's crucial that patients always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Erin Piontek is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their specific coverage details, including 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. Erin Piontek as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

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

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Erin Piontek is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. She's role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the US healthcare system (including specialist referrals and insurance considerations for complex care), and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Erin Piontek will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Erin Piontek one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Erin Piontek, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for her 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. She manage a wide range of health concerns and coordinate 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 happens if Dr. Erin Piontek determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Erin Piontek 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. Erin Piontek'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. Erin Piontek 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. Erin Piontek.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Erin Piontek?

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Erin Piontek, and her care team. It's important because it allows Dr. Erin Piontek to get to know you, your comprehensive health history, your values, your family/social context, and how you respond to treatments. This deep understanding helps Dr. Erin Piontek make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists (navigating insurance referrals if needed), and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a PCP is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, increased adherence to medical advice, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources (e.g., fewer unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations).

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

385 Route 1
Yarmouth ME 04096
Phone: (207) 846-3060

Dr. Erin Piontek, 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): 1780754457

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. Erin Piontek 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.