Dr. Garry Banks, MD – Family Physician | Destin, FL

Dr. Garry Banks, MD is a Family Physician practicing at Garry Banks, MD in Destin, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice).

Dr. Garry Banks is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (850) 208-0908 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.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, Dr. Garry Banks brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He is an internist in Niceville, Florida and is affiliated with HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Garry Banks is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. He provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Garry Banks is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of his patients and the community he serves.

Dr. Garry Banks addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Sleep Apnea: This condition involves pauses in breathing during sleep, often leading to daytime fatigue and other health problems.
• Foot Infection: Infections in the foot can range from minor to severe and may require prompt medical attention.
• Asthma: This chronic respiratory condition can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Limb Pain: Pain in the arms or legs can have various causes and warrants a proper medical evaluation.
• Mild Asthma: Even mild asthma requires management to prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to various neurological and hematological issues.
• Emphysema: This chronic lung disease causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.
• Joint Pain: Pain in the joints can result from various conditions, such as arthritis.
• Diabetes: This metabolic disorder affects how the body uses blood sugar.
• Hypoglycemia: This condition is characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels.
• Osteoporosis: This disease weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Administrative Physical: This type of physical is conducted for administrative purposes, such as employment or insurance requirements.
• Hernia: A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak point in the muscle or tissue surrounding it.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: This condition involves inflammation or infection of small pouches in the digestive tract.

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

• Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical exam helps assess overall health and identify potential health issues.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service helps patients manage multiple health issues and ensures smooth transitions between different aspects of care.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This service assists patients in planning for end-of-life care and making their wishes known.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG records the electrical activity of the heart.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Immunization Administration: This service provides vaccinations to protect against various infectious diseases.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Garry Banks. 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 Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Dr. Garry Banks 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. Garry Banks can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper management, patients experience significant relief from the pain and discomfort of intestinal diverticulitis, allowing them to return to their normal activities and enjoy a higher quality of life. They can confidently resume their daily routines, feeling healthier and more energetic.
• With effective treatment, many patients find significant relief from their joint pain, enabling them to return to favorite activities like gardening or playing with their grandchildren. Improved mobility and reduced discomfort significantly enhance their quality of life.
• With proper treatment, patients experiencing vitamin B12 deficiency often see a significant improvement in their energy levels and cognitive function, allowing them to return to their favorite activities and enjoy a fuller life. They are able to regain their vitality and participate more fully in daily life.

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

• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)

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. Garry Banks 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. Garry Banks) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (850) 208-0908 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. Garry Banks may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital (Niceville, FL)

He earned his medical degree from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1990. He completed an internship, gaining foundational clinical experience at Georgia Baptist Medical Center - Atlanta GA. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Orlando Regional Medical Center - Orlando FL, honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Garry Banks:

Are services from Dr. Garry Banks typically covered by health insurance in Florida?

As a Family Physician in Florida, Dr. Garry Banks 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 Garry Banks, MD's office PRIOR TO scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Garry Banks 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. Garry Banks as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Garry Banks 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. Garry Banks 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. Garry Banks, 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 does it mean for Dr. Garry Banks to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Garry Banks (or Garry Banks, MD 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. Garry Banks'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.

Does Dr. Garry Banks at Garry Banks, MD offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Garry Banks at Garry Banks, MD 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. Garry Banks 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. Garry Banks before scheduling such an appointment.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Garry Banks?

Your first appointment with Dr. Garry Banks is an important opportunity to establish care. He will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. he will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements - bring the bottles or an accurate list), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol/substance use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Garry Banks's practice style and for him to explain clinic policies (e.g., appointment scheduling, prescription refills, communication methods, insurance billing procedures, missed appointment fees). You will likely need to provide your insurance card(s), a photo ID, and complete new patient paperwork. The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information for optimal ongoing care and to begin building a strong physician-patient relationship.

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

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Garry Banks 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.

How long do appointments with Dr. Garry Banks typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Garry Banks to discuss a specific health concern or for a routine follow-up might last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam/preventive visit, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 to 45 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at Garry Banks, MD about the nature and number of concerns you have when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Garry Banks can be arranged to provide quality care.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Florida 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. You can also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Florida Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations of doctors they trust and who might be accepting patients. 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; verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

Garry Banks, MD
36468 Emerald Coast Pkwy Ste 1101
Destin FL 32541
Phone: (850) 208-0908

Dr. Garry Banks, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1588631493

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida 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. Garry Banks 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.