Dr. Gary Buffington, MD – Family Physician | Pensacola, FL

To confirm if Dr. Gary Buffington is currently accepting new patients, please contact (850) 494-6561.

Dr. Gary Buffington, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Pensacola, 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. Gary Buffington, MD is a family medicine physician in Pensacola, FL and has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1971.

Dr. Gary Buffington 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. With over 50 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.

Dr. Gary Buffington's approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. He provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Gary Buffington is committed to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the Pensacola community.

Dr. Gary Buffington addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Administrative Physical: This is a routine checkup that helps maintain your health records and ensures you have access to necessary healthcare services.
• Acanthosis Nigricans: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes dark, thickened patches of skin, often in the armpits, groin, and neck.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
• Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Erythema Multiforme: This condition often presents as a target-like rash, and it can be itchy or painful.
• Leiomyoma, Hereditary Multiple, of Skin: This refers to a family history of multiple benign skin tumors.
• Eosinophilic Cellulitis: This skin condition involves inflammation and swelling in your skin, and it often presents as red, bumpy patches.

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

• Urine Pregnancy Test: A simple test to detect pregnancy.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Assessment and support for substance use concerns.
• McMurray's Test: A physical examination maneuver used to assess for meniscus tears in the knee.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Testing for the presence of Chlamydia infection.
• Diabetes Screening: Tests to detect diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels.
• Mole Evaluation: Assessment of moles to detect any potential skin cancer.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Diagnosis and management of sleep problems.
• Psychological Evaluation: Assessment of mental health concerns.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screening and support for alcohol misuse.
• Bone Density Scan: A test to measure bone density and assess risk of osteoporosis.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Assessment of chest pain to rule out heart conditions.
• Detoxification Evaluation: Assessment of the need for detoxification from substances.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Testing for the presence of Hepatitis B virus.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Determining allergies to various medications.

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

• Patients readily complete their required administrative physicals, ensuring timely access to needed services and reducing stress related to potential healthcare delays. This allows them to focus on their overall well-being and other important life priorities without administrative burdens.
• Through consistent medication and lifestyle adjustments, patients successfully lowered their blood pressure, regaining their energy and enjoying active participation in family events and social activities. Many find themselves feeling healthier and more confident in their daily lives.
• Patients find comfort and reassurance in understanding their hereditary skin condition, leading to reduced anxiety about the numerous small growths. This allows them to focus on enjoying life's activities without the constant worry associated with their condition.

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

Dr. Gary Buffington and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Florida. Please contact our office or your insurer for details.

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. Gary Buffington 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. Gary Buffington) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (850) 494-6561 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 Thomas Jefferson University in 1971.

Are services from Dr. Gary Buffington typically covered by health insurance in Florida?

Dr. Gary Buffington, as a Family Physician in Florida, 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. Gary Buffington 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. Gary Buffington as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Gary Buffington 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. Gary Buffington 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. Gary Buffington, 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 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 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 Florida Medical Board website may have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. 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. Finding a doctor can be challenging; be persistent. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Gary Buffington?

To each appointment with Dr. Gary Buffington at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Gary Buffington) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Gary Buffington beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

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

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

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

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Gary Buffington, and his care team. It's important because it allows Dr. Gary Buffington 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. Gary Buffington 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).

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 [(850) 494-6561] 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 expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Gary Buffington?

An initial new patient visit with Dr. Gary Buffington usually involves a thorough discussion about your health and the completion of intake forms. Be prepared to share your personal and family medical history, a complete list of current medications with dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Dr. Gary Buffington will want to understand your health needs, concerns, and what you expect from your Family Physician/PCP. Depending on the clinic's policy and time allotted, some physicians may perform parts of a physical exam during this first visit, or a separate preventive visit/physical exam might be scheduled for a later date. This initial consultation is key to Dr. Gary Buffington understanding your health baseline.

2357 Greenbrier Blvd
Pensacola FL 32514
Phone: (850) 494-6561

Dr. Gary Buffington, 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): 1477979359

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. Gary Buffington 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.