Dr. Gayathri Raman, MD – Family Physician | Chesterfield, MO

Dr. Gayathri Raman, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Chesterfield, MO. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Gayathri Raman is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (636) 777-8058 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Gayathri Raman, MD is a family medicine physician in Chesterfield, MO and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She 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 25 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She graduated from UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI / KANSAS CITY CAMPUS in 1998. She is affiliated with medical facilities Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Gayathri Raman offers consultations in Tamil.

Dr. Gayathri Raman is registered with The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and practices under the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 334 (Physicians and Surgeons, etc.). She is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She serves patients of all ages and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her community through compassionate and comprehensive family medicine care.

Dr. Gayathri Raman addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Thrush: This is a common yeast infection of the mouth, often treated with antifungal medications.
• Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can be treated with rest, stretching, and sometimes medication.
• Pollen Allergy: Pollen allergies cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, often managed with antihistamines or other allergy medications.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: This can be caused by various conditions and requires evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
• Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is nerve pain originating from the spine, often managed with pain medication, physical therapy, and sometimes injections.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This is a serious addiction that requires comprehensive support and treatment strategies.
• Allergic Rhinitis: This is an allergic reaction affecting the nose, often treated with antihistamines or other allergy medications.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: This is an inflammation of small pouches in the intestines, often treated with antibiotics and dietary changes.
• Menstrual Disorders: These encompass a range of conditions affecting menstruation, requiring individualized diagnosis and treatment.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: These skin conditions cause inflammation and itching, often managed with topical creams or other therapies.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can have various causes and is treated based on the underlying condition.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are infections of the urinary tract, often treated with antibiotics.
• Fever: Fever is a symptom of various illnesses and requires evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
• Intertrigo: This is a skin rash in skin folds, often treated with antifungal creams or other therapies.

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

• Breast Cancer Screening: This involves mammograms and clinical breast exams to detect breast cancer early.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test evaluates adrenal gland function.
• HIV Screening: This test detects the presence of HIV antibodies.
• Tuberculosis Screening: This involves a skin test or blood test to detect tuberculosis infection.
• Cholesterol Screening: This blood test measures cholesterol levels to assess heart disease risk.
• Mole Evaluation: This involves examining moles to detect potential skin cancer.
• Blood Allergy Testing: This identifies specific allergens causing allergic reactions.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: This simple test checks urine for various abnormalities.
• VAP Lipid Testing: This test assesses lipid levels in the blood.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: This involves testing for various sexually transmitted infections.
• Strep Test: This test detects Streptococcus bacteria, a common cause of strep throat.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: This is a comprehensive assessment of a child's educational needs.
• Melanoma Screening: This involves examining the skin for melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This includes assessment and management of symptoms related to menopause.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Gayathri Raman. 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 Missouri and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

Dr. Gayathri Raman 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. Gayathri Raman can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients successfully quitting tobacco often experience improved respiratory function and increased energy levels, allowing them to enjoy activities like hiking or spending time with loved ones without shortness of breath. This renewed vitality improves their overall quality of life and strengthens their sense of well-being.
• With effective management, patients experience significant pain reduction from their radiculopathy, allowing them to return to favorite activities like gardening or playing with their grandchildren. Improved mobility and reduced discomfort restore a greater sense of independence and well-being.
• With the right treatment, patients find relief from the discomfort of thrush, allowing them to enjoy eating and socializing without worry. They can return to their normal routines with confidence and renewed comfort.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Gayathri Raman, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Chesterfield, Missouri area, near key city attractions and public services. It is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Chesterfield. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Gayathri Raman. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Gayathri Raman 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
• Anthem
  • Plan: Blue Preferred Options-MO, Type: PPO
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO
  • Plan: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Plan: Blue Preferred Plus, Type: POS
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Preferred Care Blue, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Print, Type: PPO
• 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 Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
• United Concordia Dental
  • Plan: Alliance, Type: EPO
• 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

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. Gayathri Raman 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. Gayathri Raman) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (636) 777-8058 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. Gayathri Raman may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital (Winfield, IL)
• Missouri Baptist Medical Center (Saint Louis, MO)

She earned her medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI / KANSAS CITY CAMPUS in 1998.

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. Gayathri Raman:

Are services from Dr. Gayathri Raman typically covered by health insurance in Missouri?

As a Family Physician in Missouri, Dr. Gayathri Raman 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 crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (636) 777-8058 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Gayathri Raman 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 our office about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Gayathri Raman as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Gayathri Raman 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. Gayathri Raman 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. Gayathri Raman, 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.

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

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 [(636) 777-8058] 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 happens if Dr. Gayathri Raman determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Gayathri Raman 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. Gayathri Raman'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. Gayathri Raman 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. Gayathri Raman.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Gayathri Raman?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally [e.g., 5-7 days] before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Gayathri Raman's office. Please allow at least [e.g., 24-72 business hours] for these requests to be processed by Dr. Gayathri Raman and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Gayathri Raman, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Gayathri Raman, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate, but this can add time. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

Can Dr. Gayathri Raman help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Gayathri Raman are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. She 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. Gayathri Raman.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Gayathri Raman in the US?

Preventative care provided by Dr. Gayathri Raman aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage, following established US guidelines. This includes regular physical exams or wellness visits (many insurance plans cover one per year), vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. Itu2019s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Gayathri Raman can help guide you in these efforts.

16216 Baxter Rd Ste 325
Chesterfield MO 63017
Phone: (636) 777-8058

Dr. Gayathri Raman, MD is regulated by the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 334 (Physicians and Surgeons, etc.) in Missouri and is licensed by The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1568461176

Registration can typically be verified through The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts 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. Gayathri Raman 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.