Dr. Gena Gardiner, MD – Family Physician | Chesterfield, MO

To confirm if Dr. Gena Gardiner is currently accepting new patients, please contact (636) 735-4122.

Dr. Gena Gardiner, 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. She 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.). Dr. Gena Gardiner 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.

Dr. Gena Gardiner, MD is a family medicine physician in Chesterfield, MO and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER in 1986. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Hospital St. Louis. She is accepting telehealth appointments. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Gena Gardiner is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She offers consultations in German. Dr. Gena Gardiner is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and improving the health and well-being of her community.

Dr. Gena Gardiner addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Post-Vaccination Fever: This is a common, usually mild reaction to vaccines, often resolving on its own.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): This involves persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure, often requiring long-term management.
• Diabetes Type 2: A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, requiring careful monitoring and management.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: This involves the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint, causing pain and stiffness.
• Menstrual Migraine: These are severe headaches that occur around menstruation.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency of this vitamin can cause fatigue, anemia, and neurological problems.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: These include symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: This can be caused by various factors and may require investigation and treatment.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): These can range from mild to severe and require proper diagnosis and management.
• Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
• Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Tremor: Involuntary shaking or trembling, which can be caused by various conditions.
• Thyroid Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland, often associated with hormonal imbalances.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: A deficiency of various B vitamins can lead to a range of symptoms.

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

• Psychological Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of mental health and cognitive functioning.
• Strep Test: A rapid test to detect streptococcal bacteria, a common cause of strep throat.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: An evaluation of spinal alignment and posture to identify potential problems.
• Dyslexia Assessment: An evaluation to identify learning difficulties related to reading and writing.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological assessment to determine readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Osteoporosis Screening: A screening test to assess bone density and risk of osteoporosis.
• Health Screening: A comprehensive assessment of overall health status through various tests and evaluations.
• Home Sleep Study: A sleep study conducted at home to diagnose sleep disorders.
• McMurray's Test: A physical examination maneuver to assess the integrity of the meniscus in the knee.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A screening test to detect hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate colorectal cancer.
• Bacteriuria Screening: A test to detect bacteria in the urine, often indicating a urinary tract infection.
• Gonorrhea Screening: A test to detect the presence of gonorrhea infection.
• Diabetic Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of blood sugar levels and overall diabetic health.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: A test to check for anemia and iron deficiency.

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

• With proper treatment, patients experiencing vitamin B deficiency often see a significant improvement in their energy levels and overall well-being. Many are then able to return to their normal daily activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• With proper management, patients often experience a reduction in goiter size and a lessening of associated symptoms like difficulty swallowing or breathing. This allows them to return to their normal daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
• With effective management, patients experience a significant reduction in tremor severity, allowing them to confidently perform everyday tasks and rediscover hobbies they previously found challenging. This improved control enhances their independence and overall quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Gena Gardiner, 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 Chesterfield, Missouri area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Chesterfield and 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Gena Gardiner. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Gena Gardiner 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
  • Plan: Savings Plus of IL OA Select
• 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. Gena Gardiner 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. Gena Gardiner) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (636) 735-4122 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. Gena Gardiner may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• St. Luke's Hospital (Chesterfield, MO)
• Mercy Hospital St. Louis (Saint Louis, MO)
• SSM Health DePaul Hospital-St. Louis (Bridgeton, MO)

She earned her medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER in 1986.

She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Are services from Dr. Gena Gardiner typically covered by health insurance in Missouri?

Dr. Gena Gardiner, as a Family Physician in Missouri, 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. Gena Gardiner 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. Gena Gardiner as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Gena Gardiner 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. Gena Gardiner 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. Gena Gardiner, 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 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Gena Gardiner in the US?

With Dr. Gena Gardiner, 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. Gena Gardiner works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

Can Dr. Gena Gardiner help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your Family Physician, Dr. Gena Gardiner plays a crucial role in mental and behavioral healthcare. She is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Gena Gardiner can provide an initial assessment (often using screening tools), offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications), and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists (LCSW, LPC, MFT), or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care (like specific types of psychotherapy) is needed. Dr. Gena Gardiner can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions, often working in an integrated care model.

What if Dr. Gena Gardiner works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Gena Gardiner?

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

What does it mean for Dr. Gena Gardiner to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Gena Gardiner (or the clinic she 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. Gena Gardiner'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.

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

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

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Missouri 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 Missouri 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. Verifying insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment is crucial.

17701 Edison Ave Ste 101
Chesterfield MO 63005
Phone: (636) 735-4122

Dr. Gena Gardiner, 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): 1699702472

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. Gena Gardiner 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.