Dr. Gordon Fall, MD – Family Physician | Seattle, WA

Dr. Gordon Fall, MD is a Family Physician practicing at Olympic Medical Center in Seattle, WA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Washington Medical Commission and practices under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians). Dr. Gordon Fall is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (206) 782-1133 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Gordon Fall, MD 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. He serves patients of all ages and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients, with over 60 years of dedicated experience in family medicine.

Dr. Gordon Fall is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. He offers consultations in Norwegian. Dr. Gordon Fall is dedicated to the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the community he serves, striving to provide the best possible care for individuals and families throughout their lives.

• Parapsoriasis Lichenoides: This is a long-term skin condition that usually appears as patches on the body.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Persistent leg or foot ulcers require medical attention.
• Berloque Dermatitis: This skin rash is caused by a reaction to certain perfumes or chemicals contacting the skin.
• Cold Sore: A cold sore is a small, painful blister typically appearing on or around the lips.
• Dermal Melanoma: This is a serious type of skin cancer originating in the skin's melanocytes.
• Papilloma: A papilloma is a benign growth on the skin or mucous membranes.
• Diabetes-Like Pressure Ulcer: This sore develops on the skin due to prolonged pressure, often worsened by diabetes.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Gordon Fall 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.

• Nuclear Stress Testing: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material and an EKG to check how well your heart works during exercise.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This blood test assesses how well your body processes glucose (sugar).
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination.
• Baclofen Pump Therapy: A baclofen pump is surgically implanted to deliver medication that helps relieve muscle stiffness and spasms.
• Honeybee Desensitization Therapy: This treatment gradually builds your immunity to bee venom to prevent severe reactions.
• Cholesterol Screening: This screening helps assess your cholesterol levels and identify potential risks for heart disease.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: A non-invasive ultrasound screens for heart defects in the unborn child.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Gordon Fall. 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 Washington and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Washington Medical Commission.

Dr. Gordon Fall 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. Gordon Fall can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Early detection and treatment allowed patients to successfully manage their dermal melanoma, leading to a positive prognosis and a return to enjoying their favorite outdoor activities without fear. Their improved health empowered them to resume a full and active life.
• With diligent wound care and management, patients experienced significant healing of their diabetes-like pressure ulcers, allowing them to return to their favorite activities without pain or discomfort. This improved their quality of life and overall well-being.
• With effective treatment, patients experience a significant reduction in the size and number of scaly patches, leading to clearer skin and a renewed sense of confidence. Many are then able to comfortably participate in social activities and enjoy life without the self-consciousness associated with their skin condition.

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

Dr. Gordon Fall and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Washington. 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. Gordon Fall 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. Gordon Fall) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (206) 782-1133 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 University of Washington in 1963.

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

Are services from Dr. Gordon Fall typically covered by health insurance in Washington?

As a Family Physician in Washington, Dr. Gordon Fall 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 Olympic Medical Center's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Gordon Fall 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. Gordon Fall as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Gordon Fall 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. Gordon Fall 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. Gordon Fall, 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 happens if Dr. Gordon Fall determines I need to see a medical specialist?

Seeing a medical specialist in the US often requires a referral from your Family Physician/PCP like Dr. Gordon Fall, particularly if mandated by your health insurance plan (e.g., HMOs or some POS plans) to ensure coverage at the highest benefit level. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Gordon Fall believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral, often suggesting specialists who are known to be in-network with common insurance plans. Our office may assist with the insurance pre-authorization process if required. You will then typically be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Remember that specialist wait times can vary, so Dr. Gordon Fall will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

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

As a Family Physician, Dr. Gordon Fall is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. He will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Gordon Fall will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved (ensuring referrals are appropriate, results are integrated, and treatment plans are aligned), manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions and polypharmacy (reviewing for necessity and effectiveness), and develop a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan that aligns with your overall health goals, values, and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions, medications, and concerns is key to this process.

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

'In-network' means Dr. Gordon Fall (or Olympic Medical Center 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. Gordon Fall'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.

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

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

Having continuity of care with Dr. Gordon Fall means that he is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home'. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Gordon Fall to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests and potential for conflicting medical advice, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger physician-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management within the US healthcare system.

How long do appointments with Dr. Gordon Fall typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Gordon Fall can vary depending on the reason for your visit. In the US, standard appointments for a single, focused issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 15-20 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive 'annual physical' or 'preventive wellness visit' (especially Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, which have specific components), a new patient intake appointment, in-depth counseling, or an in-office minor procedure will usually be scheduled for a longer duration, perhaps 30-45 minutes or even more. When booking your appointment at Olympic Medical Center, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can try to allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Gordon Fall. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or schedule separate visits to ensure each concern can be addressed thoroughly without rushing.

Olympic Medical Center
7715 24th Ave NW
Seattle WA 98117
Phone: (206) 782-1133

Dr. Gordon Fall, MD is regulated by the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians) in Washington and is licensed by The Washington Medical Commission.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1538141858

Registration can typically be verified through The Washington Medical Commission 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. Gordon Fall 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.