Dr. Heather Hill, MD – Family Physician | Sheffield, AL

To confirm if Dr. Heather Hill is currently accepting new patients, please contact (256) 386-4156.

Dr. Heather Hill, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Sheffield, AL. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Heather Hill is registered with The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and practices under the Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 24 (Physicians and Other Practitioners of Healing Arts). 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.

Dr. Heather Hill, MD is a family medicine physician in Sheffield, AL and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in 2007. She is affiliated with medical facilities Helen Keller Hospital and North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory. With over 15 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 and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships.

Dr. Heather Hill provides consultations primarily in English. She is committed to continually improving the health and well-being of her patients and the Sheffield community.

Dr. Heather Hill addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Sickle Cell Disease: This is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: These encompass conditions affecting how the body absorbs, stores, and uses iron.
• Bronchospasm: This involves a tightening of the muscles around the airways in the lungs.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection affecting any part of the urinary system.
• Fever: An elevated body temperature often indicating an infection or illness.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound during breathing, often a sign of airway narrowing.
• Dermatitis Due to Drugs: Skin inflammation caused by a reaction to medications.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: An urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: A common infection of the upper respiratory tract.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by nerve damage.
• Intertrigo: Skin irritation in skin folds.
• Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength or power in muscles.

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

• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This screening test helps detect hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Providing vaccinations to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Testing to detect tuberculosis infection.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Screening for prostate cancer in men.
• Pregnancy Test: A test to determine if a woman is pregnant.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Screening for ovarian cancer in women.
• Mole Evaluation: Assessment of moles to detect potential skin cancer.
• Psychological Evaluation: Assessment of mental health and emotional well-being.
• Hepatitis A Screening: Testing for hepatitis A infection.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: Assessment of a patient's health before surgery.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: A quick urine test to check for various conditions.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Assessment and management of diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A test to measure how the body processes glucose.
• Rapid Flu Test: A quick test to detect influenza.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Heather Hill. 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 Alabama and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Heather Hill 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. Heather Hill can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With personalized guidance and treatment, patients suffering from insomnia find themselves falling asleep easier and waking up feeling refreshed. This allows them to fully participate in daily life, enjoying increased energy and improved mood.
• With proper management, patients experience significant relief from gastritis symptoms, allowing them to enjoy meals and daily activities without discomfort. Many find they can return to their normal routines and social lives with renewed energy and appetite.
• With prompt treatment, patients quickly find relief from the painful symptoms of a UTI, allowing them to return to their normal activities and feel their best again. This swift recovery often means a fast return to work, social events, and other important aspects of their lives.

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

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
  • Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• 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. Heather Hill 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. Heather Hill) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (256) 386-4156 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. Heather Hill may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory (Amory, MS)
• Helen Keller Hospital (Sheffield, AL)

She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2007.

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. Heather Hill:

Are services from Dr. Heather Hill typically covered by health insurance in Alabama?

As a Family Physician in Alabama, Dr. Heather Hill likely accepts many health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office *prior to scheduling an appointment* to confirm that Dr. Heather Hill is 'in-network' for your plan and to fully understand your specific coverage details, including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, certain 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. Heather Hill as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Heather Hill 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. Heather Hill 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. Heather Hill, 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 do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Heather Hill?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Heather Hill's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a significant time since your last review with Dr. Heather Hill, an appointment will likely be required. 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.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Alabama 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 Alabama 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. It can be challenging; verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

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

Preventative care aims to stop health issues from occurring or catch them early. This includes regular physical exams or wellness visits (many insurance plans cover one per year), vaccinations, screenings for common conditions, and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Itu2019s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Heather Hill can help guide you in these efforts.

Does Dr. Heather Hill at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Heather Hill may offer telehealth appointments for certain 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 will still necessitate an in-person visit. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Heather Hill if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage for telehealth visits can vary; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic before scheduling.

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

Continuity of care means Dr. Heather Hill is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home.' This long-term relationship allows her to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide personalized and proactive care. 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.

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

'In-network' means Dr. Heather Hill (or the clinic she practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company, typically including agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs. 'Out-of-network' means there's no contract; your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all. It is always best to verify Dr. Heather Hill's network status directly with your insurance plan and our clinic before your appointment.

1300 S Montgomery Ave
Sheffield AL 35660
Phone: (256) 386-4156

Dr. Heather Hill, MD is regulated by the Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 24 (Physicians and Other Practitioners of Healing Arts) in Alabama and is licensed by The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1629240999

Registration can typically be verified through The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners 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. Heather Hill 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.