Dr. James Abbott, MD – Family Physician | Richmond, VA

Dr. James Abbott, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Richmond, VA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. To confirm if Dr. James Abbott is currently accepting new patients, please contact (804) 359-4093.

Dr. James Abbott, MD is a family medicine physician in Richmond, VA and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 1976. He is affiliated with Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He is registered with The Virginia Board of Medicine and practices under the Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 29 (Medicine and Other Healing Arts).

Dr. James Abbott 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 provides consultations primarily in English. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. James Abbott is committed to improving the health and well-being of his patients and the community he serves.

Dr. James Abbott addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Gastroparesis: This condition involves delayed stomach emptying, often causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing can stem from various causes, and a physician will work to determine the underlying issue.
• Osteopenia: Characterized by low bone mass, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: This can indicate underlying health problems requiring careful evaluation and management.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A chronic lung disease that causes airflow blockage.
• Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

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

• VAP Lipid Testing: This test helps assess cardiovascular risk by measuring lipid levels in the blood.
• Mole Evaluation: Examination of moles to detect any potential signs of skin cancer.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Testing for the herpes simplex virus, which causes oral or genital herpes.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test evaluates the function of the adrenal glands.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Testing for the hepatitis B virus, which affects the liver.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): Measurement of blood gases to assess lung function and acid-base balance.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Detoxification Evaluation: Assessment of the need for detoxification, depending on the patient's health and history.
• Psychological Evaluation: Assessment of a patient's mental health and well-being.
• Skin Screenings: Regular checks for any skin abnormalities, such as moles or lesions.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Tests and procedures to detect ovarian cancer early.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Assessment of the patient's needs and recommendations for wheelchair use.
• Memory Evaluation: Assessment of the patient's cognitive function and memory.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screening and counseling for alcohol misuse.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. James Abbott. 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 Virginia and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Virginia Board of Medicine.

Dr. James Abbott 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. James Abbott can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, patients experience a significant reduction in limb swelling, enabling them to comfortably resume their favorite activities and enjoy a better quality of life. They are able to participate more fully in daily life without the discomfort and limitations caused by fluid overload.
• With proper management, patients find their asthma symptoms significantly reduced, allowing them to breathe easier and fully participate in activities they enjoy, such as playing sports or spending time outdoors. They experience improved lung function and a greater sense of well-being.
• With careful monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, patients successfully maintain bone density, reducing their fracture risk and enjoying greater confidence in their physical activities. This allows them to remain active and pursue hobbies without the fear of debilitating injury.

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

Dr. James Abbott and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Virginia. 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. James Abbott 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. James Abbott) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (804) 359-4093 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. James Abbott may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (Rochester, MI)

He earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 1976.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. James Abbott:

Are services from Dr. James Abbott typically covered by health insurance in Virginia?

Dr. James Abbott, as a Family Physician in Virginia, 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 our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. James Abbott 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. James Abbott as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. James Abbott 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. James Abbott 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. James Abbott, 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. James Abbott in the US?

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

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

'In-network' means Dr. James Abbott (or the clinic 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. James Abbott'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.

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

Yes, Dr. James Abbott at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of 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, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. James Abbott if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. James Abbott before scheduling such an appointment.

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

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

What happens if Dr. James Abbott determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. James Abbott acts as your primary care coordinator. If he believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, he will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. This process will consider your insurance plan's requirements for specialist referrals and in-network providers. Dr. James Abbott will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. It's important to keep our clinic informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. James Abbott can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

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 [(804) 359-4093] 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.

1101 Hampton St
Richmond VA 23220
Phone: (804) 359-4093

Dr. James Abbott, MD is regulated by the Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 29 (Medicine and Other Healing Arts) in Virginia and is licensed by The Virginia Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1235169236

Registration can typically be verified through The Virginia 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. James Abbott 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.