Dr. Jay Akin, MD – Family Physician | Point Pleasant, WV

Dr. Jay Akin, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Point Pleasant, WV. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The West Virginia Board of Medicine and practices under the West Virginia Code, Chapter 30, Article 3 (West Virginia Medical Practice Act).

Dr. Jay Akin is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (304) 675-4340 to inquire or schedule an appointment. His practice focuses on providing 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. Jay Akin, MD is a family medicine physician in Point Pleasant, WV and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine in 2005. He is affiliated with Rivers Health. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Jay Akin provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Jay Akin is committed to providing the best possible care for his patients and improving the overall health of his community.

Dr. Jay Akin addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Ringworm: This fungal infection is treated with antifungal medications.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: These disorders involve imbalances in the body's magnesium levels and may require dietary adjustments or medication.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: This type of arthritis affects the joints in the hand, causing pain and stiffness.
• Cough: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, which may range from infections to allergies.
• Dizziness: This symptom can have various causes, necessitating a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying issue.
• Gait Abnormality: This refers to problems with walking or balance and often requires a comprehensive assessment to identify the cause.
• Acute Prostatitis: This is inflammation of the prostate gland, typically treated with antibiotics and pain relief.
• Acute Pharyngitis: This is inflammation of the throat, often caused by viral or bacterial infections.
• Foot Sprain: This injury involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the foot, often managed with rest, ice, and elevation.
• Abdominal Pain: This symptom requires evaluation to identify the cause, which can range from indigestion to more serious conditions.
• Cachexia: This is a complex syndrome characterized by weight loss and muscle wasting, often associated with chronic illnesses.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: This involves persistent pain without a clear underlying cause, requiring a multi-faceted approach to management.
• Arthritis: This encompasses various joint disorders causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
• Polyneuropathy: This involves damage to multiple peripheral nerves, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness.

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

• Diabetes Screening: This involves tests to detect high blood sugar levels, a key indicator of diabetes.
• ACE Inhibitor or Beta-Blocker Therapy: These medications are often used to manage high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This uses ultrasound to assess the health of a baby's heart during pregnancy.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: This involves a comprehensive assessment of a child or adolescent's mental health.
• Patch Testing: This is a procedure to identify allergens that cause contact dermatitis.
• Cancer Screening: This involves tests to detect cancer at an early, treatable stage.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: This involves a thorough assessment to determine the cause of chest pain.
• Drug Allergy Testing: This helps identify specific medications that cause allergic reactions.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: This involves assessing alcohol consumption and providing guidance on reducing harmful use.
• Diabetes Counseling: This provides education and support for managing diabetes.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This involves assessing symptoms and providing treatment options for menopause.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test assesses the heart's function during exercise.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This involves testing for this sexually transmitted infection.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: This assesses a patient's health before surgery to ensure safety.

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

Dr. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With the right treatment, persistent coughs often subside, allowing patients to breathe easier and return to their normal activities, such as enjoying time with loved ones or pursuing their hobbies without interruption.
• Patients find relief from chronic pain through a combination of therapies and lifestyle adjustments, enabling them to participate more fully in their daily lives and enjoy favorite activities once again. This improved pain management significantly boosts their quality of life and overall well-being.
• With effective treatment, patients experience significant relief from the painful symptoms of acute prostatitis, allowing them to return to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life. Many find they can resume work and other daily routines without discomfort.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Jay Akin, 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 Point Pleasant, West Virginia area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Point Pleasant and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Point Pleasant. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Jay Akin. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Jay Akin or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Aetna HMO
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BCBS, Type: PPO
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia
  • Plan: Super Blue Plus
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS

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. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (304) 675-4340 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. Jay Akin may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Rivers Health (Point Pleasant, WV)

He earned his medical degree from University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine in 2005. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at University of Tennessee (graduated 2008), honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Jay Akin:

Are services from Dr. Jay Akin typically covered by health insurance in West Virginia?

Dr. Jay Akin, as a Family Physician in West Virginia, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, it is absolutely essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider, and with our clinic's office prior to your appointment, that Dr. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin, 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.

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

As a Family Physician, Dr. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin 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 happens if Dr. Jay Akin determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

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

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

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

Preventative care provided by Dr. Jay Akin 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. Jay Akin can help guide you in these efforts.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Jay Akin?

To each appointment with Dr. Jay Akin at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Jay Akin) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Jay Akin beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

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

2520 Valley Dr
Point Pleasant WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-4340

Dr. Jay Akin, MD is regulated by the West Virginia Code, Chapter 30, Article 3 (West Virginia Medical Practice Act) in West Virginia and is licensed by The West Virginia Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1043347222

Registration can typically be verified through The West 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. Jay Akin 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.