Dr. Katherine Chen, DO – Family Physician | Scranton, PA

To confirm if Dr. Katherine Chen is currently accepting new patients, please contact (570) 343-2383.

Dr. Katherine Chen, DO is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Scranton, PA. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and practices under the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985). Dr. Chen's 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. Katherine Chen serves patients of all ages. She is a family medicine physician in Scranton, PA, and is affiliated with medical facilities Swedish First Hill Campus and Swedish Issaquah Campus. Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Katherine Chen provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Katherine Chen is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of her patients and the Scranton community. She strives to provide accessible, high-quality care to all who seek her services.

Dr. Katherine Chen addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Pharyngitis: This is an inflammation of the pharynx, often causing a sore throat.
• Strep Throat: A bacterial infection causing a sore throat, often requiring antibiotics.
• Nausea: A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied by the urge to vomit.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, which can have many underlying causes.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches in the digestive tract.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A bacterial infection of the urinary system, often causing pain and discomfort.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: A chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of tobacco products.
• Acute Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often causing a cough.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Pain in the head, ranging in severity and cause.
• Limb Pain: Pain in an arm or leg, which can be caused by various conditions.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: An infection of the lower respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stools.
• Diaper Rash: Irritation and inflammation of the skin in the diaper area.
• Fever: An elevated body temperature, often indicating illness.

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

• Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: A procedure to remove fluid or pus from an abscess or cyst.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: A surgical procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: An imaging test using sound waves to visualize the fetus during pregnancy.
• Immunization Administration: Providing vaccinations to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Pilonidal Cyst Removal: Surgical removal of a cyst near the tailbone.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): A blood test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

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

Dr. Katherine Chen 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. Katherine Chen can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective nausea management, patients often find their discomfort subsides, allowing them to return to their daily activities and enjoy meals without distress. This improved comfort level significantly enhances their overall quality of life.
• With appropriate treatment, patients experiencing pharyngitis find relief from their sore throat and discomfort, allowing them to return to their normal routines and social activities. They are able to speak and swallow more easily, improving their overall quality of life.
• With prompt treatment, patients quickly find relief from the painful symptoms of a UTI, allowing them to return to their normal activities and feel better overall. They are able to resume their daily lives without discomfort or interruption.

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

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• First Choice Health
  • Plan: First Choice Health PPO
• Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Individual and Family, Type: Network
  • Plan: Preferred Provider Network PPN

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. Katherine Chen 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. Katherine Chen) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (570) 343-2383 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. Katherine Chen may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Swedish Issaquah Campus (Issaquah, WA)
• Swedish First Hill Campus (Seattle, WA)

She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, and Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Katherine Chen:

Are services from Dr. Katherine Chen typically covered by health insurance in Pennsylvania?

As a Family Physician in Pennsylvania, Dr. Katherine Chen likely accepts many health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should independently verify Medicaid participation). However, it is absolutely essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (570) 343-2383 BEFORE scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Katherine Chen 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. Katherine Chen as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Katherine Chen 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. Katherine Chen will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, especially HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), require a referral from your PCP (Dr. Katherine Chen, if she is your PCP) 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 your specific insurance plan's referral requirements.

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

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Katherine Chen is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. She's role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the US healthcare system (including specialist referrals and insurance considerations for complex care), and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Katherine Chen will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

What happens if Dr. Katherine Chen determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. Katherine Chen acts as your primary care coordinator. If she believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, she 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. Katherine Chen 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. Katherine Chen can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

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

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

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Katherine Chen?

Your first appointment with Dr. Katherine Chen is an important opportunity to establish care. She will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. she will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements - bring the bottles or an accurate list), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol/substance use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Katherine Chen's practice style and for her to explain clinic policies (e.g., appointment scheduling, prescription refills, communication methods, insurance billing procedures, missed appointment fees). You will likely need to provide your insurance card(s), a photo ID, and complete new patient paperwork. The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information for optimal ongoing care and to begin building a strong physician-patient relationship.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Katherine Chen?

To each appointment with Dr. Katherine Chen 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. Katherine Chen) 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. Katherine Chen 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.

501 Madison Ave
Scranton PA 18510
Phone: (570) 343-2383

Dr. Katherine Chen, DO is regulated by the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985) in Pennsylvania and is licensed by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1407388879

Registration can typically be verified through The Pennsylvania State 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. Katherine Chen 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.