Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, MD – Family Physician | La Crosse, WI

Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in La Crosse, WI. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board and practices under the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 448 (Medical Practices).

Please note: Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther is not currently accepting new patients. You may wish to check back periodically for updates or contact (608) 392-9873 to inquire about potential future openings or waitlists.

Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther 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. She serves patients of all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. As a physician, she feels privileged to care for patients and their families and shares in Essentia Health's mission of making a healthy difference in people's lives. Dr. Dall-Winther is committed to providing compassionate and accessible healthcare to her community.

Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Administrative Physical: This is a routine physical exam often used for administrative purposes, such as employment or insurance requirements.
• Tinea Versicolor: This fungal infection causes discoloration of the skin.
• Laryngitis: This is an inflammation of the voice box that can cause hoarseness or loss of voice.
• Neurogenic Bladder: This condition involves bladder dysfunction due to nerve damage.
• Allergic Rhinitis: This is an allergic reaction affecting the nose, causing symptoms like sneezing and congestion.
• Influenza (Flu): This is a viral infection causing fever, cough, and body aches.
• Vertigo: This is a sensation of spinning or dizziness.
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders: These disorders affect the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
• Bronchiolitis: This is an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, common in infants.
• Dysentery: This is an infection of the intestines causing bloody diarrhea.
• Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): This involves frequent urination at night.
• Heart Disease: This encompasses various conditions affecting the heart's structure and function.
• Sarcoidosis: This is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs.
• Pneumonia: This is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid buildup.

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

• STD Screening: This involves testing for sexually transmitted infections to detect and treat infections early.
• McMurray's Test: This is a physical examination maneuver used to assess the integrity of the meniscus in the knee.
• Mole Evaluation: This involves examining moles to assess for any signs of skin cancer.
• Geriatric Assessment: This is a comprehensive assessment of the health and functional status of older adults.
• Health Screening: These screenings help detect potential health issues early through tests and assessments.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: This is a quick test to analyze urine and detect abnormalities.
• Home Sleep Study: This non-invasive test monitors sleep patterns at home to diagnose sleep disorders.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: This assessment prepares patients for surgery by evaluating their overall health.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This evaluation helps determine the appropriate type of wheelchair for an individual's needs.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This screening test detects the presence of chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test records the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormalities.
• Breast Cancer Screening: This involves mammograms and clinical breast exams to detect breast cancer early.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: This involves assessing the mental health of children and adolescents.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther. 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 Wisconsin and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther 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. Kristen Dall-Winther can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients find relief from urinary incontinence and improved bladder control through careful management of their neurogenic bladder. This allows them to participate more fully in social activities and enjoy a greater sense of independence.
• Through careful management of their heart disease, patients often experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improved cardiovascular health. This allows them to return to favorite activities and enjoy a fuller, more active life.
• With the right treatment, patients see their skin clear up, leaving them feeling more confident and comfortable in their own skin. They can then enjoy activities like swimming and wearing their favorite clothes without worry.

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

• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care)

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. Kristen Dall-Winther 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. Kristen Dall-Winther) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (608) 392-9873 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. Kristen Dall-Winther may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Essentia Health-Fargo (Fargo, ND)

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. Kristen Dall-Winther:

Are services from Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther typically covered by health insurance in Wisconsin?

Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, as a Family Physician in Wisconsin, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients must always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their 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. Kristen Dall-Winther as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther 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. Kristen Dall-Winther, 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.

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. Kristen Dall-Winther recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther?

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. Kristen Dall-Winther's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. 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.

What happens if Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther's office sending a formal referral request, including your relevant medical information and reason for consult, to the specialist's office. Depending on your insurance plan (especially HMOs), a formal referral from Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther may be required by your insurer for the specialist visit to be covered or for you to receive in-network benefits. Our staff at the clinic will work to find an in-network specialist for you where possible and may assist with any necessary prior authorization process from your insurance. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly. The specialist's office will typically contact you directly to schedule an appointment once the referral (and any insurance authorization) is processed. Please follow up with our clinic if you encounter issues or haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe as advised by Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther.

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 [(608) 392-9873] 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.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther means that she is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home'. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther 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.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther?

For every appointment with Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, please bring your current health insurance card(s) and a valid photo ID (like a driver's license). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages and why you take them. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports from other facilities), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit. Be prepared to pay any co-payment or deductible amount as required by your insurance plan at the time of service.

800 West Ave S
La Crosse WI 54601
Phone: (608) 392-9873

Dr. Kristen Dall-Winther, MD is regulated by the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 448 (Medical Practices) in Wisconsin and is licensed by The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1871562058

Registration can typically be verified through The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board 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. Kristen Dall-Winther 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.