Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala, MD – Family Physician | Richmond, VA

To confirm if Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala is currently accepting new patients, please contact (804) 233-5016.

Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala, MD is a Family Physician. Practicing at Crossover Health Center in Richmond, VA, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala, MD is a family medicine physician in Richmond, VA and has over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala University in 1962.

His focus is 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. He serves patients of all ages. With over 60 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships.

Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the Richmond community.

Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: Cutaneous sarcoidosis is a skin condition where immune cells clump together, causing skin rashes, lumps, or sores.
• Bedsores: Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are painful injuries that can happen when there's constant pressure on your skin, often in bed or a chair.
• Noduloulcerative Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is a type of skin cancer that appears as a raised, lumpy sore.
• Hypertrophic Lichen Planus: Hypertrophic lichen planus is a skin condition that causes thick, raised, and often itchy skin patches.
• Acrokeratosis Verruciformis of Hopf: If you have Acrokeratosis Verruciformis of Hopf, you may experience raised, wart-like bumps on your skin, mainly on your hands and feet.
• Skin Diseases, Viral: Viral skin diseases can cause rashes or other skin problems.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation can cause redness and itchiness around the eyes.

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

• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Non-invasive screening to assess for reduced blood flow to your limbs, helping to detect PAD.
• Open Appendectomy: Open surgery to remove an inflamed appendix.
• Arterial Puncture: A small needle is inserted into an artery to collect a blood sample.
• Doppler Test: This test uses ultrasound to assess blood circulation in your body.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): This procedure uses a scope to examine and sometimes treat bile and pancreatic ducts.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Therapy to manage the symptoms of lymphedema.
• Antibiotic Skin Testing: This test helps determine which antibiotics are safe for you to use.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala. 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper wound care, patients experienced significant healing of their bedsores, reducing pain and allowing them to regain mobility and participate more fully in daily life. This improved comfort and independence led to a better overall quality of life.
• With proper treatment, patients quickly saw their viral skin rash clear up, allowing them to comfortably return to work and social activities without worry. Their renewed confidence boosted their overall well-being.
• With early detection and appropriate treatment, patients successfully manage their noduloulcerative basal cell carcinoma, leading to healing and a return to enjoying their favorite outdoor activities without worry. They are able to resume their normal lives, free from the discomfort and concern associated with the skin cancer.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala, 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (804) 233-5016 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.

Information on hospital affiliations can be obtained by contacting the clinic.

He earned his medical degree from Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala University in 1962. He completed an internship, gaining foundational clinical experience at Med College Hospital. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center (graduated 1975), honing skills in comprehensive patient care. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Brookdale Hospital Medical Center (graduated 1985), deepening his expertise.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala:

Are services from Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala typically covered by health insurance in Virginia?

Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala, as a Family Physician in 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 Crossover Health Center's office at (804) 233-5016 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala is "in-network" for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services, such as most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, or 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala 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. Kuriakose Thekkethala, 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 PCP mean and is Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for his patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. He manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Virginia 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 Virginia Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, and contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups, as they often have affiliated family physicians. It can be challenging; verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

Your Family Physician is your primary healthcare provider in the US, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues. He manages acute illnesses, oversees care for long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling (often part of annual wellness visits or Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for seniors), administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals, often navigating insurance requirements. The continuity of care he provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine and can lead to better health outcomes.

How long do appointments with Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala typically last?

A regular appointment might last 15 to 20 minutes. New patient visits, complete physical exams/preventive visits, or discussions of multiple/complex health matters are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. Inform the reception staff when booking.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share. 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. These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details.

Can Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala are integral to supporting patients' mental health. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex or require specific psychotherapies not offered in-office. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala.

Crossover Health Center
108 Cowardin Ave
Richmond VA 23224
Phone: (804) 233-5016

Dr. Kuriakose Thekkethala, 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): 1427293778

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. Kuriakose Thekkethala 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.