Dr. Laura Dewalt, MD – Family Physician | Madisonville, TN

Dr. Laura Dewalt, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Madisonville, TN. To confirm if Dr. Laura Dewalt is currently accepting new patients, please contact (423) 442-2622.

She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care, 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. Dewalt serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Laura Dewalt, MD is a family medicine physician in Madisonville, TN. She is affiliated with medical facilities Reading Hospital and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. She is registered with The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners and practices under the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6 (Medicine and Surgery). Dr. Dewalt is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Laura Dewalt provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Dewalt is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients and the community she serves.

Dr. Laura Dewalt addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: These disorders involve imbalances in the body's magnesium levels, potentially affecting various bodily functions.
• Polyuria: This condition is characterized by excessive urination, often a symptom of underlying medical issues.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: This type of pain can stem from various causes and requires a thorough evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: This syndrome involves an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing.
• Diaper Rash: This common skin irritation in infants requires careful management to prevent complications.
• Arthritis: This group of conditions causes inflammation in the joints.
• Wheezing: This respiratory sound often indicates airway narrowing and may require medical attention.
• Conduct Disorder: This behavioral disorder in children and adolescents involves a pattern of disruptive and aggressive behavior.
• Mild Asthma: This chronic respiratory condition requires ongoing management to control symptoms.
• Nail Infection: These infections can affect the nails and surrounding skin.
• Dyslipidemia: This condition involves abnormal lipid levels in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Proteinuria: This condition involves the presence of excess protein in the urine.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition involves the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
• Diabetic Polyneuropathy: This complication of diabetes involves nerve damage, often causing pain and numbness in the extremities.

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

• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: This online tool helps assess your risk for heart disease.
• Arrhythmia Screening: This screening helps detect irregular heartbeats.
• Diabetes Screening: This screening helps detect diabetes or prediabetes.
• Patch Testing: This test helps identify allergens causing contact dermatitis.
• Breast Cancer Screening: This screening helps detect breast cancer early.
• Bacteriuria Screening: This screening detects bacteria in the urine.
• Joint Fluid Test: This test analyzes fluid from a joint to diagnose conditions.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: This scan measures bone density to assess osteoporosis risk.
• Disability Evaluation: This evaluation assesses functional limitations for disability claims.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: This service helps diagnose and manage sleep problems.
• Blood Allergy Testing: This test identifies allergies to specific blood components.
• Drug Allergy Testing: This test identifies allergies to specific medications.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This evaluation helps determine appropriate wheelchair needs.
• Hepatitis Screening: This screening helps detect hepatitis infections.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Laura Dewalt. 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 Tennessee and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper management, patients experiencing wheezing often find their breathing becomes easier and less labored. This allows them to participate more fully in activities they enjoy, such as playing with their children or pursuing hobbies.
• With effective treatment, patients experiencing anal or rectal pain find significant relief, allowing them to return to their normal daily activities and enjoy improved comfort and quality of life. Many are able to resume physical activities and social engagements without discomfort.
• With careful management, patients find their symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome significantly reduced, allowing them to participate more fully in work, social activities, and daily life. They experience improved energy levels and a greater sense of well-being.

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

• Aetna
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
  • Plan: Blue Network L
  • Plan: Blue Network P, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Network S, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Oscar Health
  • Plan: GA Employee Cigna + Oscar LocalPlus, Type: EPO
  • Plan: GA Employee Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus, Type: EPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Medica Choice

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. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (423) 442-2622 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. Laura Dewalt may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center (Reading, PA)
• Reading Hospital (Reading, PA)

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. Laura Dewalt:

Are services from Dr. Laura Dewalt typically covered by health insurance in Tennessee?

Dr. Laura Dewalt, as a Family Physician in Tennessee, 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. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt, 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.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Laura Dewalt?

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. Laura Dewalt’s office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Laura Dewalt, 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 does it mean for Dr. Laura Dewalt to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

‘In-network’ means Dr. Laura Dewalt (or the clinic she 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. Laura Dewalt’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.

What if Dr. Laura Dewalt works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Laura Dewalt?

Dr. Laura Dewalt practices as part of a group practice, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Laura Dewalt, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Laura Dewalt is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Laura Dewalt for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

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

Yes, Dr. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt 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. Laura Dewalt before scheduling such an appointment.

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. Laura Dewalt recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer’s member services for details specific to your policy.

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

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

4798 New Highway 68
Madisonville TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2622

Dr. Laura Dewalt, MD is regulated by the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6 (Medicine and Surgery) in Tennessee and is licensed by The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1396275228

Registration can typically be verified through The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners 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. Laura Dewalt 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.