Dr. Laurie Poss, MD – Family Physician | Baltimore, MD

Dr. Laurie Poss, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Baltimore, MD. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Laurie Poss is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (410) 685-2830 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Laurie Poss, MD is a family medicine physician in Baltimore, MD and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in 1980. She 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. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients.

Dr. Laurie Poss serves patients of all ages. She is registered with The Maryland Board of Physicians and practices under the Maryland Health Occupations Code, Title 14 (Physicians). Her approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Laurie Poss provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Laurie Poss is committed to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of her patients and the community she serves.

Dr. Laurie Poss addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction or irritation on your skin from something you touched.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain involves persistent discomfort that significantly impacts daily life and requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.
• Candidiasis of Skin and Nails: A fungal infection on your skin or nails.
• Scars: Options for improving the look of scars can be discussed.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: This involves persistent, non-cancer related pain that significantly interferes with daily functioning and quality of life.
• Pterygium: A fleshy, triangular growth that can appear on the white part of your eye, sometimes causing blurry vision or discomfort.
• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: This condition involves persistent skin inflammation and scaling, leading to a rough, red appearance.

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

• Cardiac Ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping to assess its structure and function.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This helps assess bone density and risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones.
• Patch Testing: This identifies specific allergens causing contact dermatitis.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of mental health to diagnose and treat conditions like depression or anxiety.
• Home Sleep Study: This monitors sleep patterns at home to diagnose sleep disorders.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation of a child's educational needs.
• McMurray's Test: A physical examination maneuver used to assess for meniscus tears in the knee.
• Cholesterol Screening: This measures cholesterol levels in your blood to assess heart disease risk.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: This assesses the extent of functional limitations due to an injury or illness.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: This identifies genetic mutations increasing the risk of breast cancer.
• Arrhythmia Screening: This helps detect irregular heartbeats.
• Bone Density Scan: A test that measures bone density to assess risk for osteoporosis.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: A mental health assessment specifically for children and adolescents.
• Hepatitis A Screening: This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis A virus.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Laurie Poss. 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 Maryland and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Maryland Board of Physicians.

Dr. Laurie Poss 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. Laurie Poss can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With the right treatment, patients successfully clear their skin and nail yeast infections, allowing them to confidently return to their favorite activities without discomfort or embarrassment. They regain clear skin and healthy nails, improving their overall quality of life.
• With consistent management, many find their chronic pain significantly reduced, allowing them to return to favorite activities and enjoy a fuller life. Improved pain management leads to increased mobility and participation in social and work activities.
• With diligent management, patients experience a significant reduction in inflammation and scaling, leading to clearer skin and a renewed ability to participate in social activities and enjoy life more fully. Improved skin health allows them to regain confidence and participate in activities they previously avoided.

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

Dr. Laurie Poss and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Maryland. 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. Laurie Poss 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. Laurie Poss) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (410) 685-2830 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.

She earned her medical degree from University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in 1980.

Are services from Dr. Laurie Poss typically covered by health insurance in Maryland?

As a Family Physician in Maryland, Dr. Laurie Poss 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 crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Laurie Poss 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. Laurie Poss as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Laurie Poss 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. Laurie Poss 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. Laurie Poss, 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 exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

A Family Physician, often your Primary Care Physician (PCP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages – from newborns to seniors. In the US healthcare system, they serve as your main point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like wellness visits, immunizations, health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system.

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

Preventative care provided by Dr. Laurie Poss 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. It’s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Laurie Poss can help guide you in these efforts.

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 [(410) 685-2830] 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. Laurie Poss?

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Laurie Poss, and her care team. It's important because it allows Dr. Laurie Poss to get to know you, your comprehensive health history, your values, your family/social context, and how you respond to treatments. This deep understanding helps Dr. Laurie Poss make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists (navigating insurance referrals if needed), and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a PCP is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, increased adherence to medical advice, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources (e.g., fewer unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations).

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Laurie Poss is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. Her 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. Laurie Poss will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

How long do appointments with Dr. Laurie Poss typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Laurie Poss will vary based on the purpose of the visit. For a quick follow-up on a stable issue or a very straightforward problem, 15 minutes might suffice. For annual physicals/wellness visits, new patient consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Laurie Poss will usually book a longer slot, such as 30-45 minutes, or occasionally more. Always try to be specific about your needs when scheduling your appointment at the clinic so the team can ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Laurie Poss to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

1721 Pennsylvania Ave
Baltimore MD 21217
Phone: (410) 685-2830

Dr. Laurie Poss, MD is regulated by the Maryland Health Occupations Code, Title 14 (Physicians) in Maryland and is licensed by The Maryland Board of Physicians.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1376569525

Registration can typically be verified through The Maryland Board of Physicians 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. Laurie Poss 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.