Dr. Patrick Carter, MD – Family Physician | Houston, TX

Dr. Patrick Carter, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Carter is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act).

Dr. Patrick Carter is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (713) 442-0000 to inquire or schedule an appointment. 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 40 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, Dr. Carter is a family medicine doctor at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic's Main Campus in Houston, TX, bringing a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. Dr. Patrick Carter provides consultations primarily in English. He is committed to providing the best possible care to his patients and to improving the health of the community.

Dr. Patrick Carter addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often causing pain, swelling, and limited movement.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): This symptom can indicate various urinary tract infections or other underlying conditions requiring prompt medical attention.
• Ganglion Cyst: These are fluid-filled lumps that commonly appear on the hands and wrists, often causing discomfort or limitations in movement.
• Loss of Taste: This can be a symptom of several conditions, ranging from viral infections to nutritional deficiencies, and requires evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
• Constipation: This involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements, which can be managed through lifestyle changes and, if needed, medical intervention.
• Migraine: These severe headaches are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and require personalized management strategies.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: This degenerative joint disease involves the breakdown of cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function.
• Celiac Disease: This autoimmune disorder is triggered by gluten consumption and requires a strict gluten-free diet for management.
• Dyslipidemia: This refers to abnormal lipid levels in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease, and often requires lifestyle modifications and/or medication.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, requiring careful monitoring and management.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): These infections require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: These common viral infections affect the upper respiratory tract and usually resolve with supportive care.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition involves stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms, and often requires lifestyle changes and/or medication.
• Heart Disease: This encompasses various conditions affecting the heart, requiring comprehensive evaluation and management.

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

• Disability Evaluation: This service involves assessing a patient's functional limitations to determine their eligibility for disability benefits.
• Wellness Examination: This comprehensive checkup helps maintain optimal health through preventive measures and early detection of potential problems.
• Bacteriuria Screening: This test detects bacteria in the urine, often indicating a urinary tract infection.
• Breast Cancer Screening: This includes mammograms and clinical breast exams to detect breast cancer early.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This test detects chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This specialized ultrasound examination assesses the health of a baby's heart during pregnancy.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This service helps patients assess and address potential substance use issues.
• Hepatitis Screening: This test detects hepatitis viruses, which can cause liver damage.
• Memory Evaluation: This assessment helps identify potential cognitive impairments and memory problems.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: This evaluation helps determine the cause of chest pain, ruling out serious conditions like heart attacks.
• Dyslexia Assessment: This assessment helps identify learning disabilities affecting reading skills.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: This evaluation assesses a patient's overall health before surgery.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This test detects trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This test checks for anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells.

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

Dr. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With appropriate treatment and rest, patients quickly recover from their acute upper respiratory infection, feeling significantly better and able to return to their normal activities. They are soon back to work, school, or enjoying their favorite hobbies, free from the discomfort of congestion and cough.
• With effective migraine management, patients often experience a significant reduction in headache frequency and severity, allowing them to return to work, social activities, and enjoy life more fully. They find they have more energy and can participate more actively in the things they love.
• With proper treatment and physical therapy, patients regain strength and flexibility, allowing them to return to their favorite activities, pain-free. They are able to enjoy a full and active life once more.
• With proper treatment, patients experience significant pain relief and a reduction in the size of their ganglion cysts. This allows them to resume their favorite activities without the discomfort and limitations the cyst previously caused.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Patrick Carter, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Houston, Texas area, near key city attractions and public services. It's generally accessible via local transportation options serving Houston. 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. Patrick Carter. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Patrick Carter 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: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
  • Plan: BestChoice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Essentials, Type: HMO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
  • Plan: SureFit Houston
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: PPO

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. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (713) 442-0000 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 Rush University in 1982.

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Patrick Carter:

Are services from Dr. Patrick Carter typically covered by health insurance in Texas?

As a Family Physician in Texas, Dr. Patrick Carter 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 essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter, 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 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Patrick Carter in the US?

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

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

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

Yes, Dr. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter before scheduling such an appointment.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Patrick Carter one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Patrick Carter, 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 manage a wide range of health concerns and coordinate 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 long do appointments with Dr. Patrick Carter typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter 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. Patrick Carter to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

Can Dr. Patrick Carter help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Patrick Carter are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. 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. Patrick Carter.

2727 W Holcombe Blvd
Houston TX 77025
Phone: (713) 442-0000

Dr. Patrick Carter, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1497785125

Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical 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. Patrick Carter 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.