Dr. Paulette Thompson, DO – Family Physician | Clearwater, FL

To confirm if Dr. Paulette Thompson is currently accepting new patients, please contact (727) 538-7277.

Dr. Paulette Thompson, DO is a Family Physician. Practicing at her clinic in Clearwater, FL, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Paulette Thompson, DO is a family medicine physician in Clearwater, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine in 1987. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients.

Dr. Paulette Thompson 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 is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Paulette Thompson provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Paulette Thompson is committed to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of her patients and the Clearwater community. She believes in a holistic approach to care, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of her patients. Her dedication extends beyond individual patient care to include community outreach and involvement in initiatives that promote health equity and access to quality medical services.

Dr. Paulette Thompson addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Hair Conditions: Issues affecting the health and appearance of hair and scalp.
• Nail Psoriasis: Nail psoriasis is a skin condition that affects the appearance and can sometimes cause pain in the nails.
• Mouth Lesions: Sores or unusual changes in the mouth.
• Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa: Small, raised growths on the skin, mainly on the fingers and toes, that can be firm and sometimes resemble warts.
• Trichiasis: A condition where eyelashes rub against the eye, causing discomfort.
• Exfoliative Dermatitis: A severe skin condition causing widespread redness, scaling, and peeling of the skin.
• Pityriasis Alba: A mild skin condition often affecting children and teens, resulting in light-colored patches on the skin.

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

• Implantable Loop Recorder: This implanted device continuously tracks heart activity to help diagnose heart problems.
• Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): A mechanical pump that supports a weakened heart.
• Angiography: Special X-ray images of blood vessels to detect blockages or narrowing.
• Traumatic Resuscitation: Immediate medical care to address injuries and prevent death after trauma.
• End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: Care and management of kidney failure.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): Prostate exam to screen for prostate cancer.
• Osteoporosis Management: Regular checkups and medication to help prevent osteoporosis-related complications.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Paulette Thompson. 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 Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Dr. Paulette Thompson 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. Paulette Thompson can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper treatment, patients experience healing of their mouth sores and a return to comfortable eating and speaking, significantly improving their quality of life. This allows them to enjoy social interactions and favorite foods without discomfort.
• Patients experiencing hair loss or scalp conditions found relief through targeted treatments, leading to renewed confidence and a return to enjoying activities like social events and professional engagements without self-consciousness. Improved hair health boosted their self-esteem and overall well-being.
• With proper care, children and teens experiencing pityriasis alba see their skin patches fade, restoring their confidence and allowing them to fully participate in school activities and social events without self-consciousness. The improved skin tone helps them feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.
• With appropriate treatment, patients find their skin growths are effectively managed, reducing discomfort and allowing them to participate more fully in activities they enjoy. They are able to confidently resume daily life without the worry of their condition impacting their hands and feet.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Paulette Thompson, 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 Clearwater, Florida area. It’s conveniently situated near key city attractions and public services in Clearwater and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Clearwater. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

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

Dr. Paulette Thompson and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Florida. 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. Paulette Thompson 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. Paulette Thompson) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (727) 538-7277 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 Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine in 1987.

Are services from Dr. Paulette Thompson typically covered by health insurance in Florida?

Dr. Paulette Thompson, as a Family Physician in Florida, 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 this directly with your specific insurance provider *before* scheduling an appointment. Contact your insurance company to confirm that Dr. Paulette Thompson is currently "in-network" for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details: co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any referral requirements for specialist visits, if applicable. Also confirm this information with our clinic’s office at (727) 538-7277. Please note that some services, such as most cosmetic procedures, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary visits, may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. If you are uninsured or self-pay, please inquire about our clinic's policies.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Paulette Thompson as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Paulette Thompson 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. Paulette Thompson 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. Paulette Thompson, 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 your specific insurance plan’s referral requirements.

How long do appointments with Dr. Paulette Thompson typically last?

The length of an appointment can vary depending on the reason for your visit. In the US, standard appointments for a single, focused issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 15-20 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive 'annual physical' or 'preventive wellness visit' (especially Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, which have specific components), a new patient intake appointment, in-depth counseling, or an in-office minor procedure will usually be scheduled for a longer duration, perhaps 30-45 minutes or even more. When booking your appointment at the clinic, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can try to allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Paulette Thompson. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or schedule separate visits to ensure each concern can be addressed thoroughly without rushing.

What happens if Dr. Paulette Thompson determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Paulette Thompson 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. This often involves Dr. Paulette Thompson'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. Paulette Thompson 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. Paulette Thompson.

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 [(727) 538-7277] 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.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Paulette Thompson?

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. Paulette Thompson’s office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed. 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., 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Paulette Thompson, an appointment will likely be required. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Florida 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. You can also use the "Physician Finder" tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Florida 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. Remember to verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Paulette Thompson?

Your first appointment will involve a review of your medical history (past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, immunizations, family health history), discussion of current health concerns, medications (bring the bottles or a list), and lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol/substance use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Paulette Thompson’s practice style and for her to explain clinic policies (appointment scheduling, prescription refills, communication methods, insurance billing procedures, missed appointment fees). You will likely need to provide your insurance card(s), a photo ID, and complete new patient paperwork. The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information for optimal ongoing care and to begin building a strong physician-patient relationship.

4175 E Bay Dr
Clearwater FL 33764
Phone: (727) 538-7277

Dr. Paulette Thompson, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1174592299

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida 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. Paulette Thompson 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.