Rafiq Ali, MD is a Family Medicine Physician practicing at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Houston, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive Family Medicine care to all ages. As a primary care doctor, Dr. Ali serves as the first point of contact for patients, offering everything from preventive check-ups and acute illness treatment to managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists. This ensures continuous healthcare for the entire family. He is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). He is currently welcoming new patients, and they are encouraged to call (713) 363-7460 to schedule an appointment. Highly skilled in providing preventive care as well as treating acute and chronic conditions, Dr. Ali is passionate about patient-centered care, actively listening to patient concerns and encouraging informed decisions about their health. With over 20 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He earned his degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2000, completed an internship at Ross University School Of Medicine in 2011, and then undertook residency training in Family Medicine at San Jacinto Meth Hosp/U Tex Houston in 2014. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Ali is fluent in Gujarati and also offers consultations in Urdu.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Ali is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Ali's approach to family medicine is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing clear communication and a collaborative partnership. He provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from preventive screenings to acute illness management and chronic condition care. His practice prioritizes coordinating care with specialists when necessary, ensuring a seamless and continuous healthcare experience for the entire family.
By working together, you and Dr. Ali can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Ali offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is an STI easily diagnosed and treated by your primary care physician, who can also advise on preventing its spread.
- Symptomatic Menopause: If you're experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or other symptoms related to the end of your menstrual cycle, your family doctor can diagnose and treat symptomatic menopause.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of your arteries due to cholesterol and fat buildup; your primary care physician can help you control risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol to prevent complications.
- Herpes Zoster Without Complication: A family doctor can assess your shingles (herpes zoster), prescribe antiviral medications to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of the outbreak, and manage any pain.
- Ringworm: Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, and your family doctor can diagnose it and prescribe medication to clear it up.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus, that constant ringing or noise in your ears, can be evaluated by your family doctor who can help you find ways to manage it or refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: If you experience recurring stomach pain, bloating, or changes in bowel movements, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be the cause, and your family physician can help diagnose it and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Your family doctor can help you identify and manage vaginal infections like vaginitis or vaginosis, offering appropriate treatments to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
- Acute Laryngitis: A sore throat and voice changes might mean you have acute laryngitis; your family doctor can provide a diagnosis and recommend treatment to ease symptoms.
- Jock Itch: See your family doctor for jock itch; they'll assess your symptoms and prescribe appropriate medication to clear the fungal infection.
- Enteritis: Enteritis is an inflammation of the intestines, causing symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, and your family doctor can diagnose and treat it, often recommending rest and fluids.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eye syndrome can significantly impact your quality of life, but your family physician can help manage your symptoms and improve your eye health.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Ali offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Bone Density Scan: This test checks for bone thinning and fractures, often used to assess your risk of osteoporosis and guide treatment decisions.
- Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This blood test helps detect the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious liver damage.
- Breast Cancer Screening: Your family doctor can recommend and schedule appropriate breast cancer screenings based on your age and risk factors.
- Gonorrhea Screening: This test helps detect gonorrhea, a bacterial infection, often with no symptoms, so early treatment can prevent complications.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: This screening checks for prostate cancer in men, usually using a blood test and/or a physical exam, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment if cancer is found.
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: Before your surgery, your family doctor will conduct a pre-operative evaluation to assess your overall health and identify any potential risks.
- Diabetic Evaluation: This check-up focuses on identifying and treating diabetes or pre-diabetes through blood tests, a physical exam, and discussion of your health history.
- Diabetes Counseling: Get personalized advice on diabetes self-management, including meal planning, physical activity, and medication adherence.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Your doctor uses screening tools to evaluate memory, thinking skills, and emotional state to rule out dementia or depression.
- Memory Evaluation: A memory evaluation helps your doctor assess your memory skills and identify any potential problems.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a thorough check-up designed to identify any health problems or risks common in older adults, helping to create a personalized care plan.
- Syphilis Screening: Syphilis screening involves a blood test or a physical exam to look for signs of infection.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Ali is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their trichomoniasis, feeling better and empowered to prevent its spread.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their menopausal symptoms, finding relief from bothersome hot flashes and improved sleep quality.
- By working with their family medicine physician to manage cholesterol and blood pressure, a patient successfully controlled their atherosclerosis, preventing further complications. This allowed them to resume their active lifestyle and feel healthier overall.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group
5110 Buffalo Speedway Ste 200, Houston, TX, 77005
Phone: (713) 363-7460
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- San Jacinto Meth Hosp/U Tex Houston (Residency Hospital) - 2014
- Ross University School of Medicine (Internship Hospital) - 2011
- Texas Chiropractic College (Medical School) - 2000
- University of Houston / University Park (Undergraduate School) - 1997
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Family Medicine care with Dr. Ali:
- What is the difference between a Family Medicine doctor and an Internal Medicine doctor?
- Family medicine physicians, like Dr. Ali, are trained to care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. In contrast, internists typically focus on adult care. Dr. Ali is a versatile choice for comprehensive family care.
- How often should I get a physical or wellness check-up?
- For most healthy adults, an annual physical is a good rule of thumb for preventive care. However, the ideal frequency depends on your age, health history, and risk factors. Dr. Ali will help you create a personalized schedule.
- What happens if I need to see a specialist?
- Dr. Ali will determine if a specialist is necessary and provide a referral to a trusted local specialist. They will continue to coordinate your overall care, receiving updates from the specialist to maintain a complete health picture. This is part of our healthcare navigator approach.
- Can you remove a mole, skin tag, or wart in your office?
- Yes, we can often remove moles, skin tags, and warts in the office using methods like cryotherapy or excision. However, if a mole appears suspicious, we will evaluate it and may recommend a referral to a dermatologist for further testing.
- Can I see a family doctor for routine women's health needs, like a Pap smear?
- Yes, many family doctors, like Dr. Ali, are trained to provide a range of women's health services, including well-woman exams, Pap smears, and birth control counseling, offering a convenient option for integrated primary care.
- How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?
- Dr. Ali acts as a healthcare quarterback, monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure through regular check-ups. They manage prescriptions, order necessary lab tests, and coordinate care with specialists like endocrinologists or cardiologists to ensure comprehensive management.
- Can you handle minor injuries like a sprain or a small cut that needs stitches?
- Yes, Dr. Ali's practice can often treat minor injuries like sprains or small cuts needing stitches. Many family practices are equipped to handle these types of injuries, so you may avoid an urgent care or ER visit. Please call the office to confirm we can treat your specific injury.
- Can my family doctor help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?
- Yes, family doctors like Dr. Ali are often the first point of contact for mental health concerns. They can provide initial diagnosis, manage medications for common conditions, and are a crucial resource for referring patients to therapists or psychiatrists when more specialized care is needed.
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group
5110 Buffalo Speedway Ste 200
Houston TX 77005
Phone: (713) 363-7460
Rafiq Ali, 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): 1972646651
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Rafiq Ali are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.