Dr. Renee Messina, DO – Family Physician | Merrick, NY

Dr. Renee Messina, DO is a Family Physician. Dr. Renee Messina is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (516) 771-9797 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Practicing at her clinic in Merrick, NY, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. 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. She is registered with The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) and practices under the New York Education Law, Article 131 (Medicine).

Dr. Renee Messina, DO is a family medicine physician in Merrick, NY. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Hospital for Special Surgery and St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She serves patients of all ages and offers consultations in Italian. Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Renee Messina is committed to providing the highest standard of care and fostering a supportive environment where her patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journeys.

Dr. Renee Messina addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Tinnitus: This condition involves experiencing a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
• Hyperlipidemia: This refers to elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, often cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Headache: Headaches encompass a wide range of pain intensities and types, from mild to severe.
• Animal Allergies: These allergies are triggered by exposure to proteins found in animal dander, saliva, or urine.
• Throat Pain: Throat pain can result from various causes, including infections or irritations.
• Ganglion Cyst: This is a fluid-filled lump that commonly forms on the tendons or joints.
• Shoulder Pain: Shoulder pain can stem from various issues, including injuries or conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, or joints.
• Constipation: This refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
• TMJ: This involves pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull.
• Cluster Headache: This type of headache is characterized by severe, recurring pain episodes.
• Knee Tendinitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons in the knee.
• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease causing cartilage breakdown and pain.
• Migraine: This type of headache is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: This is a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels.

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

• Wellness Examination: This comprehensive check-up helps maintain optimal health and detect potential problems early.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: This assessment helps diagnose and manage Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks.
• Blood Allergy Testing: This test identifies allergies through blood samples, providing valuable information for managing allergic reactions.
• Arrhythmia Screening: This screening helps detect irregular heartbeats, which can be a sign of underlying heart conditions.
• Tuberculosis Screening: This screening helps identify tuberculosis, an infectious disease affecting the lungs.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: These evaluations assess work-related injuries and their impact on a patient's ability to work.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This screening helps detect hepatitis C, a viral infection affecting the liver.
• Home Sleep Study: This study helps diagnose sleep disorders by monitoring sleep patterns at home.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: This screening helps detect herpes simplex virus infections.
• Dyslexia Assessment: This assessment helps identify and assess learning difficulties related to reading and writing.
• Skin Testing and Screening: This involves assessing skin for various conditions and performing allergy tests.
• Abscess Incision and Drainage: This procedure involves draining an infected abscess to promote healing.
• Detoxification Evaluation: This evaluation assesses the need for detoxification treatment for substance abuse.
• HIV Screening: This screening helps detect HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Renee Messina. 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 New York and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM).

Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective treatment, patients find significant relief from the debilitating pain of cluster headaches, allowing them to return to their normal lives and enjoy activities they previously had to forgo. This improved quality of life brings renewed energy and a sense of well-being.
• With careful management of their familial hypercholesterolemia, patients often see significant reductions in their LDL cholesterol levels. This allows them to enjoy increased peace of mind and a greater sense of well-being, knowing they're actively protecting their long-term heart health.
• With effective migraine management, patients experience fewer debilitating headaches, allowing them to return to work, social activities, and enjoy life more fully. They find renewed energy and improved quality of life, free from the pain and limitations of frequent migraines.
• With effective TMJ management, patients often experience a significant reduction in jaw pain and discomfort. This allows them to comfortably resume activities like eating, talking, and even sleeping soundly.

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

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: APCN Open Access Aetna Select
  • Plan: AWH NJ Choice MultiTier - Standard Savings
  • Plan: AWH NJ Choice MultiTier, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Aetna HMO
  • 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
  • Plan: Savings Plus of Metro, NY
  • Plan: Select
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
  • Plan: High Performance Network - Tiered, Type: HPN
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Acess Employer Sponsored
  • Plan: Connection Blue High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Connection Employer Sponsored
  • Plan: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Plan: Empire Hospital
  • Plan: Empire Hospital/Medical (Trad)
  • Plan: National Blue High Performance Network, Type: HPN
• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: BluePPO HSA, Type: PPO
  • Plan: SimplyBlue/Simply Blue Plus, Type: PPO
• Fidelis Care
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO
• Oxford Health Plans
  • Plan: Freedom
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • 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. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (516) 771-9797 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. Renee Messina may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Hospital for Special Surgery (New York, NY)
• St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center (Roslyn, NY)
• North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset, NY)

She earned her medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Family Medicine at South Nassau Communities Hospital (graduated 2007), honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

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. Renee Messina:

Are services from Dr. Renee Messina typically covered by health insurance in New York?

As a Family Physician in New York, Dr. Renee Messina 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 your appointment to confirm that Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina, 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.

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

Yes, Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina before scheduling such an appointment.

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

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

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

Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

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

How long do appointments with Dr. Renee Messina typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina 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. Renee Messina to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in New York 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 New York Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations of doctors they trust and who might be accepting patients. Contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups, as they often have affiliated family physicians who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. Finding a doctor can be challenging and may require persistence. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

31 Merrick Ave Ste 10
Merrick NY 11566
Phone: (516) 771-9797

Dr. Renee Messina, DO is regulated by the New York Education Law, Article 131 (Medicine) in New York and is licensed by The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM).

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1649353905

Registration can typically be verified through The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) 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. Renee Messina 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.