Dr. Richard Jennings, MD – Family Physician | Amarillo, TX

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

To confirm if Dr. Richard Jennings is currently accepting new patients, please contact (806) 351-3477. Dr. Richard Jennings, MD is a family medicine physician in Amarillo, TX and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1977. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients.

Dr. Richard Jennings focuses on 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 and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Richard Jennings provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Richard Jennings is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the Amarillo community.

Dr. Richard Jennings addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp, often starting with a receding hairline or widening part.
• Balloon Cell Malignant Melanoma: It's a very aggressive skin cancer with unique cells that look like balloons under a microscope.
• Chancroid: It's a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that needs treatment with antibiotics.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): A collapsed lung occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to partially or fully collapse.
• Partial Lung Collapse: A partial lung collapse happens when only a portion of the lung deflates due to air leaking into the pleural space.
• Nummular Dermatitis: It's a type of eczema that results in dry, scaly, and inflamed skin.
• Lichen Sclerosis Et Atrophicus: Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a skin condition that causes thinning and whitening of the skin, often in the genital area.

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

• Metal Allergy Testing: A blood test or patch test to determine metal allergies.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test, Adenosine: This test uses medicine to stress your heart and check for blockages in your arteries.
• External Counterpulsation Treatment: External counterpulsation is a procedure that improves blood flow to the heart, aiding in its function.
• Mammography Services: A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts to check for breast cancer.
• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): A test to check blood flow to the heart by inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and injecting dye.
• Stereotactic Biopsy: This procedure uses advanced imaging (like mammograms or ultrasounds) to precisely remove a tiny tissue sample for examination.
• Eye Examination: A checkup of your eyes to check your vision and look for any problems.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Richard Jennings. 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. Richard Jennings 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. Richard Jennings can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients experiencing gradual hair thinning found renewed confidence after implementing a personalized hair loss management plan, allowing them to feel more comfortable in social settings and pursue activities they previously avoided. This improved self-image often boosted their overall well-being and sense of self-worth.
• With careful management and treatment, patients experiencing a partial lung collapse often see significant improvement in their breathing and overall lung function. Many are then able to return to their normal activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• With appropriate treatment, patients find relief from the discomfort of chancroid sores, allowing them to return to their normal activities with renewed confidence. Healing properly enables a return to a more comfortable and active life.
• With appropriate treatment, patients experiencing a collapsed lung can make a full recovery and return to their active lifestyles. Many are able to resume work, hobbies, and other activities they enjoy without limitations.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Richard Jennings, 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.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Amarillo, Texas area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Amarillo and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Amarillo. 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. Richard Jennings. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Richard Jennings or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

Dr. Richard Jennings and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in Texas. 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. Richard Jennings 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. Richard Jennings) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (806) 351-3477 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 University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1977.

Are services from Dr. Richard Jennings typically covered by health insurance in Texas?

Dr. Richard Jennings, as a Family Physician in Texas, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, it is absolutely crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (806) 351-3477 PRIOR to scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Richard Jennings is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including 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. Richard Jennings as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Richard Jennings 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. Richard Jennings 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. Richard Jennings, 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 happens if Dr. Richard Jennings determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Richard Jennings determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), he will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Richard Jennings'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. Richard Jennings 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. Richard Jennings.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

A Family Physician (Family Physician) in the US is a physician who has completed residency training and is typically board-certified in Family Medicine (e.g., by the American Board of Family Medicine - ABFM). He are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the US healthcare system, including coordinating with your insurance plan for necessary care.

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 [(806) 351-3477] 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 can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Texas who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First and foremost, 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 Texas 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; be persistent. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

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

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Richard Jennings does as your PCP. He will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized and appropriate, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented and that everyone on your healthcare team is informed. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively within the context of your insurance and overall healthcare access.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Richard Jennings?

To each appointment with Dr. Richard Jennings at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Richard Jennings) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Richard Jennings beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

1920 Medi Park Dr Ste 3
Amarillo TX 79106
Phone: (806) 351-3477

Dr. Richard Jennings, 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): 1174531305

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. Richard Jennings 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.