Dr. Sarah Malik, MD – Family Physician | Buffalo, NY

Dr. Sarah Malik, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Buffalo, NY. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. To confirm if Dr. Sarah Malik is currently accepting new patients, please contact (716) 961-6995.

Dr. Sarah Malik, MD is a family medicine physician in Buffalo, NY. She is affiliated with Buffalo General Medical Center and is registered with The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM), practicing under the New York Education Law, Article 131 (Medicine). Her 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.

Dr. Sarah Malik serves patients of all ages and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Sarah Malik is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients and the broader community she serves.

Dr. Sarah Malik addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Dry Eyes: Dry eye disease is a common condition characterized by insufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Acute upper respiratory infections are common viral illnesses affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses, typically resolving within a week or two.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Urinary tract infections during pregnancy require prompt diagnosis and treatment to protect both the mother and the developing fetus.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Tobacco use disorder is a serious addiction that requires comprehensive treatment to help individuals quit smoking.
• Bunion: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing pain and discomfort.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
• Shingles: Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
• Emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
• Venous Compression: Venous compression occurs when blood flow in the veins is restricted, often causing swelling and pain.
• Nail Infection: Nail infections are common, often caused by bacteria or fungi, causing pain, discoloration, and thickening of the nail.
• Tremor: Tremors are involuntary shaking or trembling of a body part, often caused by neurological conditions or medications.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: Secondary renovascular hypertension is high blood pressure caused by problems with the blood vessels supplying the kidneys.
• Viral Enteritis: Viral enteritis is an inflammation of the intestines caused by a virus, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

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

• Vaccination: Vaccinations help protect against various infectious diseases.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: Pre-operative evaluations assess a patient's health before surgery to ensure safety and minimize risks.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Chest pain evaluations help determine the cause of chest pain, which can range from benign to life-threatening.
• Health Screening: Health screenings help detect potential health problems early, often improving treatment outcomes.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Hepatitis C virus screening helps detect the presence of the hepatitis C virus.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: Independent educational evaluations assess a child's learning abilities and needs to support their education.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Psychological evaluations help determine a patient's readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Melanoma Screening: Melanoma screening helps detect skin cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: Psychiatric evaluations help assess and diagnose mental health conditions in children and adolescents.
• Rapid Flu Test: Rapid flu tests provide quick results to determine if a patient has the influenza virus.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Psychiatric evaluations help assess and diagnose mental health conditions in adults.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage is a procedure to remove pus or fluid from an abscess.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Hepatitis B virus screening helps detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus.
• Geriatric Assessment: Geriatric assessments evaluate the health and functional status of older adults.

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

• With proper care and treatment, patients quickly recover from their acute upper respiratory infection, feeling better and able to return to their normal activities. They soon find themselves breathing easier and enjoying their daily routines once again.
• Patients experiencing venous compression often find relief through a comprehensive management plan, leading to reduced swelling and pain. This allows them to return to activities they enjoy, such as walking and hiking, with greater comfort and ease.
• With effective management, patients experience a significant reduction in tremor severity, allowing them to regain confidence in performing everyday tasks and enjoy hobbies once again. This improved control over their tremors leads to a greater sense of independence and improved quality of life.
• With early diagnosis and treatment, patients found relief from the painful shingles rash, allowing them to return to their normal activities and enjoy life without the persistent discomfort. They were able to resume hobbies and social engagements once their symptoms subsided.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Sarah Malik, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Buffalo, New York area, near key city attractions and public services. It’s generally accessible via local transportation options serving Buffalo. 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. Sarah Malik. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Sarah Malik 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: 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
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), 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. Sarah Malik 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. Sarah Malik) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (716) 961-6995 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. Sarah Malik may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Buffalo General Medical Center (Buffalo, NY)

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. Sarah Malik:

Are services from Dr. Sarah Malik typically covered by health insurance in New York?

As a Family Physician in New York, Dr. Sarah Malik 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 at (716) 961-6995 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Sarah Malik 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. Sarah Malik as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Sarah Malik 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. Sarah Malik 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. Sarah Malik, 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 should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Sarah Malik?

An initial new patient visit with Dr. Sarah Malik usually involves a thorough discussion about your health and the completion of intake forms. Be prepared to share your personal and family medical history, a complete list of current medications with dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Dr. Sarah Malik will want to understand your health needs, concerns, and what you expect from your Family Physician/PCP. Depending on the clinic's policy and time allotted, some physicians may perform parts of a physical exam during this first visit, or a separate preventive visit/physical exam might be scheduled for a later date. This initial consultation is key to Dr. Sarah Malik understanding your health baseline.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Sarah Malik?

Always bring your insurance card(s) and a form of photo ID to your appointment with Dr. Sarah Malik. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products), including dosages, is crucial for Dr. Sarah Malik to review for safety and interactions. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary you can provide are beneficial. If you monitor things at home (like blood pressure or blood sugar), bringing your logbook and device can be helpful. Preparing a list of your symptoms or questions in advance can also make your appointment more productive. Also, be aware of your insurance co-pay or deductible responsibilities.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Sarah Malik?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Sarah Malik means that she is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home'. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Sarah Malik to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests and potential for conflicting medical advice, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger physician-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management within the US healthcare system.

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

Can Dr. Sarah Malik help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Sarah Malik is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family medicine. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate (monitoring for effectiveness and side effects), and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required, ensuring your overall care plan is holistic. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Sarah Malik is an excellent person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

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. Also use the ‘Physician Finder’ tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The New York Medical Board (or New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) if available) website may 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; it may require persistence. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

462 Grider St
Buffalo NY 14215
Phone: (716) 961-6995

Dr. Sarah Malik, MD 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): 1346684768

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. Sarah Malik 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.