Dr. Seth Zitwer, DO – Family Physician | Rensselaer, NY

Dr. Seth Zitwer, DO is a Family Physician practicing at Capital Region Family HLTH Care in Rensselaer, NY. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) and practices under the New York Education Law, Article 131 (Medicine).

Dr. Seth Zitwer is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (518) 286-4899 to inquire or schedule an appointment. His practice 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.

Dr. Seth Zitwer, DO is a family medicine physician in Rensselaer, NY and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY / OLD WESTBURY in 1987. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Albany Medical Center Hospital and Columbia Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Seth Zitwer is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships to ensure patients receive the best possible care. He serves patients of all ages and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of his community.

Dr. Seth Zitwer addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: This involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often causing diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Sinus Bradycardia: This refers to a slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.
• Gait Abnormality: This describes any unusual or impaired manner of walking.
• Itchy Skin: This is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors, including allergies, dry skin, or infections.
• Bronchiolitis: This is an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, commonly affecting infants and young children.
• Acute Sinusitis: This is an inflammation of the sinuses, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
• Motion Sickness: This refers to nausea and vomiting caused by motion, such as in a car or boat.
• Bunion: This is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): This is a group of lung diseases that block airflow to the lungs.
• Newborn Jaundice: This is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes in newborns, often caused by an excess of bilirubin.
• Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): This refers to excessive urination during the night.
• Essential Tremor: This is a neurological disorder causing involuntary shaking or trembling.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: This involves long-term pain without a clear underlying cause.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: This is a type of arthritis that affects the shoulder joint.

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

• Pre-Operative Evaluation: This involves assessing a patient's health before surgery to ensure they are fit for the procedure.
• Melanoma Screening: This is a visual examination of the skin to detect any suspicious moles or lesions.
• Vaginosis Screening: This involves testing for bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This measures how well the body processes glucose, helping to diagnose diabetes.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This involves tests to assess bone density and detect osteoporosis.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This involves assessing and managing symptoms associated with menopause.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: This is a quick urine test to check for various health problems.
• Dementia Evaluation: This involves assessing cognitive function to detect dementia.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This involves testing for the hepatitis B virus.
• STD Screening: This involves testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Health Screening: This encompasses a range of tests to assess overall health and identify potential risks.
• Vaccination: This involves administering vaccines to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: These evaluations assess work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Bacteriuria Screening: This involves testing for bacteria in the urine.

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

• Patients experiencing nocturia found relief through tailored management plans, leading to improved sleep quality and more restful nights. This allowed them to wake up feeling refreshed and participate more fully in their daily activities.
• With careful monitoring and treatment, newborns experiencing jaundice quickly see their bilirubin levels return to normal. This allows them to feed well, gain weight, and thrive at home with their families.
• With effective management strategies, patients find relief from debilitating nausea and dizziness, allowing them to enjoy travel and outdoor activities once again without fear. They are able to confidently resume previously avoided activities like car trips or boat rides.
• Patients experiencing bunion pain often find relief through conservative management, allowing them to comfortably resume activities they enjoy, such as walking, dancing, or even wearing their favorite shoes again. This improved mobility significantly enhances their overall quality of life.

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

• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus

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. Seth Zitwer 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. Seth Zitwer) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (518) 286-4899 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. Seth Zitwer may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• St Peter's Hospital (Albany, NY)
• Samaritan Hospital (Troy, NY)
• Columbia Memorial Hospital (Hudson, NY)
• Ellis Hospital (Schenectady, NY)
• Albany Medical Center Hospital (Albany, NY)

He earned his medical degree from NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY / OLD WESTBURY in 1987.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Seth Zitwer:

Are services from Dr. Seth Zitwer typically covered by health insurance in New York?

Dr. Seth Zitwer, as a Family Physician in New York, 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 with your specific insurance provider AND with Capital Region Family HLTH Care’s office prior to scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Seth Zitwer 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. Ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Seth Zitwer 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. Seth Zitwer 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. Seth Zitwer, 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.

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Seth Zitwer is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. He's role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the US healthcare system (including specialist referrals and insurance considerations for complex care), and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Seth Zitwer will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

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

Having continuity of care with Dr. Seth Zitwer means that he is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home'. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Seth Zitwer 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.

What happens if Dr. Seth Zitwer determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. Seth Zitwer acts as your primary care coordinator. If he believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, he will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. This process will consider your insurance plan's requirements for specialist referrals and in-network providers. Dr. Seth Zitwer will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. It's important to keep Capital Region Family HLTH Care informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Seth Zitwer can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

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

Dr. Seth Zitwer practices as part of Capital Region Family HLTH Care, 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. Seth Zitwer, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Seth Zitwer 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. Capital Region Family HLTH Care will always strive to have you see Dr. Seth Zitwer for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

How long do appointments with Dr. Seth Zitwer typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Seth Zitwer to discuss a specific health concern or for a routine follow-up might last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam/preventive visit, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 to 45 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at Capital Region Family HLTH Care about the nature and number of concerns you have when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Seth Zitwer can be arranged to provide quality care.

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 (using New York State Board for Medicine (NYSBOM) if available) 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. Verifying insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment is crucial.

Capital Region Family HLTH Care
2 Empire Dr Ste 100
Rensselaer NY 12144
Phone: (518) 286-4899

Dr. Seth Zitwer, 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): 1326008749

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. Seth Zitwer 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.