Dr. Thomas Billings, MD – Family Physician | McPherson, KS

Dr. Thomas Billings, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in McPherson, KS. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts and practices under the Kansas Statutes, Chapter 65, Article 28 (Healing Arts Act).

Dr. Thomas Billings is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (620) 241-5500 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. He serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Thomas Billings, MD is a family medicine physician in McPherson, KS and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1966. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He is affiliated with McPherson Hospital. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Thomas Billings provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Thomas Billings is committed to providing the best possible care to his patients and improving the health of his community.

Dr. Thomas Billings addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Joint Pain: This is a common complaint often caused by various factors, and treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause.
• Stye: A stye is an infection of a tiny oil gland near the edge of your eyelid.
• Bockharts Impetigo: This skin infection leads to the development of small, itchy, pus-filled bumps, commonly found on areas with hair.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This involves pain around the kneecap, often related to overuse or misalignment.
• Hyperthrophic Scar: A hypertrophic scar is raised and thickened scar tissue that can form after an injury or surgery.
• Difficulty With Walking: This symptom can indicate several underlying issues and requires a thorough evaluation to determine the cause.
• Gait Abnormality: An unusual walking pattern may be due to various factors, and assessment is needed to identify the underlying cause and develop appropriate treatment.

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

• Hepatitis Screening: This helps detect the presence of hepatitis viruses, allowing for early treatment and management.
• Cancer Screening: This involves various tests to detect cancers early, improving treatment outcomes.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: This assessment helps determine a patient's fitness for surgery and minimizes risks.
• Disability Evaluation: This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the extent of a patient's functional limitations.
• Breast Cancer Screening: This includes mammograms and other tests to detect breast cancer early.
• Tuberculosis Screening: This helps identify individuals with tuberculosis, preventing its spread.
• Joint Fluid Test: This test analyzes fluid from a joint to diagnose conditions like arthritis.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: This provides an unbiased assessment of a child's educational needs.
• Vaginosis Screening: This helps detect bacterial vaginosis, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: This includes the PSA test and other assessments to detect prostate cancer early.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test assesses the function of the adrenal glands.
• McMurray's Test: This physical exam helps diagnose meniscus tears in the knee.
• Melanoma Screening: This involves examining the skin for suspicious moles or lesions.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This focuses on managing symptoms and health concerns related to menopause.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Thomas Billings. 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 Kansas and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

Dr. Thomas Billings 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. Thomas Billings can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper treatment, patients find relief from patellofemoral pain syndrome, enabling them to return to activities they enjoy, such as running, hiking, or even just climbing stairs without pain. Their improved mobility and reduced pain significantly enhance their quality of life.
• With effective treatment, patients find significant relief from debilitating joint pain, enabling them to return to favorite activities like gardening or playing with grandchildren. Improved mobility and reduced discomfort enhance their overall quality of life.
• Patients found relief from the raised, thickened scar tissue through targeted treatment, allowing them to confidently wear their favorite clothes and participate in activities they previously avoided due to discomfort or self-consciousness. Their improved appearance and increased comfort boosted their self-esteem and overall quality of life.
• With careful management, patients often regain a more stable and confident gait, enabling them to enjoy increased mobility and participate more fully in their favorite activities. This renewed freedom allows them to live more active and fulfilling lives.

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

• Aetna
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice 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. Thomas Billings 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. Thomas Billings) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (620) 241-5500 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. Thomas Billings may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• McPherson Hospital (McPherson, KS)

He earned his medical degree from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1966. He completed an internship, gaining foundational clinical experience at Kansas City General Hosp-Mc (graduated 1967). Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Truman Medical Center West, honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

Are services from Dr. Thomas Billings typically covered by health insurance in Kansas?

Dr. Thomas Billings, as a Family Physician in Kansas, 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 crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (620) 241-5500 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Thomas Billings 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 our office about our policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Thomas Billings 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. Thomas Billings 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. Thomas Billings, 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 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.

Can Dr. Thomas Billings help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Thomas Billings are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex or require specific psychotherapies not offered in-office. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Thomas Billings.

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 [(620) 241-5500] 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.

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

Preventative care with Dr. Thomas Billings focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious, often guided by recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), CDC, and other national bodies like the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. This involves a range of services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups (annual physicals or wellness visits, often covered by insurance without co-pay), age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., Pap tests/HPV, mammograms, colon cancer screening, lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals), immunizations (flu shots, shingles, pneumococcal, Tdap), blood pressure and cholesterol checks, screening for diabetes and obesity, counseling on healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking cessation, responsible alcohol use), and risk assessments for various conditions. The goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early, and promote long-term health.

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

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Thomas Billings, and his care team. It's important because it allows Dr. Thomas Billings to get to know you, your comprehensive health history, your values, your family/social context, and how you respond to treatments. This deep understanding helps Dr. Thomas Billings make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists (navigating insurance referrals if needed), and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a PCP is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, increased adherence to medical advice, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources (e.g., fewer unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations).

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Kansas 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 Kansas Medical Board (or Kansas State Board of Healing Arts) 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.

400 W 4th St
McPherson KS 67460
Phone: (620) 241-5500

Dr. Thomas Billings, MD is regulated by the Kansas Statutes, Chapter 65, Article 28 (Healing Arts Act) in Kansas and is licensed by The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1740273580

Registration can typically be verified through The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts 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. Thomas Billings 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.