Dr. Thomas Cox III, MD – Family Physician | Madisonville, TN

Dr. Thomas Cox III, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Madisonville, TN. To confirm if Dr. Thomas Cox III is currently accepting new patients, please contact (423) 442-2622.

He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care, 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. Thomas Cox III serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Thomas Cox III, MD is a family medicine physician in Madisonville, TN and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1975. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Fort Loudoun Medical Center and Blount Memorial Hospital. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Thomas Cox III provides consultations primarily in English. He is registered with The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners and practices under the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6 (Medicine and Surgery). Dr. Thomas Cox III remains committed to advancing the health and well-being of his patients and the Madisonville community.

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

• Kidney Infection: This is an infection of one or both kidneys, often caused by bacteria.
• Osteopenia: This is a condition characterized by low bone mass, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Hair Loss: This can have various causes, and treatment depends on the underlying reason.
• Mild Asthma: This is a chronic respiratory condition causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This is a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of tobacco products.
• Wheezing: This is a whistling sound during breathing, often indicating airway narrowing.
• Difficulty With Walking: This can result from various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system or neurological function.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This occurs when the body doesn't have enough vitamin B12, leading to various health issues.
• Tonsillitis: This is an inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by viral or bacterial infection.
• Muscle Weakness: This can be caused by various factors, including neurological conditions or electrolyte imbalances.
• Asymptomatic Post-Menopausal Status: This refers to the period after menopause without significant symptoms.
• Thyroid Goiter: This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can have various causes.
• Obesity: This is a condition characterized by excessive body fat, increasing health risks.

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

• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test helps evaluate the function of the adrenal glands.
• VAP Lipid Testing: This test measures the levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
• Gonorrhea Screening: This test detects the presence of gonorrhea infection.
• Psychological Evaluation: This involves assessing a patient's mental health and emotional well-being.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: These evaluations assess the impact of workplace injuries on a patient's health.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): This is a physical examination to check for prostate abnormalities.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: This involves diagnosing and treating various sleep problems.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: These evaluations assess a patient's mental readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: This involves screening for and providing counseling about alcohol misuse.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: This involves tests to detect prostate cancer early.
• Cancer Screening: This involves various tests to detect cancer early.
• Home Sleep Study: This involves monitoring sleep patterns at home.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: This involves a comprehensive assessment of a patient's mental health.
• STD Screening: This involves tests to detect sexually transmitted diseases.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Thomas Cox III. 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 Tennessee and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

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

• Patients experiencing difficulty with walking often find relief through targeted therapies and lifestyle adjustments, enabling them to regain mobility and enjoy activities like gardening, hiking, or simply spending time with loved ones. This renewed independence significantly improves their overall quality of life.
• With proper diagnosis and treatment, patients experiencing muscle weakness often regain strength and improved mobility, allowing them to return to activities they enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies.
• Patients experiencing asymptomatic post-menopause find peace of mind knowing their bodies are transitioning naturally, allowing them to confidently embrace this new life phase and pursue their passions without worry. This often leads to a renewed sense of well-being and energy for daily activities.
• Through consistent adherence to a personalized treatment plan, patients with osteopenia experience a significant reduction in fracture risk, enabling them to enjoy increased mobility and maintain an active lifestyle with greater confidence. This allows them to participate more fully in the activities they love.

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

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Open Access Aetna Select
  • 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
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
  • Plan: Blue Network L
  • Plan: Blue Network P, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Network S, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
  • Plan: National, Type: POS
• Oscar Health
  • Plan: GA Employee Cigna + Oscar LocalPlus, Type: EPO
  • Plan: GA Employee Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus, Type: EPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • 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. Thomas Cox III 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 Cox III) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (423) 442-2622 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 Cox III may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Blount Memorial Hospital (Maryville, TN)
• Starr Regional Medical Center Athens (Athens, TN)
• Fort Loudoun Medical Center (Lenoir City, TN)
• Sweetwater Hospital Association (Sweetwater, TN)

He earned his medical degree from University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1975.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Thomas Cox III:

Are services from Dr. Thomas Cox III typically covered by health insurance in Tennessee?

Dr. Thomas Cox III, as a Family Physician in Tennessee, 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 (423) 442-2622 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Thomas Cox III 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. Thomas Cox III as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Thomas Cox III 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 Cox III 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 Cox III, 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. Thomas Cox III handle complex care?

If you have several health issues, Dr. Thomas Cox III 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. Thomas Cox III will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

How long do appointments with Dr. Thomas Cox III typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Thomas Cox III 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. Thomas Cox III 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. Thomas Cox III to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

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 [(423) 442-2622] 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.

Does Dr. Thomas Cox III at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Thomas Cox III 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. Thomas Cox III 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. Thomas Cox III before scheduling such an appointment.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Thomas Cox III?

Your first appointment with Dr. Thomas Cox III is an important opportunity to establish care. He will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. he will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements - bring the bottles or an accurate list), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol/substance use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Thomas Cox III's practice style and for him to explain clinic policies (e.g., appointment scheduling, prescription refills, communication methods, insurance billing procedures, missed appointment fees). You will likely need to provide your insurance card(s), a photo ID, and complete new patient paperwork. The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information for optimal ongoing care and to begin building a strong physician-patient relationship.

What if Dr. Thomas Cox III works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Thomas Cox III?

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

4798 New Highway 68
Madisonville TN 37354
Phone: (423) 442-2622

Dr. Thomas Cox III, MD is regulated by the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6 (Medicine and Surgery) in Tennessee and is licensed by The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1811930308

Registration can typically be verified through The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners 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 Cox III 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.