Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, MD – Family Physician | Aurora, IL

Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, MD is a Family Physician practicing at Duly Health and Care in Aurora, IL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Medical Licensing Board and practices under the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 225, Act 60 (Medical Practice Act of 1987).

Dr. Tushar Gaonkar is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (630) 527-1818 to inquire or schedule an appointment. His 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. He serves patients of all ages.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. DuPage Medical Group is now Duly Health and Care, committed to helping humans flourish. Dr. Gaonkar works with patients to improve overall health, and he offers consultations in Hindi. Dr. Tushar Gaonkar is committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health and well-being of his patients and the community.

Dr. Tushar Gaonkar addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Hypertension: High blood pressure requires careful management to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Pollen Allergy: Seasonal allergies can be managed with medication and other strategies to reduce symptoms.
• Contact Dermatitis: This skin condition, often caused by irritants or allergens, can be treated to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Pneumonia: This lung infection requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
• Nail Infection: Fungal or bacterial infections of the nails require appropriate treatment to prevent spread and complications.
• Motion Sickness: Nausea and dizziness from motion can often be managed with medication or other strategies.
• Low Back Pain: Common back pain can be addressed with a variety of treatments depending on the cause.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This complex condition requires a comprehensive approach to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Joint pain and stiffness in the shoulder can be addressed with medication and other treatments.
• Diarrhea: This symptom often requires rehydration and treatment of the underlying cause.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Joint pain and stiffness in the hip and thigh can be managed with medication and therapies.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can be managed to reduce symptoms.
• Acne: This skin condition can be addressed with various treatments to clear the skin.
• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol and other lipid abnormalities require management to reduce cardiovascular risk.

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

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormalities.
• Liver Function Test: This blood test assesses the health and function of the liver.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: This screening helps detect prostate cancer early.
• Diabetes Screening: This screening helps detect diabetes and prediabetes.
• Immunization Administration: Vaccines help protect against various infectious diseases.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This screening helps detect osteoporosis, a bone disease.
• Thyroid Screening: This screening helps detect thyroid disorders.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This screening helps detect anemia and iron deficiency.
• Cholesterol Screening: This screening helps detect high cholesterol levels.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Tushar Gaonkar. 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 Illinois and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Medical Licensing Board.

Dr. Tushar Gaonkar 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. Tushar Gaonkar can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective management, patients experience reduced shoulder pain and stiffness, enabling them to return to activities they enjoy, such as gardening or playing with grandchildren. Improved mobility and reduced discomfort significantly enhance their quality of life.
• With effective management, patients find relief from debilitating nausea and dizziness, allowing them to enjoy travel and other activities without fear. They can confidently explore new places and reconnect with loved ones, reclaiming their freedom and sense of adventure.
• With consistent care and the right treatment plan, patients find relief from debilitating low back pain, enabling them to return to favorite activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle. They rediscover mobility and comfort, improving their overall quality of life.
• Through consistent medication and lifestyle changes, patients successfully lowered their blood pressure, allowing them to enjoy increased energy levels and participate more fully in family activities and work.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, 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 Aurora, Illinois area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Aurora and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Aurora. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Tushar Gaonkar. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Tushar Gaonkar or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
• Anthem
  • Plan: National (BlueCard), Type: PPO
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue 2.0
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Humana
  • Plan: Preferred, Type: PPO
• MultiPlan
  • Plan: MultiPlan 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. Tushar Gaonkar 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. Tushar Gaonkar) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (630) 527-1818 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. Tushar Gaonkar may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Edward Hospital-Main Campus (Naperville, IL)

He earned his medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1994. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at St Joseph Hospital, honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Tushar Gaonkar:

Are services from Dr. Tushar Gaonkar typically covered by health insurance in Illinois?

Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, as a Family Physician in Illinois, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients should always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with Duly Health and Care's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Tushar Gaonkar is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their 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. Tushar Gaonkar as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Tushar Gaonkar to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Tushar Gaonkar 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. Tushar Gaonkar, 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 do if I have an urgent medical issue when Duly Health and Care 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 Duly Health and Care reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like Duly Health and Care, 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 [(630) 527-1818] 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 happens if Dr. Tushar Gaonkar determines I need to see a medical specialist?

Seeing a medical specialist in the US often requires a referral from your Family Physician/PCP like Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, particularly if mandated by your health insurance plan (e.g., HMOs or some POS plans) to ensure coverage at the highest benefit level. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Tushar Gaonkar believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral, often suggesting specialists who are known to be in-network with common insurance plans. Our office may assist with the insurance pre-authorization process if required. You will then typically be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Remember that specialist wait times can vary, so Dr. Tushar Gaonkar will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Tushar Gaonkar one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for his patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. He manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

How often should I see Dr. Tushar Gaonkar for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, with Dr. Tushar Gaonkar can vary based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Many insurance plans in the US cover one annual preventive visit for adults with no co-pay. Generally, healthy younger adults may still benefit from regular check-ins (e.g., every 1-3 years if no major concerns, but an annual visit is often encouraged if covered by insurance), while older adults (e.g., annually, especially for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits), or individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) typically require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-6 months or annually, as determined by Dr. Tushar Gaonkar). For specific screening tests like Pap smears, mammograms, or colonoscopies, there are established national guidelines (USPSTF, ACS, ACOG) based on age and gender which Dr. Tushar Gaonkar follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Tushar Gaonkar to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Tushar Gaonkar?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Tushar Gaonkar's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Tushar Gaonkar and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate, but this can add time. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

Can Dr. Tushar Gaonkar help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your Family Physician, Dr. Tushar Gaonkar plays a crucial role in mental and behavioral healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Tushar Gaonkar can provide an initial assessment (often using screening tools), offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications), and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists (LCSW, LPC, MFT), or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care (like specific types of psychotherapy) is needed. Dr. Tushar Gaonkar can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions, often working in an integrated care model.

Duly Health and Care
4205 Westbrook Dr
Aurora IL 60504
Phone: (630) 527-1818

Dr. Tushar Gaonkar, MD is regulated by the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 225, Act 60 (Medical Practice Act of 1987) in Illinois and is licensed by The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Medical Licensing Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1083604185

Registration can typically be verified through The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Medical Licensing 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. Tushar Gaonkar 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.