Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, MD – Family Physician | Douglas, GA

Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, MD is a Family Physician. Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (912) 383-9300 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Practicing at her clinic in Douglas, GA, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Georgia Composite Medical Board and practices under the Georgia Code, Title 43, Chapter 34 (Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Others). Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda provides 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, MD is a family medicine physician in Douglas, GA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Andhra Medical College, Ntr University Of Health Sciences in 1986. She is affiliated with Coffee Regional Medical Center. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She serves patients of all ages and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her community.

Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: These disorders involve imbalances in the body's phosphorus levels, potentially impacting bone health and other bodily functions.
• Mild Asthma: This involves occasional wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, often manageable with medication and lifestyle changes.
• Arthritis: This encompasses various joint conditions causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: This is a serious condition involving blood clots in the veins, often requiring prompt medical attention.
• Diabetes Type 2: This chronic condition affects how the body processes blood sugar, requiring careful management to prevent complications.
• Burn Injuries: These injuries, ranging in severity, require prompt treatment and often specialized care for healing.
• Cachexia: This involves severe weight loss and muscle wasting, often associated with chronic illness.
• Fibromyalgia: This chronic condition causes widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
• Hyperkalemia: This involves dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): This inflammatory condition causes muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in older adults.
• Strep Throat: This bacterial infection causes a sore throat, often requiring antibiotic treatment.
• Wheezing: This whistling sound during breathing often indicates airway narrowing.
• Hypercalcemia: This involves elevated levels of calcium in the blood, potentially causing various symptoms.
• Scalp: Conditions affecting the scalp, such as infections or skin disorders, are addressed.

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

• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: This helps assess individual risk for breast cancer.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: This provides an objective assessment of a child's educational needs.
• Gonorrhea Screening: This test detects the presence of the gonorrhea infection.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This involves coordinating care among multiple specialists.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: This measures bone density to assess osteoporosis risk.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: This test detects pregnancy through urine analysis.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: This involves diagnosing and treating sleep problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test assesses the heart's electrical activity.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: This assesses a patient's fitness for surgery.
• McMurray's Test: This assesses for meniscus tears in the knee.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to image the heart.
• Bone Density Scan: This assesses bone health and osteoporosis risk.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This involves managing symptoms associated with menopause.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This assesses an individual's need for and suitability for a wheelchair.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda. 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 Georgia and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Georgia Composite Medical Board.

Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper care and treatment, patients with burn injuries can heal significantly, minimizing scarring and restoring function. This allows them to return to their daily lives and pursue their passions with renewed confidence.
• With timely treatment, patients experiencing acute venous embolism thrombosis can see a significant reduction in symptoms and a return to their normal activities. Many are able to resume their daily lives with greater confidence and reduced risk of future complications.
• Through careful management of their type 2 diabetes, patients often experience improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of complications. This allows them to enjoy increased energy levels and participate more fully in the activities they love.
• With careful management of their hypercalcemia, patients experience a reduction in debilitating symptoms like bone pain and fatigue. This allows them to return to more active and fulfilling lives.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, 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.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Douglas, Georgia area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Douglas and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Douglas. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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
  • 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
• Ambetter
  • Plan: Superior Health Plan
• Anthem
  • Plan: Blue Open Access Alternate Network, Type: POS
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
  • Plan: Blue Choice Option, Type: POS
  • Plan: Blue Choice, 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: HMO Premier, Type: HMO
  • Plan: National, Type: POS
• Oscar Health
  • 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (912) 383-9300 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Coffee Regional Medical Center (Douglas, GA)

She earned her medical degree from Andhra Medical College, Ntr University Of Health Sciences in 1986.

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

Are services from Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda typically covered by health insurance in Georgia?

As a Family Physician in Georgia, Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda likely accepts many 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 (912) 383-9300 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda is "in-network" for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including 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 inquire about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, 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.

Can Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your Family Physician, Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda plays a crucial role in mental and behavioral healthcare. She 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions, often working in an integrated care model.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda?

For every appointment with Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, please bring your current health insurance card(s) and a valid photo ID (like a driver's license). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages and why you take them. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports from other facilities), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit. Be prepared to pay any co-payment or deductible amount as required by your insurance plan at the time of service.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda?

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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed. 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, 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.

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 [(912) 383-9300] 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 should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda?

An initial new patient visit with Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda understanding your health baseline.

What happens if Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda's office sending a formal referral request, including your relevant medical information and reason for consult, to the specialist's office. Depending on your insurance plan (especially HMOs), a formal referral from Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda may be required by your insurer for the specialist visit to be covered or for you to receive in-network benefits. Our staff at the clinic will work to find an in-network specialist for you where possible and may assist with any necessary prior authorization process from your insurance. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly. The specialist's office will typically contact you directly to schedule an appointment once the referral (and any insurance authorization) is processed. Please follow up with our clinic if you encounter issues or haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe as advised by Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda.

906 Bryan St W
Douglas GA 31533
Phone: (912) 383-9300

Dr. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda, MD is regulated by the Georgia Code, Title 43, Chapter 34 (Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Others) in Georgia and is licensed by The Georgia Composite Medical Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1538152855

Registration can typically be verified through The Georgia Composite Medical 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. Umamaheswari Jonnalagadda 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.