Dr. Vance Blackburn, MD – Family Physician | Hoover, AL

Dr. Vance Blackburn, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Hoover, AL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and practices under the Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 24 (Physicians and Other Practitioners of Healing Arts).

Dr. Vance Blackburn is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (205) 980-9944 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. Vance Blackburn is an Alabama native, having spent most of his early years in the state's southernmost counties. After earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry at Samford University and his medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB), he completed his Family Medicine Residency in Tuscaloosa. He and his wife have been married since 1985 and have three adult children and one grandson. His faith is central to his life, and he enjoys spending his free time in nature, particularly along the Cahaba River. Providing primary health care in the Hoover area for over 25 years, he focuses on prevention, urgent care of injuries and illnesses, and the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical problems. Dr. Vance Blackburn provides consultations primarily in English. He remains committed to improving the health and well-being of his patients and the Hoover community.

Dr. Vance Blackburn addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Tobacco Use Disorder: Comprehensive support and resources are available to help patients quit smoking and manage nicotine addiction.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Assessment and management strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and attention-deficit disorder.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Diagnosis and treatment options for seasonal and perennial allergies affecting the nose.
• Anxiety: Assessment, diagnosis, and management strategies for various anxiety disorders.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Diagnosis and treatment plans to promote healing and prevent complications.
• Ankle Sprains and Strains: Diagnosis and treatment to address injuries and promote healing.
• Diabetes Type 1: Comprehensive management of this chronic metabolic disorder.
• Diarrhea: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea.
• Diabetes Type 2: Management and treatment to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
• Cold Sore: Diagnosis and treatment of this common viral infection.
• Coccygeal Pain: Diagnosis and management of pain in the tailbone area.
• Nausea: Diagnosis and treatment to alleviate nausea.
• Bladder Infection: Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Diagnosis and management of a rapid heart rate.

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

• Nail Avulsion and Excision: Removal of ingrown or damaged nails to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Procedure to drain pus or fluid from an abscess or other localized collection.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment of mental health to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Thorough assessment of chest pain to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Evaluation of skin conditions and screenings for skin cancer.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: Evaluation to assess a child's learning needs and abilities.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Testing for sexually transmitted infections.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging of the heart to assess its structure and function.
• Psychological Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment of mental health to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): Measurement of blood gases to assess the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Management of complex health conditions and coordination of care with specialists.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: Test to detect pregnancy.
• Hepatitis Screening: Testing for hepatitis infections.
• Immunization Administration: Administration of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.

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

Dr. Vance Blackburn 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. Vance Blackburn can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, patients experiencing sinus tachycardia often find their heart rates return to a healthy rhythm, allowing them to participate more fully in daily activities and enjoy improved energy levels. This restored balance significantly enhances their overall quality of life.
• With effective management, patients find relief from persistent nausea, allowing them to comfortably return to their daily activities and enjoy meals without discomfort. This improved well-being enables them to regain their appetite and participate fully in life.
• With proper care and treatment, patients experience significant healing of their leg and foot ulcers, allowing them to walk more comfortably and resume their favorite activities. Many rediscover the joy of simple pleasures like gardening or spending time with loved ones without the constant pain and discomfort.
• With careful management, many patients experience a significant reduction in their blood sugar levels, leading to increased energy and the ability to enjoy favorite activities once again. This improved control also helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Vance Blackburn, 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 Hoover, Alabama area. It’s conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Hoover and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Hoover. 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. Vance Blackburn. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Vance Blackburn 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
• Anthem
  • Plan: National (BlueCard), Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
  • Plan: Dental Blue 100/200/300
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue 2.0
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO 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. Vance Blackburn 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. Vance Blackburn) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (205) 980-9944 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. Vance Blackburn may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Shelby Baptist Medical Center (Alabaster, AL)

He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Tuscaloosa FP Res (graduated 1989), 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. Vance Blackburn:

Are services from Dr. Vance Blackburn typically covered by health insurance in Alabama?

Dr. Vance Blackburn, as a Family Physician in Alabama, 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 essential that patients verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic’s office BEFORE scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Vance Blackburn is ‘in-network’ for their plan and to understand their 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 ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Vance Blackburn 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. Vance Blackburn 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. Vance Blackburn, 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.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, 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. Vance Blackburn). 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. Vance Blackburn follows. It’s best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Vance Blackburn to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

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

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Vance Blackburn, and his care team. It's important because it allows Dr. Vance Blackburn 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. Vance Blackburn 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).

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

A Family Physician, often your Primary Care Physician (PCP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages – from newborns to seniors. In the US healthcare system, they serve as your main point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like wellness visits, immunizations, health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Vance Blackburn?

Always bring your insurance card(s) and a form of photo ID to your appointment with Dr. Vance Blackburn. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products), including dosages, is crucial for Dr. Vance Blackburn to review for safety and interactions. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary you can provide are beneficial. If you monitor things at home (like blood pressure or blood sugar), bringing your logbook and device can be helpful. Preparing a list of your symptoms or questions in advance can also make your appointment more productive. Also, be aware of your insurance co-pay or deductible responsibilities.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Vance Blackburn one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Vance Blackburn, 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.

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

Preventative care provided by Dr. Vance Blackburn aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage, following established US guidelines. This includes regular physical exams or wellness visits (many insurance plans cover one per year), vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health, and Dr. Vance Blackburn can help guide you in these efforts.

2520 Valleydale Rd
Hoover AL 35244
Phone: (205) 980-9944

Dr. Vance Blackburn, MD is regulated by the Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 24 (Physicians and Other Practitioners of Healing Arts) in Alabama and is licensed by The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1720068463

Registration can typically be verified through The Alabama 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. Vance Blackburn 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.