Dr. Walter Zant Jr, MD – Family Physician | Madison, GA

Dr. Walter Zant Jr, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Madison, GA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Georgia Composite Medical Board and practices under the Georgia Code, Title 43, Chapter 34 (Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Others).

Please note: Dr. Walter Jr is not currently accepting new patients. You may wish to check back periodically for updates or contact (706) 342-1555 to inquire about potential future openings or waitlists.

Dr. Walter Zant Jr, MD is a family medicine physician in Madison, GA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 1999. He 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. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and Morgan Medical Center. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. Dr. Walter Jr provides consultations primarily in English. He is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships, ensuring patients are actively involved in their health journey. Dr. Walter Jr is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of his community.

Dr. Walter Jr addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Vertigo: This condition involves a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often impacting balance and coordination.
• Thyroid Goiter: This refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, potentially causing various symptoms depending on the underlying cause.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): This inflammatory disorder primarily affects older adults, causing muscle pain and stiffness.
• Administrative Physical: This type of physical examination focuses on documentation for administrative purposes, such as employment or insurance requirements.
• Strep Throat: This bacterial infection of the throat is characterized by a sore throat, often accompanied by fever and difficulty swallowing.
• Fibromyalgia: This chronic condition causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms.
• Anemia: This condition involves a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: This degenerative joint disease affects the foot, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Sebaceous Cysts: These are benign cysts that form in the skin due to blocked sebaceous glands.
• Ataxia: This neurological disorder affects coordination, balance, and movement.
• Intertrigo: This skin condition involves inflammation and irritation in skin folds due to moisture and friction.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): This common condition in older men involves an enlarged prostate gland, leading to urinary symptoms.
• Onychomycosis: This fungal infection affects the toenails or fingernails, causing discoloration and thickening.
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders: These disorders affect the peripheral nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities.

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

• Obesity Counseling: Provides guidance and support for weight management and healthy lifestyle changes.
• Dyslexia Assessment: Evaluates for reading difficulties and provides recommendations for support.
• Home Sleep Study: Allows for assessment of sleep disorders in the comfort of the patient's home.
• Patch Testing: Identifies allergens causing contact dermatitis through skin patch tests.
• Hepatitis Screening: Detects the presence of Hepatitis B and C viruses.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Assesses mobility needs and recommends appropriate wheelchair solutions.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screens for alcohol abuse and provides support for cessation.
• Dementia Evaluation: Assesses cognitive function and diagnoses dementia-related conditions.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: Performs a quick urinalysis to detect abnormalities in the urine.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Tests for the presence of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Screens for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Evaluates spinal alignment and posture to identify potential issues.
• Hepatitis A Screening: Tests for the presence of Hepatitis A virus.
• Cholesterol Screening: Measures cholesterol levels to assess cardiovascular risk.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Walter Jr. 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. Walter Jr 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. Walter Jr can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, patients experiencing ataxia often find their balance and coordination improve significantly, allowing them to participate more fully in everyday activities and enjoy increased independence. This can lead to a greater sense of well-being and improved quality of life.
• With effective management, patients experience a significant reduction in pain and numbness associated with peripheral nerve disorders. This allows them to regain lost mobility and participate more fully in their favorite activities.
• With proper treatment, patients find relief from the discomfort of intertrigo, allowing them to comfortably participate in their favorite activities once again without the irritation and chafing. Their improved skin health restores confidence and enhances their overall quality of life.
• With effective treatment, patients experiencing vertigo often find their debilitating dizziness significantly reduced, allowing them to confidently return to everyday activities and enjoy a better quality of life. They regain their sense of balance and can once again participate in previously impossible activities.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Walter Jr, 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 Madison, Georgia area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Madison and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Madison. 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. Walter Jr. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Walter Jr 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
• Anthem Blue Cross
  • Plan: Pathway, Type: HMO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
  • Plan: Blue Choice Option, Type: POS
  • Plan: Blue Choice, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Blue Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: BlueChoice Option, Type: POS
• 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. Walter Jr 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. Walter Jr) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (706) 342-1555 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. Walter Jr may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Morgan Medical Center (Madison, GA)
• Saint Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital (Greensboro, GA)
• Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center (Athens, GA)

He earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in 1999.

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. Walter Jr:

Are services from Dr. Walter Jr typically covered by health insurance in Georgia?

Dr. Walter Jr, as a Family Physician in Georgia, 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 (706) 342-1555 prior to scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Walter Jr 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. Walter Jr as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Walter Jr 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. Walter Jr 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. Walter Jr, 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.

What does it mean for Dr. Walter Jr to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Walter Jr (or the clinic he practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. 'Out-of-network' means there's no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called 'balance billing'). It is always best to verify Dr. Walter Jr's network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Walter Jr?

Your first appointment with Dr. Walter Jr 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. Walter Jr'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 should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Walter Jr?

To each appointment with Dr. Walter Jr at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Walter Jr) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Walter Jr beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

How long do appointments with Dr. Walter Jr typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Walter Jr can vary depending on the reason for your visit. In the US, standard appointments for a single, focused issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 15-20 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive 'annual physical' or 'preventive wellness visit' (especially Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, which have specific components), a new patient intake appointment, in-depth counseling, or an in-office minor procedure will usually be scheduled for a longer duration, perhaps 30-45 minutes or even more. When booking your appointment at the clinic, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can try to allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Walter Jr. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or schedule separate visits to ensure each concern can be addressed thoroughly without rushing.

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

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

1820 Bethany Rd
Madison GA 30650
Phone: (706) 342-1555

Dr. Walter Zant Jr, 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): 1760471585

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. Walter Jr 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.