Dr. Wendy Nazareno, MD – Family Physician | Montgomery, AL

Dr. Wendy Nazareno, MD is a Family Physician. Practicing at Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, AL, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She 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. Wendy Nazareno is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (334) 747-2273 to inquire or schedule an appointment. She 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. Wendy Nazareno, MD is a family medicine physician in Montgomery, AL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST / RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER in 1991. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She is affiliated with medical facilities Baptist Medical Center East and Baptist Medical Center South. She serves patients of all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Nazareno's approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering strong, collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Wendy Nazareno is committed to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of her patients and the community she serves.

Dr. Wendy Nazareno addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm.
• Iodine Deficiency: Inadequate iodine intake can lead to various health problems, particularly affecting the thyroid gland.
• Fever: Fever is an elevated body temperature often indicating an infection or other underlying illness.
• Rash: Rashes are skin irritations that can manifest in various ways, indicating allergies, infections, or other health issues.
• Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is inflammation of the pharynx, often caused by viral or bacterial infections.
• Animal Allergies: Allergies to animal dander, saliva, or other substances can cause various symptoms, including skin reactions and respiratory problems.
• Abnormal Thyroid: The thyroid gland can malfunction, resulting in hyperthyroidism (overactive) or hypothyroidism (underactive), leading to various symptoms.
• Bedsores: Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: These conditions involve various symptoms related to the hormonal changes experienced during and after menopause.
• Mastodynia: Mastodynia, or breast pain, can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes and benign breast conditions.
• Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, often causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease encompasses various conditions affecting the heart, often requiring comprehensive diagnosis and management.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Arthritis in the elbow joint causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Ear Ache: Earaches can be caused by infections, inflammation, or other issues affecting the ear.

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

• Patch Testing: This procedure helps identify allergens causing contact dermatitis.
• Skin Testing and Screening: This involves evaluating skin for various conditions and performing screenings for skin cancer.
• Obesity Counseling: Provides guidance and support for weight management and healthy lifestyle changes.
• Thyroid Screening: Tests to assess thyroid function and detect potential issues.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Testing for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.
• Hepatitis A Screening: Screening for the viral infection hepatitis A.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: Evaluations for work-related injuries.
• Mole Evaluation: Assessment of moles to detect potential skin cancer.
• Geriatric Assessment: Comprehensive health evaluations for older adults.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Screenings to detect breast cancer at an early stage.
• Hepatitis Screening: Tests for various types of hepatitis.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Assessment and management of sleep-related problems.
• Memory Evaluation: Assessment of cognitive function and memory.
• Health Screening: Comprehensive health checks to detect potential problems.

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

• With prompt treatment, patients quickly saw their fevers subside, allowing them to return to their normal activities and feel comfortable again. They were able to rest and recover, regaining their energy and well-being.
• With the right treatment, patients experiencing rashes often see a significant reduction in discomfort and inflammation. This allows them to comfortably participate in social activities and enjoy their daily lives without the worry and self-consciousness a rash can cause.
• With proper management, patients experience significant pain relief and reduced numbness in their hands and wrists. This allows them to return to their favorite hobbies and activities, like knitting or playing musical instruments, with renewed ease and enjoyment.
• Patients experiencing iodine deficiency find relief through proper supplementation, leading to improved thyroid function and a renewed sense of energy and well-being. They are then able to participate more fully in their daily lives and pursue their interests without the fatigue and cognitive difficulties associated with iodine deficiency.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Wendy Nazareno, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Montgomery, Alabama area, near key city attractions and public services. It is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Montgomery. 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. Wendy Nazareno. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Wendy Nazareno or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
  • Plan: Dental Blue 100/200/300
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
  • Plan: National, Type: POS
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • 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. Wendy Nazareno 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. Wendy Nazareno) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (334) 747-2273 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. Wendy Nazareno may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Baptist Medical Center East (Montgomery, AL)
• Baptist Medical Center South (Montgomery, AL)

She earned her medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST / RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER in 1991.

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

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Wendy Nazareno:

Are services from Dr. Wendy Nazareno typically covered by health insurance in Alabama?

As a Family Physician in Alabama, Dr. Wendy Nazareno likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, it is absolutely essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South's office BEFORE your appointment to confirm that Dr. Wendy Nazareno 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. Wendy Nazareno as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Wendy Nazareno 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. Wendy Nazareno 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. Wendy Nazareno, 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 does it mean for Dr. Wendy Nazareno to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Wendy Nazareno (or Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South she 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. Wendy Nazareno'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 do if I have an urgent medical issue when Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South 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 Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South, 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 [(334) 747-2273] 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 does PCP mean and is Dr. Wendy Nazareno one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Wendy Nazareno, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for her 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. She 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 can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Alabama who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First, check your health insurance plan's 'Find a Doctor' or 'Provider Directory' tool (often available online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. You can also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Alabama Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups; they often have affiliated family physicians who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. It can be challenging, so be persistent. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

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

Preventative care 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. Wendy Nazareno can help guide you in these efforts.

How long do appointments with Dr. Wendy Nazareno typically last?

A regular appointment might last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, new patient visits, complete physical exams/preventive visits, or discussions of multiple/complex health matters will likely be scheduled for longer (30 to 45 minutes). Inform the reception staff at Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South about your needs when booking.

Baptist Health Primary Care Partners - Baptist Medical Center South
2055 E South Blvd Ste 308
Montgomery AL 36116
Phone: (334) 747-2273

Dr. Wendy Nazareno, 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): 1326133638

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. Wendy Nazareno 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.