Dr. William Barnhurst, DO – Family Physician | Doylestown, PA

Dr. William Barnhurst, DO is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Doylestown, PA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. William Barnhurst is registered with The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and practices under the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985).

Dr. William Barnhurst is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (215) 345-2281 to inquire or schedule an appointment. He 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.

Dr. William Barnhurst, DO is a family medicine physician in Doylestown, PA and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE in 1969. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He serves patients of all ages and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. William Barnhurst provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. William Barnhurst is dedicated to the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the Doylestown community.

Dr. William Barnhurst addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease causes pain and stiffness, often managed with medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause pain, urinary problems, and discomfort, requiring medical evaluation and treatment.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can stem from various causes, requiring a thorough examination and individualized treatment plan.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: This specific type of osteoarthritis affects the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Lipid Disorders: These disorders involve abnormal levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Gout: This form of arthritis is characterized by sudden, severe joint pain and inflammation, typically in the big toe.
• Difficulty With Walking: This symptom can have various underlying causes, requiring a medical evaluation to determine the source.
• Hyperlipidemia: High levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood require management to prevent cardiovascular disease.
• Arthritis: This encompasses several conditions causing joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
• Gait Abnormality: Problems with walking can indicate underlying neurological, musculoskeletal, or other health issues.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure necessitates management to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness can result from various conditions and requires a medical evaluation to determine the cause.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): The presence of blood in urine warrants prompt medical attention to identify the underlying cause.
• Dyslipidemia: Abnormal lipid levels in the blood require monitoring and management to prevent cardiovascular problems.

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

• Trichomoniasis Screening: This screening helps detect a sexually transmitted infection.
• Geriatric Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the health needs of older adults.
• McMurray's Test: A physical examination maneuver to assess for meniscus tears in the knee.
• Cholesterol Screening: Testing to measure cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A test to assess how the body processes glucose and identify diabetes.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Screenings to detect potential prostate cancer.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): A digital rectal exam to check the prostate.
• Disability Evaluation: Assessment of a patient's functional abilities and limitations.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Evaluation and support for alcohol-related issues.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Testing to detect the hepatitis C virus.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Screenings to detect potential ovarian cancer.
• Home Sleep Study: A sleep study that can be conducted in the comfort of a patient's home.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Assessment of a patient's needs and suitability for a wheelchair.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Evaluation of a patient's mental health status.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. William Barnhurst. 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 Pennsylvania and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

Dr. William Barnhurst 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. William Barnhurst can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, patients experiencing muscle weakness often regain strength and improved mobility, allowing them to return to activities they enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies. This renewed ability to participate in life's simple pleasures significantly enhances their overall quality of life.
• With careful management of their dyslipidemia, patients often see significant improvements in their cholesterol levels, reducing their risk of heart disease and allowing them to enjoy a more active and fulfilling life. They regain confidence in their health and are better able to participate in the activities they love.
• Patients with hyperlipidemia find that consistent management of their condition, through lifestyle changes and medication, leads to significantly improved cholesterol levels. This often allows them to enjoy increased energy and a reduced risk of heart disease, enabling them to pursue their favorite activities with greater confidence.
• With proper management, patients experience significant relief from the debilitating pain of gout, allowing them to return to their favorite activities and enjoy a higher quality of life. They regain mobility and are able to participate fully in work and leisure pursuits once more.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. William Barnhurst, 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 Doylestown, Pennsylvania area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Doylestown and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Doylestown. 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. William Barnhurst. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. William Barnhurst or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Capital Blue Cross
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Coventry Health Care
  • Plan: Coventry Health America, 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. William Barnhurst 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. William Barnhurst) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (215) 345-2281 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.

Information on hospital affiliations can be obtained by contacting the clinic.

He earned his medical degree from PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE in 1969.

Are services from Dr. William Barnhurst typically covered by health insurance in Pennsylvania?

Dr. William Barnhurst, as a Family Physician in Pennsylvania, 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 imperative that patients verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. William Barnhurst 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. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. William Barnhurst 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. William Barnhurst 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. William Barnhurst, 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.

Does Dr. William Barnhurst at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. William Barnhurst at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. William Barnhurst if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. William Barnhurst before scheduling such an appointment.

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

Continuity of care refers to the process where your Family Physician, Dr. William Barnhurst, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr. William Barnhurst becomes familiar with your medical background, your lifestyle, and what's 'normal' for you. This knowledge aids in quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and ensures that your care is well-coordinated, especially important when dealing with multiple specialists or navigating complex insurance plans. It's about having a trusted healthcare partner throughout your life who understands your complete health picture.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. William Barnhurst one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. William Barnhurst, 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 manage a wide range of health concerns and coordinate 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 do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. William Barnhurst?

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. William Barnhurst's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. William Barnhurst 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. William Barnhurst, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. William Barnhurst, 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. William Barnhurst help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. William Barnhurst are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex or require specific psychotherapies not offered in-office. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. William Barnhurst.

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.

595 W State St
Doylestown PA 18901
Phone: (215) 345-2281

Dr. William Barnhurst, DO is regulated by the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985) in Pennsylvania and is licensed by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1063500874

Registration can typically be verified through The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine 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. William Barnhurst 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.