Nicholas Winchester, NP – Family Physician | Nashville, TN

Nicholas Winchester, NP is a Family Physician practicing at Envision Healthcare in Nashville, TN. Dr. Nicholas NP is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (205) 746-3098 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care, 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. Nicholas NP serves patients of all ages and is registered with The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners and practices under the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6 (Medicine and Surgery).

Dr. Nicholas NP is a family medicine specialist in Nashville, TN, affiliated with medical facilities Tristar Summit Medical Center and TriStar Centennial Medical Center. His approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. He provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Nicholas NP is committed to improving the health and well-being of his patients and the wider community.

Dr. Nicholas NP addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Mouth Lesions: There are unusual spots or bumps on your tongue, gums, or inside your cheeks.
• Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa: This condition involves the development of yellowish or brownish bumps on the skin, often on your hands and feet.
• Pemphigoid: It's a condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your skin, leading to painful blisters.
• Insect Bites and Stings: I have an insect bite or sting that's causing me concern and I want to know how to treat it.
• Diffuse Palmoplantar Keratoderma - Acrocyanosis: My palms and soles have thickened skin, and I also experience bluish discoloration in my extremities (acrocyanosis).
• Herpes Simplex Infection: This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person.
• Porokeratosis - Disseminated Superficial Actinic 1: This is a type of skin condition causing raised, wart-like patches.

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

• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): This test assesses your sensitivity to light touch, pressure, heat, and cold to help diagnose nerve problems.
• Ureterscopies: Ureteroscopy is a procedure to visually inspect the ureters using a thin, flexible scope, often to remove blockages or diagnose issues.
• B-Scan Ultrasound: This is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the eye's structures.
• Diagnostic Testing: Medical tests to diagnose your condition.
• Splenorrhaphy: Surgical repair of the spleen.
• Methacholine Challenge Testing: A methacholine challenge test checks how easily your lungs narrow in response to a medication, which helps diagnose asthma or other airway problems.
• Vestibular Testing: Vestibular testing evaluates your sense of balance and can help diagnose dizziness or vertigo.

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

Dr. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective treatment, patients experience significant relief from the severe itching and blistering of pemphigoid, allowing them to comfortably participate in social activities and enjoy life without constant discomfort. They find renewed confidence and a better quality of life as their skin heals.
• With proper treatment, patients experiencing mouth lesions find relief from discomfort and are able to enjoy eating and speaking without pain, returning to their normal routines. This allows them to confidently socialize and participate in activities they previously avoided.
• With appropriate antiviral treatment, patients experience significant relief from the painful sores and blisters, allowing them to return to their normal social lives and activities without discomfort or worry. Many find their outbreaks become less frequent and less severe over time.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Nicholas NP, 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 Nashville, Tennessee area, conveniently situated near key city attractions and public services. It's generally accessible via local transportation options serving Nashville. 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. Nicholas NP. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Nicholas NP 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: APCN Open Access Aetna Select
  • Plan: Aetna HMO
  • 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
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
  • Plan: Blue Network P, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue Network S
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: LocalPlus
  • Plan: Open Access 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: National, Type: POS
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, 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. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (205) 746-3098 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. Nicholas NP may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• TriStar Centennial Medical Center (Nashville, TN)
• Tristar Summit Medical Center (Hermitage, TN)

He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Nicholas NP:

Are services from Dr. Nicholas NP typically covered by health insurance in Tennessee?

Dr. Nicholas NP, as a Family Physician in Tennessee, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, it is absolutely crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with Envision Healthcare's office at (205) 746-3098 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP, 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. Nicholas NP at Envision Healthcare offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Nicholas NP at Envision Healthcare 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. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP before scheduling such an appointment.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Nicholas NP?

An initial new patient visit with Dr. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP 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. Nicholas NP understanding your health baseline.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Nicholas NP?

To each appointment with Dr. Nicholas NP at Envision Healthcare, 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. Nicholas NP) 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. Nicholas NP 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.

What happens if Dr. Nicholas NP determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. Nicholas NP acts as your primary care coordinator. If he believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, he will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. This process will consider your insurance plan's requirements for specialist referrals and in-network providers. Dr. Nicholas NP will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. It's important to keep Envision Healthcare informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Nicholas NP can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Tennessee who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First and foremost, 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 Tennessee Medical Board website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations of doctors they trust and who might be accepting patients. Contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups, as 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 if Dr. Nicholas NP works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Nicholas NP?

Dr. Nicholas NP practices as part of Envision Healthcare, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Nicholas NP, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Nicholas NP is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. Envision Healthcare will always strive to have you see Dr. Nicholas NP for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

Envision Healthcare
2300 Patterson St
Nashville TN 37203
Phone: (205) 746-3098

Nicholas Winchester, NP is regulated by the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6 (Medicine and Surgery) in Tennessee and is licensed by The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1215589635

Registration can typically be verified through The Tennessee 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. Nicholas NP 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.