Nicole Craven, FNP – Family Physician | Scranton, PA

Nicole Craven, FNP is a Family Physician practicing at Oak Street Health Scranton in Scranton, PA. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and practices under the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985).

Please note: Dr. Nicole FNP is not currently accepting new patients. You may wish to check back periodically for updates or contact (570) 300-4633 to inquire about potential future openings or waitlists.

Dr. Nicole FNP 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. She serves patients of all ages and, as a Primary Care Provider at Oak Street Health, specializes in care for adults on Medicare. Dr. Nicole FNP is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Nicole FNP provides consultations primarily in English. She is dedicated to the ongoing health and well-being of her community.

Dr. Nicole FNP addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: This slow-growing cancer rarely spreads but requires treatment to prevent complications.
• Bullous Pemphigoid: This condition causes itchy and painful blisters that can significantly impact daily life.
• Neck Skin Laxity: This refers to loose and sagging skin on the neck.
• Annular Pustular Psoriasis: This skin condition appears as ring-shaped patches of small, pus-filled blisters.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: This type of skin cancer originates in the top layer of the skin.
• Calciphylaxis: This complication, often arising from kidney disease, leads to severe skin problems.
• Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques in Pregnancy: This condition involves itchy, raised bumps and patches on the skin during pregnancy.

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

• Rapid Flu Test: This test helps determine if influenza is causing your illness.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: This procedure uses a small camera-equipped tube to examine the airways and lungs.
• Gastric Tube Insertion: A tube is placed through the nose and into the stomach for nutrition or medication delivery.
• Breath Testing: This test analyzes breath to detect substances indicating health issues.
• Bronchoprovocation Test: This test identifies substances triggering asthma or airway reactions.
• Ultrasound, Cardiac: This uses ultrasound to assess the heart's structure and function.
• Digital Tomography: This scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

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

• With effective treatment, patients experience a significant reduction in the size and number of pustular lesions, leading to clearer skin and a renewed sense of confidence to participate in social activities and enjoy life without the constant worry of their condition. Many find their improved skin allows them to wear their favorite clothes and participate in activities they previously avoided.
• With diligent management, patients experience significant pain reduction and healing of their painful sores, allowing them to regain mobility and participate more fully in daily life. Improved quality of life becomes a reality as they focus on their overall health and well-being.
• Early detection and treatment allowed patients to successfully remove the basal cell carcinoma, restoring their confidence and enabling them to enjoy outdoor activities once again without worry. Their improved skin health also boosted their overall sense of well-being.

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

• Capital Blue Cross
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus
  • Plan: Navigate
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options

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. Nicole FNP 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. Nicole FNP) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (570) 300-4633 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.

Dr. Nicole FNP has completed all necessary medical education and holds current licensure. Specifics can be discussed or verified with The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Nicole FNP:

Are services from Dr. Nicole FNP typically covered by health insurance in Pennsylvania?

Dr. Nicole FNP, 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 essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with Oak Street Health Scranton's office BEFORE your appointment to confirm that Dr. Nicole FNP 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. Nicole FNP as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Nicole FNP 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. Nicole FNP 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. Nicole FNP, 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 your specific insurance plan's referral requirements.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Nicole FNP one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Nicole FNP, 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.

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

"In-network" means Dr. Nicole FNP (or Oak Street Health Scranton where she practices) 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. Nicole FNP'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.

How long do appointments with Dr. Nicole FNP typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Nicole FNP 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 Oak Street Health Scranton, 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. Nicole FNP. 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 should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Nicole FNP?

Always bring your insurance card(s) and a form of photo ID to your appointment with Dr. Nicole FNP. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products), including dosages, is crucial for Dr. Nicole FNP 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Oak Street Health Scranton 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 Oak Street Health Scranton reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like Oak Street Health Scranton, 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 [(570) 300-4633] 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.

Can Dr. Nicole FNP help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Nicole FNP is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family medicine. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate (monitoring for effectiveness and side effects), and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required, ensuring your overall care plan is holistic. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Nicole FNP is an excellent person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

Oak Street Health Scranton
1078 S Washington Ave
Scranton PA 18505
Phone: (570) 300-4633

Nicole Craven, FNP 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): 1891985586

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. Nicole FNP 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.