Best Family Medicine Doctors in Clearwater

Introduction to Family Medicine in Clearwater

Overview of Family Medicine

Family Medicine is a primary care specialty that provides comprehensive health care for individuals and families across all ages, genders, and health conditions.

Family Medicine practitioners serve as the first point of contact in healthcare, offering continuous and personalized care for patients throughout their lives.

Importance of Choosing the Right Family Medicine Doctor

A reliable family doctor can provide consistent care, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate specialized treatments when necessary.

Having a long-term relationship with a family physician can lead to better health outcomes and more personalized care.

Family Medicine in Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater offers a diverse range of healthcare options, including several highly-rated Family Medicine practitioners.

Based on the provided data, there are multiple qualified Family Medicine doctors and nurse practitioners affiliated with reputable medical groups like BayCare Medical Group.

Choosing a Family Medicine Doctor in Clearwater

Understanding Family Medicine

Scope of Family Medicine

• Comprehensive primary care for all ages
• Preventive care and health maintenance
• Management of chronic conditions

Importance in Healthcare

• Continuity of care for families
• Coordination with specialists when needed
• Focus on overall health and well-being

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Family Doctor

Qualifications and Credentials

• Board certification (e.g., American Board of Family Medicine)
• Educational background
• Additional specializations or areas of focus

Experience and Expertise

• Years of practice
• Specific areas of interest within family medicine
• Patient demographics served

Patient Reviews and Ratings

• Overall star ratings
• Patient feedback on bedside manner and communication
• Timeliness and efficiency of care

Insurance and Accessibility

• Accepted insurance networks
• Office location and hours
• Availability of telehealth services

Overview of Family Medicine in Clearwater

Local Healthcare Landscape

• Presence of major healthcare groups (e.g., BayCare Medical Group)
• Mix of MDs and DOs in family medicine
• Availability of nurse practitioners in primary care roles

Common Insurance Networks

• BlueCross BlueShield
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Aetna
• Medicare

Top-Ranked Family Medicine Doctors in Clearwater

Dr. Elizabeth Carson, MD

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board-certified in Family Medicine
• Medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine
• Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group

Patient Satisfaction

• 5.0-star rating
• Primary care and family physician

Insurance and Accessibility

• Accepts major insurance networks including BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Medicare
• Located at 3251 McMullen Booth Rd, Ste 104, Clearwater, FL 33761

Dr. Sarah Smith, DO

Qualifications and Expertise

• Certified by American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Ohio University
• Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group

Patient Satisfaction

• 5.0-star rating
• Specializes in primary care and family medicine

Insurance and Accessibility

• Accepts major insurance networks including BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Medicare
• Located at 3251 McMullen Booth Rd, Ste 104, Clearwater, FL 33761

Additional Healthcare Providers

Nurse Practitioners specializing in Family Medicine

• Patricia Mullan-Waldrop, APRN
• Rhianna McNichols, APRN
• Nicole Begovic, APRN
• Jolanta Baginski, APRN, FNP
• Lisa Stone, APRN
• Inge Sanders, APRN

Choosing a Family Medicine Doctor in Clearwater

Introduction to Family Medicine

Definition and scope of Family Medicine

• Comprehensive primary care for all ages
• Focus on preventive care and long-term patient relationships

Significance in overall healthcare

• Role as first point of contact for medical issues
• Coordination of care with specialists when needed

Overview of Doctor Selection in Clearwater

Factors to consider when choosing a Family Medicine doctor

• Qualifications and board certifications
• Experience and areas of expertise
• Accepted insurance networks
• Patient reviews and ratings

Resources for finding Family Medicine doctors in Clearwater

• Online directories and booking platforms (e.g., Zocdoc)
• Local medical groups (e.g., BayCare Medical Group)
• Insurance provider networks

Top-Ranked Family Medicine Providers in Clearwater

Dr. Elizabeth Carson, MD

• Board-certified in Family Medicine
• 5.0-star rating
• Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group
• Accepts major insurance networks

Dr. Sarah Smith, DO

• Certified by American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
• 5.0-star rating
• Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group
• Accepts various insurance plans

Family Nurse Practitioners

• Patricia Mullan-Waldrop, APRN
• Rhianna McNichols, APRN
• Nicole Begovic, APRN
• All affiliated with BayCare Medical Group

Additional Tips for Selecting the Right Family Medicine Provider

Consider location and accessibility

• Multiple providers located at 455 Pinellas St, Clearwater
• Some providers offer services at multiple locations

Evaluate language proficiency

• Most providers speak English
• Lisa Stone also speaks Spanish

Explore educational background and specializations

• Various educational institutions represented
• Mix of MDs, DOs, and APRNs available