Best Family Medicine Doctors in Des Moines

Introduction to Family Medicine in Des Moines

Overview of Family Medicine

Family medicine is a comprehensive primary care specialty that provides continuous and personalized care for individuals and families across all ages, genders, and health conditions. It encompasses a wide range of medical services, from preventive care and health maintenance to the management of chronic diseases and acute illnesses.

Family medicine physicians play a central role in the healthcare system by serving as the first point of contact for patients and coordinating their overall care. They build long-term relationships with patients, allowing for a more holistic approach to health management and improved patient outcomes.

Family Medicine in Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, boasts a robust healthcare system with numerous family medicine practitioners serving the community. The city is home to several reputable healthcare institutions, including UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center, which are affiliated with some of the top-rated family medicine doctors in the area.

Selecting the right family medicine physician in Des Moines is an important decision that can significantly impact your health and well-being. A well-matched doctor-patient relationship fosters trust, encourages open communication, and ensures that you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and health goals.

Choosing a Family Medicine Doctor in Des Moines

Factors to Consider

Qualifications and Certifications

• Review board certifications (e.g., American Board of Family Medicine)
• Check educational background and medical school attended

Experience and Specializations

• Consider years of practice and areas of expertise
• Look for additional specializations (e.g., Sports Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy)

Hospital Affiliations

• Evaluate connections with local hospitals (e.g., UnityPoint Health, Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center)
• Consider the importance of hospital proximity to your location

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Examine star ratings and number of reviews on platforms like Healthgrades
• Read patient feedback to gain insights into doctor-patient relationships

Resources for Doctor Selection

Online Platforms

• Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
• Explore other reputable healthcare review websites

Local Medical Associations

• Contact the Iowa Medical Society for recommendations
• Consult with local healthcare networks for referrals

Top-Rated Family Medicine Doctors in Des Moines

Dr. Kenneth Moon Jr

Background and Qualifications

• Graduated from University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth in 1974
• Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
• Specializes in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine

Patient Rating

• Perfect 5.0-star rating
• Note: Based on limited review data

Dr. Aleksandra Kloos

Professional Information

• Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
• Affiliated with UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center
• Specializes in Family Medicine

Contact and Rating

• Phone: (515) 241-2600
• 5.0-star rating (limited review data)

Dr. Joshua Tessier

Education and Certifications

• Graduated from Des Moines University in 2008
• Triple board-certified: American Board of Preventive Medicine, American Board of Family Medicine, and American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Specializations

• Family Medicine
• Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

Patient Satisfaction

• 5.0-star rating (based on limited reviews)

Dr. Michael Blaess

Professional Background

• Graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1996
• Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
• Affiliated with Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center

Patient Reviews

• 4.6-star rating based on 9 reviews
• Contact: (515) 643-9030

Dr. Christopher Ketter

Specializations

• Family Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Credentials and Affiliation

• Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
• Affiliated with Mercyone Newton Medical Center

Patient Feedback

• 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews
• Contact: (515) 964-6999

Additional Considerations for Selecting a Family Medicine Doctor

Language and Communication

Doctors who speak multiple languages

• English is the primary language for all listed doctors
• Importance of clear communication in healthcare

Patient-doctor communication

• Significance of effective communication in family medicine
• Considering communication style preferences

Gender Preferences

Availability of both male and female physicians

• Male doctors: Dr. Kenneth Moon Jr, Dr. Joshua Tessier, Dr. Michael Blaess, Dr. Christopher Ketter
• Female doctors: Dr. Aleksandra Kloos, Dr. Lucy Neitzel, Dr. Ashley McCurry

Considering personal comfort in doctor-patient relationship

• Importance of feeling at ease with your family physician
• Gender considerations in specific health concerns

Location and Accessibility

Hospital affiliations in Des Moines

• UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center
• Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center
• Broadlawns Medical Center

Considering proximity and convenience

• Importance of easy access to your family doctor
• Balancing quality of care with location convenience