FAQ
Choosing a family doctor is one of those decisions that’s easy to put off and hard to get right after the fact. Below, you’ll find answers to the questions Denton County residents ask most when looking for a family medicine practice, from how referrals and insurance work to what to expect at a first visit, along with specifics about Dr. Simon Kabututwa, MD and Arise Family Medicine. If you don’t see your question answered here, give us a call at (940) 334-7658 and we’re happy to help.
- How do I find a family doctor in Denton County who’s accepting new patients?
Most family medicine practices in Denton County list their new-patient status on their website or through their patient portal, and many post it directly on profiles with directories like Healthgrades, WebMD, and Texas Health Physicians Group. Since availability can change month to month, it’s best to call the office directly or check an online scheduling tool to confirm before assuming a wait list. - What’s the difference between a family medicine doctor, an internal medicine doctor, and a general practitioner?
A family medicine doctor treats patients of every age, from infants to seniors, and is trained for both pediatric and adult care, while internal medicine doctors specialize exclusively in adults. “General practitioner” is an older, less formal term that’s largely been replaced by family medicine and internal medicine as distinct board-certified specialties. For households that want one doctor for the whole family rather than separate pediatricians and adult-care physicians, family medicine is typically the better fit. - Do I need a referral to see a specialist if I have a family medicine doctor in Texas?
It depends on your insurance plan rather than Texas law — HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist, while PPO plans typically allow you to schedule directly. Even when a referral isn’t required, many specialists prefer to receive one from your family doctor so your records and history transfer smoothly. - What conditions can a family medicine doctor treat, and when should I go to urgent care instead?
Family medicine doctors manage the vast majority of everyday health needs: chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, preventive care and screenings, minor illnesses and injuries, and ongoing wellness for the whole family. Urgent care is generally the better choice for same-day issues outside office hours or when your usual doctor doesn’t have a same-week opening, while anything severe (chest pain, difficulty breathing, major injury) should go to an emergency room rather than either option. - What should a new patient bring to their first family medicine appointment?
New patients typically need a photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications and dosages, and any relevant medical records or recent test results from a previous provider. It’s also worth bringing a written list of questions or symptoms, since first visits tend to cover a fuller health history than routine follow-ups. - What insurance providers does Arise Family Medicine accept? We accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Humana Medicare Advantage, United Healthcare, Wellcare, Cigna Healthcare, and Medicare. For any questions regarding insurance plans, please contact Maria Lopera at (972) 987-9880 or email: MFRLinsurance@gmail.com.
What Our Patients Say
“Dr. Kabututwa has taken over my care now replacing my previous doctor and so far he has shown remarkable care and concern for me. He is very patient to hear my issues, and deliveries a medical plan that is solid for my condition. I would highly recommend this doctor to anyone. Not only is his personality warm and welcoming, but his medical professionalism is stellar… he genuinely cares.”