Dirk Frater, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Dallas, TX, dedicated to providing comprehensive Internal Medicine care for adults. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, he is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Internal Medicine Physicians (Internists) are adult primary care doctors (MD or DO) providing comprehensive preventive care, managing common and complex chronic conditions, diagnosing diverse illnesses, and coordinating specialist care for adults, serving as a central point of contact for ongoing health needs across the whole family. He serves patients 18 years and older. Prospective patients should call (214) 373-3475 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Dirk Frater, MD is an internist in Dallas, TX and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With over 40 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He earned his degree from Albert Einstein College Of Medicine in 1984 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. Dr. Frater is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Dirk Frater provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Frater is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Frater's comprehensive internal medicine practice prioritizes a patient-centered approach, fostering open communication and trust. He provides proactive preventive care, effectively manages a wide range of chronic conditions, and skillfully coordinates specialist consultations, ensuring patients receive coordinated and holistic care. His dedication to clear communication and personalized treatment plans empowers patients to actively participate in their health journey.
By working together, you and Dr. Frater can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Frater offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body doesn't use insulin properly, causing high blood sugar; internists help manage it through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Persistent neck pain affecting your daily life? An internist can diagnose the cause, such as poor posture or a medical condition, and develop a personalized treatment strategy.
- Hernia: Hernias can cause pain and discomfort, and an internist can help you understand your condition, explore treatment options like surgery or watchful waiting, and manage any associated complications.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain means ongoing pain lasting longer than three months, and internists help find its cause and manage it with medication, therapy, or other treatments.
- Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is a condition where you accidentally leak urine, and an internist can help find the cause and recommend treatments.
- Emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the air sacs in your lungs lose their elasticity, making breathing difficult; an internist helps manage this.
- Back Pain: Internist doctors help adults manage chronic back pain by identifying contributing factors and suggesting pain management strategies and lifestyle modifications.
- Muscle Cramping: Persistent or severe muscle cramps can be a sign of a more serious health issue, and an internist can provide a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
- Osteoporosis: With its increased risk of broken bones, osteoporosis is a serious condition that internists address through bone density tests, medication prescriptions, and strategies to improve bone health.
- Joint Pain: Internist physicians are experts at diagnosing and treating various forms of joint pain, offering solutions from pain relief to long-term management of chronic conditions.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia means you have unhealthy levels of fats in your blood, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke; an internist helps diagnose this and creates a plan to lower your cholesterol.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Experiencing pain with urination? Your internist can determine the reason, whether it's an infection, inflammation, or other issue, and provide effective treatment.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Frater offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: To see if your heart is healthy enough for intense activity, your doctor may order a cardiovascular stress test to evaluate your heart's response under stress.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To assess your heart health, your doctor may use an EKG to detect problems like heart rhythm disturbances, previous heart attacks, or underlying heart conditions.
- INR Monitoring: INR monitoring regularly checks your blood's clotting ability, crucial for managing medications like blood thinners.
- Testosterone Injection: Testosterone injections are a treatment option to increase low testosterone levels in adult men, potentially improving energy, mood, and sexual function.
- Rapid Flu Test: Getting a rapid flu test can help you know if you need antiviral medication or if you should isolate to avoid spreading the flu.
- Bone Scan: If your doctor suspects a bone problem, like a stress fracture or cancer, a bone scan can help pinpoint the location and extent of the issue.
- Point of Care A1C Testing: Getting your A1C checked during your appointment allows your doctor to see how well your diabetes is being managed and discuss any adjustments to your plan.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Frater is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- By following a personalized plan of medication and lifestyle changes, a patient successfully managed their type 2 diabetes, leading to improved energy levels and a better quality of life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an internist, a patient experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility, allowing them to return to their favorite activities. They now manage their chronic neck pain effectively through lifestyle adjustments and ongoing care.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for their hernia, a patient was able to manage their discomfort and return to their normal activities. Working with their physician, they felt empowered to take control of their health and prevent future complications.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
8230 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 818, Dallas, TX, 75231
Phone: (214) 373-3475
View on Map - Practice
3811 Turtle Creek Blvd Ste 1800, Dallas, TX, 75219
Phone: (214) 373-3475
View on Map
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Medical School) - 1984
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Internal Medicine care with Dr. Frater:
- What is the difference between an Internal Medicine doctor and a Family Medicine doctor?
- Internal Medicine physicians, or Internists, specialize in adult healthcare (typically age 18 and older). They have extensive training in diagnosing and managing complex adult illnesses and chronic conditions. Family Medicine physicians, on the other hand, care for patients of all ages, including children.
- I have multiple chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. Is an Internist a good choice for me?
- Yes. Managing multiple chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes is a core strength of Internal Medicine. Dr. Frater is an expert in understanding how different adult diseases interact and can coordinate all aspects of care, including medications and specialist visits, to create a cohesive health plan.
- Since you don't treat children, will I need to find a new doctor when I get older?
- No. Internal medicine covers the entire adult lifespan, and many internists, like Dr. Frater, have expertise in geriatrics, ensuring seamless care throughout your life.
- How do you coordinate care with my other doctors, like my cardiologist or surgeon?
- Dr. Frater serves as the central coordinator for your care, managing referrals to specialists like your cardiologist or surgeon, reviewing their reports, and ensuring all treatments and medications work together safely and effectively.
- Should I see an Internist for a common illness like a sinus infection?
- Yes, an internist like Dr. Frater is well-suited to treat a sinus infection. Internists are primary care physicians who diagnose and manage a wide range of adult illnesses, including common acute conditions like sinus infections. They are equipped to provide comprehensive care for your needs.
- Can you help me manage my medications?
- Yes, medication management is a critical part of internal medicine, especially for patients with multiple conditions. Dr. Frater will review all of your prescriptions (even those from specialists) to check for interactions, ensure proper dosing, and simplify your regimen whenever possible.
- I have a set of confusing symptoms that other doctors haven't been able to diagnose. Can an Internist help?
- Yes, an internist like Dr. Frater can be very helpful. Internists are highly trained in diagnosing complex medical conditions, often acting as "medical detectives" to identify the root cause of confusing symptoms. Dr. Frater is skilled at evaluating vague or unusual symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
- Do you only treat sick patients, or do you also focus on preventive care?
- Dr. Frater's practice emphasizes adult wellness and disease prevention. A major focus is on annual physicals, managing risk factors, and providing recommended screenings for adults. This proactive approach helps maintain overall health and prevent future illnesses.
8230 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 818
Dallas TX 75231
Phone: (214) 373-3475
Dirk Frater, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1891730230
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Dirk Frater are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.