Natalie Dryden, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Houston, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Dr. Dryden's focus is on the full spectrum of adult health needs. 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. She serves patients 18 years and older, and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (713) 363-8055 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Dryden values building strong partnerships with patients, employing a collaborative and respectful approach to develop personalized health plans that align with individual goals. With over 20 years of dedicated experience and a special interest in preventive care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. She earned her degree from University Of Texas Medical Branch in 2000 and completed an internship at Baylor College Of Medicine in 2002. Dr. Dryden is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her commitment to patient education and her collaborative style ensure a supportive and effective care experience. She offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Dryden is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Dryden's patient-centered approach to internal medicine emphasizes comprehensive care for adults. She provides preventative services, manages chronic conditions, and diagnoses a wide range of illnesses. Dr. Dryden excels at coordinating specialist care, acting as a central point of contact for all ongoing health needs, ensuring a smooth and integrated experience for her patients.
By working together, you and Dr. Dryden can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Dryden offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Osteoarthritis: Your internist plays a key role in helping you live well with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition, by providing treatment options and monitoring your progress.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis symptoms like stuffiness, headaches, and facial pressure can be effectively evaluated and treated by an internist.
- Influenza (Flu): Your internist can provide advice on flu prevention, such as vaccination, and offer treatment for flu symptoms, including prescription medications if appropriate.
- Acne: If you're struggling with acne as an adult, an internist can help manage the condition and recommend effective solutions to improve your skin's health.
- Overweight: Being overweight means having more body fat than is considered healthy, and an internist can help you develop a plan to lose weight and improve your overall health.
- Pneumonia: Shortness of breath, chest pain, and a persistent cough could signal pneumonia; an internist will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis and start you on appropriate treatment.
- Enteritis: If you're experiencing intestinal inflammation (enteritis), an internist can help determine the underlying causebe it viral, bacterial, or something elseand create a treatment plan to manage your discomfort and recovery.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition means your body isn't getting the nourishment it needs, which an internist can help address by diagnosing underlying problems and guiding you towards a healthy eating plan.
- Itchy Skin: Experiencing unexplained itchy skin? Your internist can conduct a thorough examination and recommend effective treatment options to alleviate the symptoms.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An internist can evaluate and manage carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects the nerves in your wrist, often causing tingling, numbness, and pain.
- Sciatica: Sciatica, a common form of nerve pain affecting the lower back and leg, can be diagnosed and managed by an internist who may prescribe medications or suggest other therapies.
- 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.
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. Dryden offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: An internist helps organize your healthcare if you have multiple health problems or need several specialists' input, improving your overall health.
- Diabetes Counseling: Get personalized advice on controlling your blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications with diabetes counseling.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This simple test involves placing electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart's rhythm and identify any abnormalities that could be causing chest pain or other symptoms.
- Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps you create a personalized plan to manage your weight and improve your health.
- Wellness Examination: Your doctor uses a wellness exam to monitor your health, detect any changes, and recommend steps to maintain good health.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments: This in-depth assessment helps doctors address multiple health concerns common in older adults, optimizing their treatment and well-being.
- Osteoporosis Management: Your doctor can diagnose osteoporosis through bone density scans and develop a treatment plan that may include medication and dietary advice.
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. Dryden 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 working with their internist to develop a personalized exercise and medication plan, a patient significantly reduced their osteoarthritis pain and improved their mobility. They were able to return to their favorite activities, like gardening and walking their dog.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for sinusitis, a patient experienced significant relief from their stuffy nose, headaches, and facial pressure, allowing them to return to their daily activities.
- After receiving expert advice on flu prevention and treatment, a patient felt significantly better within a few days, experiencing a swift recovery from the influenza virus. The patient felt empowered by the clear guidance and readily available support provided.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group
6560 Fannin St Ste 1130, Houston, TX, 77030
Phone: (713) 363-8055
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- Baylor College of Medicine (Internship Hospital) - 2002
- University of Texas Medical Branch (Medical School) - 2000
- Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio (Undergraduate School) - 1995
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Internal Medicine care with Dr. Dryden:
- What is the difference between an Internal Medicine doctor and a Family Medicine doctor?
- Internal Medicine physicians, or Internists, specialize in adult healthcare, typically for those 18 and older. They have extensive training in diagnosing and managing complex adult illnesses and chronic conditions. Family Medicine physicians, on the other hand, provide 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, an internist is a great choice. Managing multiple chronic conditions is a core strength of internal medicine. Dr. Dryden 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.
- Should I see an Internist for a common illness like a sinus infection?
- Yes, an internist like Dr. Dryden is well-suited to diagnose and treat common illnesses like sinus infections. They are primary care providers for adults and are equipped to handle a wide range of acute conditions, including respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.
- What kind of adult immunizations do you provide?
- Dr. Dryden provides common adult vaccines, including the annual flu shot, tetanus boosters (Tdap), shingles (Shingrix), and pneumonia (Prevnar/Pneumovax) vaccines. She will review your immunization history and recommend vaccinations based on your age, health status, and CDC guidelines.
- Since you don't treat children, will I need to find a new doctor when I get older?
- No. Internal medicine covers the full range of adult health needs, from young adulthood to senior years. Many internists, like Dr. Dryden, have expertise in geriatrics, making them ideal for managing the health needs of older adults.
- Do you only treat sick patients, or do you also focus on preventive care?
- Dr. Dryden's practice emphasizes adult wellness and disease prevention, including annual physicals, managing risk factors, and providing recommended screenings for various conditions. A major focus is on keeping patients healthy and preventing illness.
- How do you coordinate care with my other doctors, like my cardiologist or surgeon?
- Dr. Dryden serves as the central point for your health information, coordinating care with your cardiologist and surgeon. We manage referrals, review specialist reports, and ensure all treatments and medications work together safely and effectively.
- 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. Dryden can be very helpful. Internists are highly trained in diagnosing complex medical conditions, often considered "medical detectives." Dr. Dryden is skilled at evaluating vague or unusual symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group
6560 Fannin St Ste 1130
Houston TX 77030
Phone: (713) 363-8055
Natalie Dryden, 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): 1316924343
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. Natalie Dryden 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.