Ralph Jr, MD is a Family Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Dripping Springs, TX, and dedicated to providing comprehensive Family Medicine care. He is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). His practice focuses on being the primary care doctor for patients of all ages, providing everything from preventive check-ups and acute illness treatment to managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists. This ensures continuous healthcare for the entire family. Dr. Jr is currently welcoming new patients and you can schedule an appointment by calling (512) 892-7076.
Dr. Jr's commitment to patient care is rooted in his extensive experience and dedication to evidence-based medicine. He has been board certified by the American Board of Family Practice since 1999, practicing in Dripping Springs since that same year. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, completing his family practice residency in Austin. Dr. Jr is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He specializes in urgent care, geriatrics, preventative medicine, diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr. Jr provides consultations primarily in English.
He grew up in Houston and earned an undergraduate degree from Rice University. Dr. Jr is a graduate of the University Of Texas Health Sciences Center At San Antonio Long School Of Medicine, followed by residency training in Family Medicine Physicians at Central Texas Medial Foundation in 1999. He resides in Dripping Springs with his wife Pamela and two daughters. His personal interests include cooking, spending time with his family, reading, traveling, and hiking.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Jr is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Jr's approach to care is deeply patient-centered, offering comprehensive family medicine services. He prioritizes open communication and actively involves patients in their care, developing personalized treatment plans based on individual needs and preferences. His expertise encompasses preventive care, acute illness management, and chronic condition care, ensuring seamless coordination with specialists when necessary. This holistic approach aims to provide continuous, high-quality care for the entire family.
By working together, you and Dr. Jr can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Assurant Health
Cigna
FirstCare Health Plans
Galaxy Health Network
Golden Rule
HealthSmart
Humana
PHCS
Seton Health Plan
USA Managed Care Organization
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Oscar Health
- Oscar Insurance Corporation
- Scott & White Health Plan
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Jr offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Obesity: Obesity is a condition where you carry excess weight that may affect your health negatively; your family doctor can help you address it through personalized weight management plans and health monitoring.
- Hypothyroidism: Your family doctor is the best point of contact for hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones; they'll monitor your levels and adjust your treatment as needed.
- Shingles: Shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can be diagnosed and managed by your family physician, who can also advise on pain relief and vaccination to prevent future outbreaks.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, or acid reflux, is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort, and your family doctor can help manage it with lifestyle changes and medication.
- Essential Tremor: Unwanted shaking or trembling (essential tremor) can be evaluated and treated by your family doctor, who may prescribe medication or suggest other therapies.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Your family doctor can diagnose and treat allergic conjunctivitis, a common eye allergy causing redness, itching, and swelling, often recommending over-the-counter or prescription medications.
- Migraine: Migraines are characterized by intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, greatly affecting daily activities; a family doctor can provide guidance on preventing and treating migraines, and refer you to specialists if necessary.
- Pharyngitis: A sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, is easily diagnosed and managed by your family doctor, who can offer advice on over-the-counter pain relievers and rest.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease refers to conditions affecting your heart's structure or function, and your family doctor can help manage risk factors and monitor your heart health.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Your family physician plays a key role in managing COPD, a chronic lung disease, by creating a personalized treatment plan and monitoring your condition.
- Acne: From mild breakouts to persistent acne, your family physician can provide guidance and treatment options, including lifestyle changes and medical therapies.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, causing joint pain and stiffness, and your family doctor can help manage your symptoms with medication, exercise plans, and advice on lifestyle changes.
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. Jr offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: For a boil, cyst, or other collection of pus, your doctor might make a small incision to drain it, allowing it to heal properly.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: STI screenings are quick tests that can detect infections and help prevent serious health complications that can result from untreated STIs.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Family doctors provide confidential screenings and counseling to help you understand and address any unhealthy alcohol or substance use patterns.
- Health Screening: Regular health screenings help your doctor monitor your overall health and identify any risks.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: If you have several ongoing health concerns, your family doctor manages your care, connecting you with specialists and keeping track of your progress.
- Trichomoniasis Screening: Trichomoniasis screening is a quick and easy way to diagnose this STI and get the treatment you need.
- Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: A simple screening can reveal if your alcohol use needs attention, and your physician can offer personalized advice and support.
- Skin Testing and Screening: Skin screenings can detect early signs of skin cancer or other skin problems during a routine checkup.
- Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: Abscess and cyst drainage or aspiration is a procedure to remove the contents of a bump, reducing discomfort and infection risk.
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic care management helps people with long-term health conditions like diabetes or heart disease stay healthy and manage their symptoms.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): During a prostate exam, your doctor will check the size, shape, and consistency of your prostate to identify potential signs of cancer or other issues.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: If you want to quit smoking, your family doctor can provide counseling and resources to help you succeed.
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. Jr 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:
- After receiving a personalized weight management plan from their family doctor, a patient successfully lost weight and improved their overall health, feeling more energetic and confident.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their hypothyroidism, experiencing increased energy levels and improved overall well-being.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for shingles, the patient experienced significant pain relief and was able to return to their normal activities. Working closely with the physician, the patient felt empowered to manage their condition effectively.
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
170 Benney Ln Ste 200, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620
Phone: (512) 892-7076
View on Map - Practice
104 W Mercer St Ste H, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620
Phone: (512) 858-2997
View on Map - Practice
5625 Eiger Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX, 78735
Phone: (512) 892-7076
View on Map
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine (Medical School)
- Central Texas Medial Foundation (Residency Hospital) - 1999
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Family Medicine care with Dr. Jr:
- What is the difference between a Family Medicine doctor and an Internal Medicine doctor?
- Family medicine physicians, like Dr. Jr., are trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. In contrast, internists typically focus on adult care. Dr. Jr. is a versatile choice for comprehensive family care.
- How often should I get a physical or wellness check-up?
- For most healthy adults, an annual physical is a good rule of thumb. However, the right frequency depends on your age, health history, and risk factors. Dr. Jr. will help you create a personalized schedule.
- What kind of vaccinations can I get at your office?
- Dr. Jr. provides routine immunizations, including annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and shingles vaccines for older adults. We keep track of your vaccination history and recommend what's needed based on CDC guidelines.
- Can I see a family doctor for routine women's health needs, like a Pap smear?
- Yes, many family doctors, like Dr. Jr., are trained to provide a range of women's health services, including well-woman exams, Pap smears, and birth control counseling. This offers a convenient option for integrated primary care.
- Do you provide care for children and teenagers as well?
- Yes, Dr. Jr. provides comprehensive family medicine care for children and teenagers, including well-child visits, school physicals, and management of adolescent health needs. This makes it convenient for entire families to receive care in one location.
- What happens if I need to see a specialist?
- Dr. Jr. will determine if a specialist is necessary and provide a referral to a trusted local professional. We are your healthcare navigator, coordinating your care throughout the process and receiving updates from the specialist to maintain a complete health picture.
- Should I see my family doctor for a cold, the flu, or a sore throat?
- Yes, Dr. Jr. is the perfect first point of contact for colds, the flu, and sore throats. They can diagnose the problem, rule out more serious conditions, and recommend treatment to help you feel better faster. They can also advise on when rest at home is the best course of action.
- What kind of routine health screenings do you perform in the office?
- Dr. Jr. uses routine screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood sugar tests, and cancer screenings (like Pap smears and referrals for mammograms and colonoscopies) as essential tools to catch health problems early.
170 Benney Ln Ste 200
Dripping Springs TX 78620
Phone: (512) 892-7076
Ralph Jr, 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): 1548297096
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by staging1.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. Ralph Jr 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.