Thomas Ockershausen, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Austin, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Dr. Ockershausen is dedicated to providing comprehensive Internal Medicine care, focusing on the whole adult patient. 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.
Dr. Thomas Ockershausen, MD is an internist in Austin, TX and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine in 1999. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is accepting new patients and you can call (361) 993-0188 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ockershausen provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Ockershausen is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Ockershausen provides comprehensive internal medicine care, focusing on proactive preventative measures and the management of complex chronic conditions. He prioritizes open communication and a personalized treatment plan, coordinating specialist care when necessary to ensure patients receive the best possible outcomes. His patient-centered approach emphasizes a strong partnership, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health journey.
By working together, you and Dr. Ockershausen can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Assurant Health
CareSource
Cigna
HealthSmart
Humana
Kaiser Permanente
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- Tricare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Ockershausen offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Syncope: Sudden loss of consciousness, known as syncope, requires a medical evaluation. An internist can help diagnose what caused it and develop a plan to manage or prevent it from happening again.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): If you have COPD, a chronic lung disease causing breathing difficulties, an internist can create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen throughout your body, and internists can diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
- Back Pain: Back pain can stem from various issues. An internist can help diagnose the problem and create a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function.
- Arthritis: Arthritis symptoms, like joint swelling and stiffness, can be assessed and treated by an internist, who will help you find relief and maintain an active life.
- Headache: An internist can differentiate between different types of headaches and offer appropriate treatments, such as medication or referrals to specialists if needed.
- Hypertension: If you have hypertension, your internist will work with you to create a personalized plan involving diet, exercise, and medication to control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.
- Osteoporosis: Internists play a key role in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, a bone disease causing decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, often recommending medication and exercise plans.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, and an internist can diagnose and help manage it with lifestyle changes, devices, or surgery.
- Chronic Pain: Internists are doctors for adults who can diagnose and treat various types of chronic pain, offering long-term management strategies to improve your quality of life.
- Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): An internist plays a vital role in managing heart attacks; they provide immediate care and make critical decisions, determining the best course of treatment like medication or procedures.
- Congestive Heart Failure: An internist plays a key role in managing congestive heart failure by prescribing medicines, monitoring your condition, and helping you make lifestyle adjustments to improve your heart health.
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. Ockershausen offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: This procedure involves making a small cut to drain the pus from an abscess, helping it to heal faster and reducing pain and discomfort.
- Allergy Testing: Through allergy testing, your doctor can pinpoint specific allergens causing your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Allergy Treatment: Allergy treatment helps identify and manage allergic reactions, often involving allergy testing and medication to reduce symptoms.
- Bone Density Scan: This test checks your bone density to see if you're at risk for fractures, especially important as you get older.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to see how well your heart is working, identifying issues like an irregular heartbeat or signs of a heart attack.
- Joint Injection: Joint injections are used to treat conditions causing joint pain, such as arthritis, by delivering medication directly to the source.
- Physical Examination: A physical exam is a crucial part of preventive care, allowing your doctor to detect early signs of disease and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.
- Spirometry: Spirometry helps determine the severity of lung disease and track your response to treatment.
- Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space around your lungs using a thin needle. This helps doctors diagnose the cause of the fluid and relieve any breathing difficulties.
- Wellness Examination: Your doctor uses a wellness exam to monitor your health, detect any changes, and recommend steps to maintain good health.
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. Ockershausen 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 clear diagnosis and management plan from their internist, a patient learned to recognize the triggers for their syncope episodes and successfully managed their condition, improving their quality of life.
- By working with their provider to create a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their COPD symptoms, improving their breathing and overall quality of life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an internist, a patient successfully managed their anemia, regaining energy and overall well-being. Improved blood counts and a healthier lifestyle were achieved through consistent follow-up care.
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
500 E 4th St, Austin, TX, 78701
Phone: (361) 993-0188
View on Map
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine (Medical School) - 1999
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Internal Medicine care with Dr. Ockershausen:
- What is the difference between an Internal Medicine doctor and a Family Medicine doctor?
- Internal Medicine physicians, or Internists, specialize in adult healthcare, typically from 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 is a core strength of Internal Medicine. Dr. Ockershausen 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. Ockershausen is well-suited to treat a sinus infection. Internists are primary care doctors who diagnose and manage a wide range of adult illnesses, including common infections. They are equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Do you only treat sick patients, or do you also focus on preventive care?
- Dr. Ockershausen's practice emphasizes adult wellness and disease prevention, including annual physicals, managing risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure, and providing recommended screenings for adults. A major focus is on proactive health management to prevent illness.
- 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. Ockershausen, have expertise in geriatrics, making them well-suited to care for you throughout your life.
- I have a set of confusing symptoms that other doctors haven't been able to diagnose. Can an Internist help?
- Yes, an internist can often help with complex or confusing symptoms. Internists are skilled at diagnosing a wide range of conditions, and Dr. Ockershausen is adept at evaluating unusual or vague symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
- What kind of adult immunizations do you provide?
- Dr. Ockershausen 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.
- Can you help me manage my medications?
- Yes. Medication management is a critical part of internal medicine, especially for patients with multiple conditions. Dr. Ockershausen will review all of your prescriptions (even those from specialists) to check for interactions, ensure proper dosing, and simplify your regimen whenever possible.
500 E 4th St
Austin TX 78701
Phone: (361) 993-0188
Thomas Ockershausen, 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): 1427089713
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. Thomas Ockershausen 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.