Erika Benfield, FNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner practicing Family Medicine at her clinic in Comfort, TX. She is a registered provider with The Texas Medical Board, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). She is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all ages, serving as a trusted primary care resource. Family Medicine Physicians are primary care doctors (MD or DO) serving as the first point of contact for patients of all ages, providing comprehensive care from preventive check-ups and acute illness treatment to managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists, ensuring continuous healthcare for the entire family.
Erika Benfield, FNP-C is a family medicine specialist in Comfort, TX. She earned her degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 and is passionate about optimizing each person's health and wellness. She enjoys caring for people along the entire lifespan, and strives to partner with each patient to establish a realistic plan of care, meeting individualized health goals. She is currently welcoming new patients, and they should call (830) 997-0330 to schedule an appointment. Erika Benfield offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Erika Benfield is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Erika Benfield provides comprehensive family medicine care, prioritizing a strong patient-physician relationship. She emphasizes preventative care, proactive health management, and personalized treatment plans to address both acute and chronic conditions for patients of all ages. Dr. Benfield effectively coordinates care with specialists, ensuring a holistic and continuous approach to patient well-being.
By working together, you and Erika Benfield can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Erika Benfield offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Obesity: A family doctor plays a key role in managing obesity by helping you understand the risks, setting realistic weight loss goals, and connecting you with other health professionals, like dietitians, if needed.
- Allergies: Your family doctor can help manage your allergies by creating a personalized plan involving medications, avoidance strategies, and potentially allergy shots.
- Pneumonia: Your family physician is the first person to see if you suspect you have pneumonia, a serious lung infection, and they'll help you get better.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break; your family doctor can assess your risk, recommend lifestyle changes, and prescribe medication if needed.
- Injuries: Family doctors are your first stop for treating minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and sprains, providing initial care and advice.
- Depression: Family doctors play a key role in identifying and managing depression, providing support, medication when necessary, and referring you to mental health specialists if needed.
- Depressive Disorders: Family doctors play a key role in identifying and managing depression, offering therapy options, medication management, or referrals to specialists.
- 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.
- Asthma: Asthma makes breathing difficult due to inflamed airways. A family doctor helps control asthma through regular check-ups, medication prescriptions, and education about managing your condition.
- Hypertension: Hypertension, often called high blood pressure, is a serious condition that increases your risk of heart disease and stroke; your family doctor plays a key role in monitoring and managing it.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): If you're concerned about an STD, your family doctor can perform tests, prescribe medication, and offer guidance on managing the infection and preventing future transmission.
- Heart Disease: If you have concerns about heart disease, your family doctor is your first point of contact for assessment, diagnosis, treatment plans, and specialist referrals.
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, Erika Benfield offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: If you have a painful, swollen bump filled with pus (an abscess), your doctor might perform incision and drainage to let it drain and heal.
- CDL Physical Examination: This exam ensures you meet the Department of Transportation's health standards for driving commercial trucks or buses.
- Earwax Removal: Earwax removal safely clears impacted earwax, improving hearing and reducing discomfort.
- Pap Tests and Pelvic Exams: These exams are key preventative measures for women's health, allowing for early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- Splinting: Your doctor might use a splint to immobilize an injured limb, helping it heal properly and preventing further damage.
- Suture Uncomplicated Lacerations: Family doctors can stitch up minor cuts and scrapes to help them heal properly.
- Well Baby Care: Through well baby care, your doctor can detect potential problems early and help your baby stay healthy and thriving.
- Well Child Examination: Well-child exams are essential for keeping your child healthy, happy, and developing as expected, helping to track growth, development and offer advice on any health-related concerns.
- Well Male Examination: A well male examination is a routine checkup to assess your overall health, identify potential problems early, and discuss ways to stay healthy.
- Well Woman Health Examination: It's a comprehensive visit designed to support your women's health, covering everything from pap smears to reproductive health discussions.
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.
Erika Benfield 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 family doctor to develop a personalized plan, a patient successfully managed their weight, improving their overall health and well-being. This included establishing healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity, leading to a significant reduction in obesity-related health risks.
- By working with their family doctor to identify triggers and develop an effective avoidance plan, a patient significantly reduced allergy symptoms and improved their quality of life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their pneumonia, regaining their energy and returning to their normal activities. Their family physician's guidance was instrumental in their recovery.
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:
Fredericksburg Office
815 Front St, Comfort, TX, 78013
Phone: (830) 997-0330
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- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Other Education) - 2012
- University of Pennsylvania (Undergraduate School) - 1997
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Undergraduate School) - 1997
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Family Medicine care with Erika Benfield:
- What is the difference between a Family Medicine doctor and an Internal Medicine doctor?
- Family medicine physicians, like Dr. Benfield, are trained to care for the whole family, from infants to seniors. In contrast, internists typically focus on adult care. Dr. Benfield is a versatile choice for all-ages 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 for preventive care. However, the right frequency depends on individual age, health history, and risk factors. Dr. Benfield will help create a personalized schedule for you.
- What kind of routine health screenings do you perform in the office?
- Dr. Benfield uses routine screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood sugar tests, and cancer screenings (like Pap smears, mammogram referrals, and colonoscopy referrals) as essential tools to catch health problems early.
- Can I see a family doctor for routine women's health needs, like a Pap smear?
- Yes. Many family doctors, like Dr. Benfield, provide a range of women's health services, including well-woman exams, Pap smears, and birth control counseling, making it a convenient option for integrated primary care.
- Can you remove a mole, skin tag, or wart in your office?
- Yes, we can often remove moles, skin tags, and warts in the office using methods like cryotherapy or excision. For any suspicious lesions, we will perform an initial evaluation and may refer you to a dermatologist if needed.
- What kind of vaccinations can I get at your office?
- Dr. Benfield's office provides routine immunizations, including annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and shingles vaccines for older adults. She will keep track of your vaccination history and recommend what's needed based on CDC guidelines.
- Can you handle minor injuries like a sprain or a small cut that needs stitches?
- Yes, many family practices, like Dr. Benfield's, are equipped to handle minor injuries like sprains and small cuts requiring stitches. Calling the office first is recommended to confirm the clinic can treat your specific injury.
- Should I see my family doctor for a cold, the flu, or a sore throat?
- Yes, Dr. Benfield is the ideal first point of contact for colds, the flu, or sore throats. She can diagnose the issue, rule out more serious conditions, and provide treatment recommendations to manage symptoms and promote recovery. She can also advise on when rest at home is the best course of action.
815 Front St
Comfort TX 78013
Phone: (830) 997-0330
Erika Benfield, FNP-C 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): 1902156524
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 Erika Benfield 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.