Howard Larry MD in Chattanooga: Internal Medicine With Extended Appointment Slots
Howard Larry MD is a solo internal medicine practice in Chattanooga that emphasizes longer office visits for chronic disease management and diagnostic work-up, operating without the time pressure typical of larger medical groups in the city.
What the practice actually is
A single-physician internal medicine office that accepts new patients and focuses on adults with acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Larry works independently, without affiliation to a larger hospital system, and does not operate as an urgent care center. The practice sits between the volume-based primary care model common at Chattanooga's hospital systems (Erlanger, CHI Memorial, HCA facilities) and the concierge medicine alternative.
Services and visit structure
The practice handles preventive care, management of chronic disease (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, COPD), acute illness, medication adjustments, lab ordering, and coordination of specialist referrals. Office visits typically run 45 minutes to an hour, compared to the 15-minute standard at many primary care clinics in Chattanooga. This longer appointment window means more time for physical exam, history, and discussion of treatment options.
No concierge membership fee or retainer is required. Visits are billed on a standard fee-for-service basis through insurance. Verify current copay amounts with the office directly, as these vary by plan and coverage tier.
Insurance and access
The practice accepts Medicare, most commercial plans (including BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cigna, and Aetna; confirm your specific plan when scheduling). Self-pay patients can inquire about pricing. Dr. Larry does not operate as an in-network provider for all plans, so checking coverage before the first appointment is necessary.
New-patient availability fluctuates; the practice typically books new appointments 2 to 4 weeks out. Call ahead to determine whether the schedule is currently open for new patients.
How this compares to other Chattanooga options
A primary care doctor at Erlanger or CHI Memorial usually schedules 15-minute appointments and sits within a larger system that can route referrals internally and schedule imaging the same day. That model favors efficiency and convenience for simple visits (sore throat, blood pressure check, medication refill) and is the standard choice for most people with uncomplicated care needs.
Dr. Larry's longer appointments suit patients with multiple overlapping conditions, unclear diagnoses, or those wanting more extensive physical examination and discussion. Patients who value time with their physician and are willing to plan ahead for appointments rather than walk in will find better fit here.
For patients seeking true same-day or walk-in urgent care, Chattanooga has multiple urgent care chains (CarePoint, FastMed, Immediate Care clinics) that handle acute minor illness and injury without an appointment.
Who this practice serves and who it does not
The practice is designed for adults seeking ongoing, relationship-based internal medicine. It suits patients with complex medical histories, those newly diagnosed with chronic disease who need thorough education and monitoring, and people who already know their physician and want continuity.
It does not offer pediatric care, emergency services, or same-day walk-in visits. Patients requiring immediate evaluation for severe symptoms should go to an emergency department (Erlanger's main ED on East Third Street is the largest in the area; CHI Memorial on Dodds Avenue is also full-service).
The first visit
New patients typically complete a multi-page health history form before or during arrival. The initial appointment includes a comprehensive history, full physical examination, and often baseline lab work (CBC, metabolic panel, lipid panel, urinalysis). Dr. Larry reviews medications, family history, and social history in detail. The appointment usually ends with a summary of findings and a plan for follow-up testing or specialist referral if needed.
Most initial visits result in a follow-up appointment within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on what the exam and labs reveal. Bring insurance cards and a list of current medications (or bottles themselves) to the first visit.
Hours, location, and parking
The practice operates Monday through Friday during typical business hours (generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; verify exact times when calling). Street parking is available; ask the office whether there is designated lot parking when you call to schedule.
For directions and current phone number, search "Howard Larry MD Chattanooga" online or ask your primary care physician for a referral and contact information.
Why this place matters for Chattanooga
Dr. Larry fills a specific role in the city's medical landscape: internal medicine that prioritizes thoroughness and time over volume, without the premium price tag of concierge care. For patients with complex medical needs or those frustrated by rushed office visits at larger systems, the practice offers a deliberate alternative.
