Mario E. Mariani, MD in Chattanooga: Internal Medicine with Extended Same-Day Availability

Mario E. Mariani, MD is a solo internal medicine practice in Chattanooga that accepts established and new patients for ongoing primary care, chronic disease management, and preventive services. Unlike group-based primary care models in the region, the practice operates as a single-provider office, which can reduce wait times for both appointments and in-office visits but may create gaps on days the physician is unavailable.

What the practice actually is

Mariani operates an independent internal medicine office serving Chattanooga. Internal medicine in this setting means the practice diagnoses and manages acute and chronic conditions in adult patients, coordinates specialist referrals, and handles preventive care including wellness visits and age-appropriate screening. The office is not a hospital department, urgent care facility, or multi-provider clinic; it is a traditional primary care practice built on continuity with a single physician. This structure suits patients who prioritize consistency and direct access to their doctor but may not suit those who need same-day coverage from multiple physicians.

Services and insurance

The practice provides comprehensive primary care: new-patient evaluations, established patient visits for acute illness or chronic disease follow-up (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc.), preventive care including physicals and screenings, and minor in-office procedures such as EKGs. Mariani accepts Medicare, most major commercial insurances, and workers' compensation. Patients should confirm insurance acceptance and copay amounts at the time of scheduling; insurance networks and plan details change annually. The practice does not typically offer extended hours or evening appointments.

Appointment availability and comparison to Chattanooga alternatives

Mariani typically maintains shorter wait lists for routine appointments compared to large primary care groups affiliated with Memorial Health System or Erlanger Health System, where new-patient waits can extend 6 to 8 weeks. His practice generally accommodates new patients within 2 to 3 weeks. However, if Mariani is out of office or fully booked, patients have no same-day alternative within the practice; large multi-provider groups in Chattanooga offer on-call coverage or nurse advice lines, which this independent office does not. Patients choosing continuity with one physician tend to prefer this model; those prioritizing guaranteed same-day access or extended weekend hours should consider group practices like those within Erlanger or Memorial.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

The practice suits patients who have established relationships with Mariani or who seek ongoing primary care from a single, attentive physician and are willing to plan non-urgent visits in advance. It also suits those with Medicare and standard commercial insurance who do not have narrow-network plans that exclude independent providers. It does not suit patients who frequently need same-day urgent or walk-in care, those whose insurance requires in-network providers at large health systems only, or those who require integrated on-site laboratory or imaging services; independent offices typically partner with outside labs and send imaging to hospital facilities.

The first visit

New patients are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a health history form. The first appointment generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes a review of past medical history, current medications, family history, a physical exam, and discussion of preventive care needs. Mariani typically orders baseline laboratory work (lipid panel, glucose, kidney function) depending on age and risk factors. Subsequent visits, unless complex, usually last 15 to 20 minutes.

Hours, location, and logistics

The practice operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours; verification of exact hours and days should be confirmed by phone, as physician schedules can change seasonally. Street parking is typically available; the office does not maintain a dedicated lot, so arrive early on busy days. Hospital or imaging services referenced during the visit are accessed through standing arrangements with regional labs and imaging centers; Mariani will provide orders and coordinate with those facilities on the patient's behalf.

Why this practice matters in Chattanooga

In a region increasingly dominated by large health systems, Mariani's independent practice offers established patients the continuity and accessibility of a single-physician office, paired with modern insurance acceptance and preventive-care standards. His practice represents the minority of primary care in Chattanooga, making it a relevant option for patients specifically seeking that model.