Dr. Richard A. Peters in Chattanooga: Internal Medicine Physician with Direct Patient Scheduling
Dr. Richard A. Peters is an internal medicine physician operating in Chattanooga who accepts new patients and works with most major insurance plans without requiring a referral from another doctor. His practice focuses on adult primary care, routine physicals, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
What Dr. Peters Actually Offers
Internal medicine physicians like Dr. Peters serve as primary care doctors for adults, handling diagnosis and management of common conditions like hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and infections. Unlike specialists, an internist evaluates the whole patient and coordinates referrals when needed. Dr. Peters' scope includes annual exams, medication management, preventive screenings (cholesterol, blood pressure, cancer screening guidance), and acute care for non-emergency conditions. He does not perform procedures; patients needing colonoscopies, imaging, or surgical care are referred to appropriate specialists.
Insurance Acceptance and New-Patient Policy
Dr. Peters accepts Medicare, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and several other carriers. Patients are advised to call ahead to confirm their specific plan is in-network. New-patient appointments are available, though wait times vary by season; spring and fall typically book faster than winter and summer. The practice does not operate on a walk-in basis; all visits require advance scheduling. A new-patient physical generally takes 45 minutes to an hour and covers medical history, physical examination, and baseline health assessment.
How This Compares to Other Chattanooga Internal Medicine Options
Chattanooga hosts several internal medicine practices. Many patients near North Shore or Downtown areas choose physicians affiliated with Erlanger Health System or CHI Memorial, which offer same-location lab work and imaging. Others select independent practices like Dr. Peters, where appointment scheduling may be slightly quicker but coordination with imaging centers requires separate referrals. If your priority is same-day lab results, a hospital-affiliated practice may suit you; if you prefer continuity with one doctor in a smaller practice, Dr. Peters represents an alternative. Urgent care centers like Urgent Team or AFC Urgent Care handle acute problems without an appointment but do not replace a primary care physician for chronic condition management.
Who Fits Here and Who Does Not
New adults to Chattanooga, patients aging out of pediatric care, and those returning after years without a primary doctor are strong fits. Patients on multiple medications benefit from Dr. Peters' chronic disease oversight. Parents seeking one physician for their whole family should note that he practices internal medicine only; children require a pediatrician. Those with acute injuries or symptoms requiring imaging on the same day may be better served by urgent care. Patients living in rural areas south of Chattanooga with limited transportation may find the scheduling barrier steeper than drop-in urgent care.
What the First Visit Includes
Schedule your appointment at least one week ahead. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a list of all current medications and supplements. The appointment covers a detailed history of medical problems, surgeries, allergies, family health background, and lifestyle factors. A nurse takes vital signs and performs basic lab work (blood draw and urinalysis) if indicated by your history or preventive screening guidelines. Dr. Peters then performs a head-to-toe physical examination, discusses findings, establishes baseline blood pressure and weight, and recommends preventive care or follow-up testing. If your insurance requires a copay, expect to pay at the visit; balances are billed separately.
Hours, Location, and Parking
Dr. Peters' office is located in Chattanooga proper; confirm the exact address and parking availability when scheduling, as location details change. Typical office hours run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. Call ahead to verify current scheduling windows. No evening or weekend hours are available; patients requiring care outside these times should use urgent care or the emergency department.
Dr. Peters fills a core role in Chattanooga's primary care landscape for patients seeking ongoing internal medicine care without a hospital clinic setting. Continuity with one physician over time is harder to find than it once was, making independent practices like his valuable for adults building a stable health record.
