Primary Care in Memphis, TN: Your Comprehensive Guide to GoodLife Medical Center

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on primary care management in Memphis, TN! If you’re a local resident or family looking for a reliable primary care physician in Memphis, you’ve come to the right place. At GoodLife Medical Center, our mission is to provide exceptional primary care that feels like home – a warm, community-friendly environment combined with top-notch clinical accuracy. In this pillar page, we’ll cover everything you need to know about primary care: what it is, why it’s important, the services we offer, and how GoodLife Medical Center stands out in delivering personalized care for individuals and families (including seniors and those managing chronic conditions). Whether you searched for a “primary care doctor near me” or are just exploring better healthcare options, this guide will empower you with knowledge about primary care and how our clinic can support your health journey.

Table of Contents :

• What is Primary Care and Why It Matters

• Core Primary Care Services at GoodLife Medical Center

  • Preventive Care and Annual Checkups

  • Chronic Disease Management

  • Acute Illness Care and Minor Injuries

  • Mental Health Integration

  • Health Education and Lifestyle Counseling

• Our Primary Care Team and Approach

• Why Choose GoodLife Medical Center for Primary Care?

• How Primary Care Management Works at GoodLife

• Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Care

• Next Steps: Start Your Journey to Better Health

  
  

What is Primary Care and Why It Matters

Primary care is the foundation of good health. It refers to the routine healthcare provided by physicians (often family doctors or internists) who act as the first point of contact for patients. Your primary care provider handles a broad range of health issues – from preventive care (like checkups and vaccinations) to treating common illnesses (such as infections) to managing chronic diseases (like diabetes or hypertension). The primary care setting is where continuity of care happens, meaning the same doctor or team knows your health history and can coordinate all aspects of your care over time.

Why is this continuity important? Studies have shown that having an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician leads to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and even a longer life. This is because primary care emphasizes preventing problems before they start, catching issues early through screenings, and providing consistent management of any chronic conditions. Rather than only seeking medical help when something is wrong, primary care encourages regular visits to keep you healthy year-round. In the long run, primary care management can reduce the need for specialist visits or hospitalizations by managing issues proactively.

In a community like Memphis, having a trusted primary care clinic nearby means you and your family have a medical “home base.” Whenever you have a health concern – be it a pesky cough, a question about a new symptom, or the need for advice on managing stress – you can turn to your primary care provider. They know you personally and understand your individual health goals and challenges. This personal connection is at the heart of primary care and is something we highly value at GoodLife Medical Center.

Core Primary Care Services at GoodLife Medical Center

At GoodLife Medical Center, we offer a wide range of primary care services to meet the needs of teenagers (16+), adults, and seniors in the Memphis community. Our approach is comprehensive – we aim to address the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Here are the core services and areas of care you can expect from our primary care team:

Preventive Care and Annual Checkups

One of the most important aspects of primary care is preventive medicine. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” as the saying goes. We help you stay ahead of potential health issues by providing routine annual checkups and wellness exams. During these visits, we perform a general health assessment: reviewing your medical history, checking vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, etc.), and conducting a head-to-toe physical exam. We may also recommend age-appropriate screenings and laboratory tests – for example, blood tests for cholesterol or blood sugar, cancer screenings (such as mammograms or colonoscopies at the recommended ages), and other tests based on your risk factors. These annual exams are crucial for catching any changes in your health early on.

Preventive care isn’t just about tests – it also includes vaccinations and counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. At GoodLife, we will ensure you’re up to date on important immunizations (from flu shots to tetanus boosters and others as needed. Our providers take time to discuss your diet, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors during checkups because these are key to long-term wellness. If there are areas where you can improve (say, increasing physical activity or adjusting your nutrition), we’ll offer practical guidance or resources to help. By investing in preventive care, you’re investing in a healthier future with fewer surprises. Many of our patients find that an annual visit gives them peace of mind and a clearer plan for maintaining their health.

Chronic Disease Management

If you are living with a chronic condition – such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, heart disease, or arthritis – primary care is your ongoing partner in managing those illnesses. GoodLife Medical Center specializes in chronic care management programs that help patients keep their conditions under control and avoid complications. We understand the unique challenges that chronic illnesses bring, and we’re here to provide continuous support, education, and medical expertise to improve your quality of life.

For example, if you have diabetes, our team will work with you on a personalized diabetes care plan. This includes regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels, helping you with medication management (like insulin or other diabetes medications), and providing dietary and exercise guidance to keep your blood glucose in a healthy range. We emphasize diabetes education – ensuring you understand how to manage your condition daily, recognize warning signs, and prevent complications. Our goal is to empower you to take control of diabetes rather than letting it control you.

Similarly, for hypertension (high blood pressure), we provide comprehensive hypertension management. This might involve tracking your blood pressure readings over time, adjusting or prescribing medications to maintain healthy levels, and coaching on lifestyle modifications like a low-salt diet, weight management, and stress reduction. Keeping blood pressure under control is vital to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Other chronic issues we routinely manage include high cholesterol, where we guide you on diet changes and possibly cholesterol-lowering medication to protect your health; heart disease, where our providers (and in collaboration with cardiology specialists when needed) ensure you’re on the right medications and lifestyle plan to strengthen your heart; asthma or COPD, where we help optimize inhaler use and breathing capacity; and arthritis or chronic pain, where we work on pain management strategies, physical therapy referrals, and treatments to maintain your mobility. In all cases, the focus is on personalized care plans – because each patient’s journey with a chronic condition is different.

By visiting your primary care provider regularly for chronic disease management, you benefit from continuous monitoring. We can catch if something is getting off track (for instance, if your blood pressure is creeping up or your blood sugar trends higher) and intervene early, rather than waiting until it lands you in the ER. Think of us as your health coaches, keeping you accountable and supported. Chronic illnesses often require adjustments over time, and we are here for the long haul to adjust treatment plans, answer your questions, and celebrate your improvements.

Acute Illness Care and Minor Injuries

While much of primary care is about prevention and chronic care, we are also here for you when illness or minor injuries strike. Primary care clinics handle a wide variety of acute issues – those sudden bouts of sickness or small accidents that don’t necessarily require an emergency room but do need medical attention. At GoodLife Medical Center, we offer same-day and walk-in appointments for urgent needs whenever possible (so you don’t always have to rely on urgent care clinics or wait in a hospital ER for non-emergencies.

Some examples of acute problems we commonly treat: respiratory infections like colds, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia; stomach bugs causing vomiting or diarrhea; urinary tract infections; minor cuts that might need stitches; sprains or strains; headaches or migraines; rashes or allergic reactions; and so on. If you wake up with a high fever and bad cough, you can call us. If you twist your ankle or have a persistent sinus infection, we’re the right place to start. We can perform in-office tests such as rapid strep or flu tests, urine tests, basic blood work, and more to diagnose the issue quickly. Because we know your health history, we can treat you safer and more effectively than a walk-in clinic that you visit for the first time – for instance, we’ll know if you’re allergic to any antibiotic or which medications have worked well for you in the past.

Our primary care providers will determine if your condition can be managed fully in the clinic or if you might need a referral to a specialist or emergency care. In most cases, things like infections or minor injuries can be handled by our team. We’ll prescribe medication (such as antibiotics or pain relievers) when appropriate, give you instructions for home care, and schedule a follow-up to make sure you’re recovering well. One advantage of seeing your primary care doctor for acute issues is the follow-up – we don’t just treat and forget; we will ask you to come back or call to ensure that pneumonia cleared up or that your ankle is healing properly. This continuity means better recovery and a record in your chart of that illness (helpful for spotting any patterns, like recurring infections).

Mental Health Integration

At GoodLife Medical Center, we firmly believe that mental health is an integral part of overall health. It’s not uncommon for patients to discuss issues like stress, anxiety, or depression with their primary care provider – in fact, the primary care setting is often where such concerns are first identified and addressed. Our clinic takes a proactive approach to mental well-being. We perform depression screenings during each visit for our patients. This might be as simple as having you answer a few questions on a questionnaire about your mood, sleep, and interest in activities. By doing these screenings routinely, we can catch early signs of depression or other mood disorders that might otherwise go undiagnosed.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or high stress, you can feel comfortable bringing it up with your GoodLife provider. We strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where discussing mental health is as normal as talking about blood pressure or back pain. Depending on the situation, our team can offer initial counseling right in the office, prescribe medications if appropriate (for example, an antidepressant for depression or anti-anxiety medication), and most importantly, connect you with further resources. We have a network of trusted mental health specialists – such as therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists – for specialized care and will provide you with a referral when needed. Our role is to help coordinate this care, so you’re not left navigating the mental health system alone. We’ll communicate with the specialist (with your permission) to ensure they have the background on your case and to stay in the loop about your progress.

Another aspect we focus on is the mind-body connection. Many physical ailments can be affected by mental state – for instance, stress and anxiety can worsen high blood pressure, chronic pain, or digestive issues. Likewise, dealing with a chronic physical illness can take a toll on one’s mental health. Our providers are trained to understand these interactions. We’ll often ask about stressors in your life, your support system, or how you’re coping with a diagnosed condition. By addressing mental and emotional factors, we can treat you more holistically. For example, if you have insomnia due to anxiety, tackling that anxiety might in turn improve your blood sugar control (since stress hormones can raise blood sugar). By integrating mental healthcare into primary care, we aim to treat you as a whole person. And when you leave our office, we want you to feel heard, supported, and empowered – not just handed a prescription. Your mental well-being is a priority here, and we encourage open communication about it.

Health Education and Lifestyle Counseling

A great primary care clinic doesn’t just treat you when you’re sick – it’s also your partner in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Patient education is a big part of our ethos at GoodLife Medical Center. We take the time to explain medical conditions and treatment options in plain language, ensuring you understand what’s going on with your health. Have you ever left a doctor’s office confused about your diagnosis or unsure what to do next? That won’t happen here. We see every appointment as a two-way conversation and an opportunity to equip you with knowledge.

One area we emphasize is nutrition and weight management. Diet plays a critical role in preventing and managing many conditions (from heart disease to diabetes to general energy levels). Our clinic features a Health and Wellness Center where we promote plant-based nutritional supplements and offer counseling on diet and exercise. If achieving a healthy weight is a goal of yours, we can support you through our structured weight management program. This includes comprehensive assessments of your diet and metabolism, personalized meal planning with the guidance of a registered dietitian, and exercise recommendations tailored to your fitness levels. We recognize that obesity and weight concerns are common and complex issues – about 70 million Americans are affected, and it’s not just about willpower but also genetics, environment, and habits. Our team provides compassionate coaching, behavioral counseling, and regular follow-ups to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. We celebrate victories with you (like lowering your BMI or blood pressure through lifestyle) and help navigate any setbacks with encouragement rather than judgment.

Apart from diet and weight, we counsel on exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques. For instance, if you’re trying to quit smoking, your primary care provider can be one of your biggest allies – offering medications or nicotine replacement therapy, moral support, and resources like support group referrals. If stress is a huge factor in your life, we might teach you some relaxation exercises, recommend meditation (we even have content like Dr. Lola’s wellness newsletter that shares holistic health tps), or connect you to a yoga class in the community. We also educate patients on managing conditions at home: for example, how to properly use an inhaler, how to check your blood sugar with a glucometer, or how to do a self-breast exam. Knowledge is power, and we want you to feel confident in caring for yourself between visits.

Finally, we provide resources and classes through what we call GoodLife University, an initiative aimed at nurturing future healthcare professionals and educating our community. Occasionally, we host workshops or send out educational newsletters on various health topics. When you’re part of the GoodLife family, you’ll have access to a wealth of information to help you make informed decisions and live your healthiest life.

Our Primary Care Team and Approach

Behind every good primary care clinic is a dedicated team. At GoodLife Medical Center, our team is our pride. We’re a family-run healthcare organization with over 20 years of service to the Memphis area. Our lead primary care physician, Dr. Olugbenga “Gbenga” Adebanjo, MD, brings over 30 years of medical experience to the practice. Dr. Adebanjo is not only highly experienced in internal and family medicine, but he’s also known for his compassionate approach – patients often remark that he truly listens and makes them feel like part of the family. Alongside Dr. Adebanjo, we have Dr. Lola Adebanjo, DNP (a doctor of nursing practice specializing in functional medicine and holistic care), as well as certified family nurse practitioners (FNP-C) like Felicia Woods and Hailin Swan on staff. This mix of providers means you get a well-rounded perspective on your health; we collaborate and consult with each other, especially on complex cases, to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Our clinical staff – nurses, medical assistants, and front office team – are all specially trained to prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. From the moment you walk in our door, you’ll be greeted with a smile and treated with respect. We know that a doctor’s visit can be stressful for some, so we aim to create a welcoming atmosphere. We schedule ample time for each appointment so that you never feel rushed. If you have questions (no matter how many), we’ll answer all of them. If you have concerns or fears, we’ll address them with empathy. We believe in building strong doctor-patient relationships, which means earning your trust through consistency and kindness.

One thing that sets our approach apart is our embrace of both modern medicine and holistic practices. We are not limited to just prescribing pills – we look at all the tools that might help a patient. For example, Dr. Lola Adebanjo’s expertise in Functional Medicine brings a holistic lens to our primary care services. Functional medicine digs into root causes of health issues, often through advanced diagnostic testing and focusing on nutrition, gut health, hormone balance, etc. While it is its own service line at our clinic, the philosophies carry over – even in a routine primary care visit, we might consider if there are underlying lifestyle factors contributing to symptoms, rather than immediately reaching for medication. We combine this with state-of-the-art medical technology and evidence-based treatments. GoodLife Medical Center has on-site capabilities (or convenient referrals) for lab tests, EKGs, and more, so that we can quickly implement the latest diagnostics or therapies as needed. In short, our approach is integrative: traditional when necessary, holistic when beneficial, and personalized at all times.

Communication is another cornerstone of our team’s approach. We encourage patients to stay in touch about how they’re doing. If you start a new treatment plan, you can expect a follow-up call or message from us checking in. We also make ourselves accessible – our phone lines and patient portal are there for you to ask follow-up questions or report concerns without having to wait until the next appointment. You are not a number here; you are a valued member of the GoodLife community. Our team meets regularly to discuss how we can improve care delivery, whether it’s reducing wait times, expanding office hours (we are open Monday through Friday, with both morning and afternoon appointment slots), or adding new services that patients request. We’ve even expanded our reach into programs like GoodLife University to train new healthcare workers, reflecting our commitment to excellent care now and in the future.

In summary, when you choose GoodLife, you’re getting more than just a doctor – you’re getting a whole team devoted to your health journey. We treat you like family because, as a family-run clinic, we understand the value of personal touch. And in a city like Memphis, with its rich sense of community, we are honored to be your community clinic.

Why Choose GoodLife Medical Center for Primary Care?

With many options for healthcare out there, you might wonder what makes GoodLife Medical Center stand out as a primary care clinic in Memphis. Here are several reasons our patients have entrusted us with their care, and why we believe we can be your ideal healthcare partner:

• Patient-Centered Philosophy: At GoodLife, you are our number one priority. That’s not just a slogan – it’s how we operate daily. We tailor everything to individual patient needs and preferences. Unlike large hospital systems where you might feel like just another patient in the schedule, we get to know you personally. We value your input in decision-making; after all, it’s your health. Our aim is to empower you with knowledge and involve you in creating your care plan. Patients often say that at GoodLife, they feel heard and respected. That’s music to our ears because it means we’re fulfilling our mission of care that feels like home.

  
  

• Comprehensive Services Under One Roof: GoodLife Medical Center offers an extensive suite of services that cover most of your healthcare needs. From routine primary care to specialized programs like Diabetes Management, Hypertension Management, Cholesterol Management, Physical Exams, Annual Checkups, Weight Management, Heart Disease Management Program, Immigration Physicals, and Functional Medicine, we handle it all. We’re equipped to manage your annual wellness visits, women’s health exams (Pap smears, etc.), men’s health concerns (like prostate health), minor procedures (stitching a cut, freezing a wart), and beyond. We also have onsite lab draws for bloodwork, so you don’t have to travel elsewhere for basic tests. This comprehensive approach means fewer referrals and run-arounds; you can stick with the team you trust. And if you do need a specialist (like a cardiologist, dermatologist, or any other), we’ll help coordinate that referral efficient, and we work in tandem with specialists to manage your overall care.

  
  

• Experience and Expertise: With over two decades serving Memphis, our clinic has a proven track record. Dr. Adebanjo’s 30+ years of experience speaks for itself – there are few scenarios he hasn’t encountered, from complex chronic diseases to unusual symptoms. Our providers stay up-to-date with continuing medical education and the latest guidelines in primary care, so you get care that’s current and evidence-based. Moreover, GoodLife Medical Center has been recognized for providing superb care and excellent value to patients. We’re not resting on our laurels, but it’s reassuring to know you’re choosing a clinic with a solid reputation.

  
  

• Advanced and Innovative Care: While we are a community clinic at heart, we punch above our weight when it comes to innovation. We incorporate advanced diagnostic tools and the newest medical advancements when appropriate】. For example, if you have a condition that isn’t improving, we might use specialized lab panels to dig deeper (a nod to our functional medicine offerings). We’ve also embraced telemedicine options for follow-up visits or certain consultations, which became especially useful in recent times. Additionally, our Health and Wellness Center collaboration with PURE supplements (a line of high-quality, natural supplements) offers patients access to nutritional products to enhance health, right here in our clinc. We’re always looking for ways to bring better care to Memphis – be it through technology, new services, or community programs.

  
  

• Compassionate, Holistic Care: Choosing GoodLife means you’re not just getting a doctor’s prescription and a “see you next time.” You’re getting a team that truly cares about your well-being – physical, mental, and emotional. We practice holistic care. That means if you come in with, say, migraines, we’ll treat the immediate pain but also explore underlying causes (stress at work? poor sleep? food triggers?) and address those. If you’re a senior managing multiple conditions, we pay attention to how one treatment might affect another issue – providing careful coordination and simplifying your regimen when possible. Our staff also goes above and beyond to make your experience positive. For instance, we help with insurance questions, assist in scheduling specialist appointments via our referral coordinator, and even follow up to ensure you saw the specialist and understood their instructions. That level of service is not always found in healthcare these days, but it’s standard practice for us because we genuinely want you to succeed in your health goals.

  
  

• Community and Family-Oriented: Being Memphis locals ourselves, we have a deep commitment to this community. We treat multiple generations of families – in some cases, the grandparents, parents, and now teens all come to GoodLife. This family-oriented spirit fosters trust and comfort. We celebrate with our patients (you might see a baby photo wall or hear about our 20th Anniversary celebration where patients joined us) and we mourn with them in tough times. Our clinic is involved in community health events, educational outreach, and supporting local causes when possible, because we believe in giving back to the city that has given us so much. When you choose us, you’re supporting a local business that, in turn, supports local health initiatives.

  
  

In short, GoodLife Medical Center strives to be the first and only choice for your healthcare needs. Our combination of personal touch, breadth of services, expertise, and community focus offers a unique primary care experience. We understand you have options – from large hospital networks to minute clinics – but we offer something special: extraordinary care that feels personal and accessible, not corporate. We invite you to experience the GoodLife difference for yourself and your family.

How Primary Care Management Works at GoodLife

You might be curious about what happens when you become a patient at GoodLife Medical Center. How do we manage your care over time? We’ve developed a streamlined process to ensure you get effective and coordinated care with as little hassle as possible. Here’s a snapshot of how primary care management works at our clinic:

• Initial Consultation: It all begins with your first visit. In this appointment, you’ll meet with one of our primary care providers (often Dr. Adebanjo or one of our FNPs for new patients). We take a comprehensive medical history – discussing any past illnesses, surgeries, medications you’re taking, family health history, and your current concerns or health goals. This is also when we encourage you to share about your lifestyle (diet, exercise, habits) and any symptoms bothering you. We’ll perform a thorough physical examination. Importantly, we’ll spend time simply getting to know you and letting you get to know us. Building a strong doctor-patient relationship from the start is essential for personalized care. Feel free to ask questions about our practice or express any preferences (for example, if you prefer conservative approaches vs. aggressive interventions; we tailor to what makes you comfortable).

  
  

• Assessment and Planning: Based on the information gathered, we’ll conduct any necessary diagnostic tests. This could be routine bloodwork, urine tests, or perhaps an EKG or X-ray if indicated. We want a full picture of your health. Once we have exam and test results, our provider will **formulate a personalized care plan. This plan is like a roadmap for your health. It will address any immediate issues (say, treating that high blood pressure reading we found, or scheduling you for a mammogram if you’re due), as well as long-term recommendations (such as weight loss goals, physical therapy for that knee pain, or a timeline for future preventive screenings). We discuss this plan with you, ensuring you agree and understand each part. If you have multiple concerns, we’ll prioritize them together. The plan will include treatments (medications, referrals, etc.), regular checkups schedule (many chronic conditions need visits every 3 or 6 months to monitor), and self-care steps for you at home.

  
  

• Ongoing Care and Follow-Up: Primary care is an ongoing relationship. After the initial groundwork, we move into continuous care mode. This means you’ll see us at intervals appropriate for your needs. For example, if you’re generally healthy, it might just be annual wellness exams. If you’re managing a chronic condition, we might see you every quarter to adjust medications or run labs (e.g., checking A1c for diabetes or kidney function for hypertension meds). Rest assured, we provide ongoing support in between visits as well. You can use our patient portal to send non-urgent messages or call our nurses line for guidance if something comes up. We also might reach out with reminders – like a flu shot reminder in the fall, or “time to schedule your annual physical” messages. When you come in for follow-ups, we’ll assess how the plan is working. Are your numbers improving? Did the symptoms resolve? We’ll celebrate successes (like lower cholesterol levels) and tweak things that aren’t working (maybe a different medication if you had side effects, or adding a referral if needed).

  
  

• Coordination of Care: One of the most valuable roles we play is being the quarterback of your healthcare team. If at any point you need to see a specialist (cardiologist, gastroenterologist, etc.), we handle the referral paperwork swifty and communicate with that specialist by sharing relevant records. We then follow up to get their report and integrate their findings into your care plan. If you were ever hospitalized or had to visit an urgent care, we appreciate when patients inform us so we can obtain those records and schedule a follow-up with us after. This ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Managing medications from multiple doctors can be confusing – we help reconcile them and make sure there are no dangerous interactions (one reason it’s beneficial to have a consistent primary care provider!). We keep an up-to-date medication list and allergy list in your chart for this purpose.

  
  

• Accessibility and Responsiveness: We try to make managing your primary care as easy as possible logistically. Appointments can be made via our online booking system or by a quick call to our offce. We do accept same-day appointments and walk-ins for urgent matters, as mentioned earlier, so you’re not stuck waiting if you wake up ill. Prescription refills are handled within 48 hours of request, provided you’ve been seen recently for that issue (we’ll often ask for an office visit if it’s been over 6 months, to ensure proper monitoring. We also have a clear refill policy especially for certain medications (like we require visits for any refills on narcotic pain medications or psychiatric meds for safety. Our staff will help set up any needed labs or imaging tests, often before your next visit so we have results ready. We respect your time – our goal is to run on schedule so you spend minimal time in the waiting room.

  
  

In essence, primary care management at GoodLife is a partnership. We provide structure and medical expertise; you provide your personal health goals and follow through on the plan. Together, we navigate whatever health challenges arise. And it’s not static – your needs at 30 might differ from your needs at 60. We adapt the plan as you age, as family history evolves, or as new medical advances come out. Our promise is to make this journey as “seamless and empowering” as possibe. We want you to feel that having a medical home with us is convenient and beneficial, not a chore. By taking these steps with every patient, we aim to ensure no detail is overlooked and that you receive continuous, high-quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Care

Q: What ages of patients do you see at GoodLife Medical Center? 

A: We provide primary care for patients **16 years and older. This includes older teenagers, adults of all ages, and seniors. For children under 16, we would recommend a good pediatrician – we can even help refer you to one in the area. Many families have both a pediatrician for the little ones and our clinic for the parents and older teens.

Q: Do I have to make an appointment or do you accept walk-ins? 

A: We encourage making an appointment to ensure you can be seen at your preferred time. You can book appointments online or by phone. However, we do accept walk-in and same-day appointments for urgent needs during our clinic hours. If you suddenly fall ill or have an urgent but non-life-threatening issue, we’ll do our best to accommodate you on the same day. Emergencies (like chest pain or severe injuries) should still go to the ER – but for most moderate illnesses, we can handle it if you come in.

Q: What if I need to see a specialist or get a referral? 

A: As your primary care provider, we will coordinate referrals whenever you need specialty care. In fact, some insurance plans require a referral from a primary doctor to see a specialist – we take care of that paperwork for you and our policy is to process referrals within **2 business days. We have a broad network of trusted specialists in Memphis (e.g., cardiologists, orthopedists, dermatologists, etc.) and we’ll help match you with one that fits your needs and insurance. After your specialist visit, we have them send us a report so we can follow up with you about next steps, ensuring continuity.

Q: How do prescription refills work? 

A: For routine refills, you or your pharmacy can send us a refill request. We ask for **48 hours to process refills, so please don’t wait until you’re completely out of medication. Importantly, we require that you have been seen in our office within the last 3-6 months for that condition to continue refilling (this ensures we monitor your condition appropriately. An office visit is required to refill any prescriptions that have expired, and we do not refill certain medications (like narcotics, antibiotics, or psychiatric medications) without seeing you firrst. During your visit, we’ll typically prescribe enough refills to last until your next check-in is due. If you use mail-order pharmacies, let us know and we can write a 90-day prescription to accommodate that.

Q: Can my primary care doctor also handle my women’s health exams? 

A: Yes, for many aspects of women’s health, your primary care provider at GoodLife can take care of you. We perform routine gynecological screenings such as Pap smears (cervical cancer screening), clinical breast exams, and can manage birth control needs or menopausal symptom management. We can also address common women’s health issues like urinary tract infections or menstrual concerns. If there’s a complex GYN issue or you become pregnant, we would refer you to an OB/GYN for specialized care. But consider us the starting point – for annual well-woman exams, we’ve got you covered as part of your preventive care.

Q: I’m healthy – do I really need to see a primary care doctor every year? 

A: It’s great that you’re healthy, and yes, we still recommend an annual checkup. Even if you feel fine, an annual visit helps establish baselines for things like blood pressure, weight, and labs. We might detect silent issues (for example, high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can be caught on a routine exam, or labs might show slightly high cholesterol that you can address before it worsens). It’s also an opportunity to keep up on vaccines and get personalized advice for staying healthy. Think of it as preventative maintenance – like changing the oil in your car to prevent engine trouble, an annual physical can prevent future health problems. Plus, it builds a relationship with your doctor so if you do get sick down the line, we already know you.

Q: What if I need care after hours or on weekends? 

A: Our clinic hours are Monday through Friday, roughly 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (with a lunch break mid-day. We currently do not have weekend hours. However, we are on call for urgent matters – calling our main line after hours will direct you to an answering service or messaging system that alerts the on-call provider for truly urgent concerns. For emergencies, always call 911. For non-urgent issues that can wait, you can call during business hours or use the patient portal to leave a message. We understand illnesses don’t follow a 9-5 schedule, so if something happens after hours that you’re unsure about, our on-call system is there to guide you (e.g., whether you can wait until morning or should go to an urgent care/ER). We’re also exploring expanded telehealth options that might extend access in the future.

These are just a few of the common questions, but if you have others, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We aim to be transparent and helpful in all our communications.

Next Steps: Start Your Journey to Better Health

By now, we hope this guide has given you a clear understanding of what primary care entails and what GoodLife Medical Center can offer you as a primary care clinic. Whether you’re new to the Memphis area, looking to switch providers, or have never really had a dedicated primary care doctor before – we invite you to join the GoodLife family.

Taking the first step is easy: simply schedule an appointment (you can click the “Book Appointment” link on our website or call us at (901) 685-1994). Our friendly staff will help find a convenient time for your visit and answer any initial questions you have about transferring records or insurance. If you’re a new patient, you can fill out our New Patient Packet in advance (available on our website) to save time.

When you come in for that first visit, you’ll experience firsthand our warm, caring approach. We’ll review your health goals – whether it’s “I want to run a 5K next year” or “I need to get my blood pressure under control” or simply “I want to stay as healthy as possible as I get older.” Together, we will craft a plan to make those goals a reality. And you won’t be alone in it – we’ll be with you at each step, adjusting the plan as needed and encouraging you along the way.

At GoodLife Medical Center, your health is a lifelong journey and we are honored to be your partners through it. Our slogan, “Your Health, Your Journey: Achieve More Together,” isn’t just marketing speak – it embodies our philosophy of collaborative care. We truly believe that by working hand-in-hand with our patients, we can help you live a healthier, more vibrant life.

Imagine having a doctor who knows not just your medical chart, but knows you – your personality, what you do for a living, what stresses you out, what motivates you. That’s the kind of relationship we strive to build. It allows us to tailor our medical advice in a way that fits your real life and leads to better outcomes. When you succeed – be it losing those 15 pounds, keeping your diabetes in check, or simply feeling listened to and cared for – we succeed.

So don’t wait until a health crisis forces you to find a doctor. Be proactive and establish care with a team that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and compassionate treatment. With GoodLife Medical Center as your primary care home, you can rest easier knowing you have a dedicated team overseeing your well-being. We look forward to caring for you and your family for years to come, and being a trusted resource for all your healthcare questions and needs.

Ready to take that next step? Contact us today to set up an appointment. Let’s embark on this journey to a lifetime of good health – together!