Now Accepting New Patients in Cumberland, MD

Maybe you just moved to the area. Maybe your old provider retired, or left the practice, or you finally got tired of feeling like a line item on somebody's schedule. Whatever brought you here, getting started with Highland Healthy Living is straightforward, and this page walks you through every step of it.

We're at 909 A Seton Drive in Cumberland, MD, we're open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we're rated 4.9 stars across 35 reviews.

How to Become a New Patient

There are three steps and none of them are complicated.

First, call the office at (240) 880-3220 or request an appointment online. Tell us you're a new patient and roughly what you're looking for. A physical, help with an ongoing condition, or just establishing care so you've got somebody to call when something comes up.

Second, let the front desk know if you've got a provider preference. A lot of patients ask for April Dawson by name, and that's completely fine. Just say so when you call and we'll do our best to match it.

Third, we'll check your insurance and get you on the calendar. That's it. You don't need a referral from anyone to establish primary care with us, and you don't need your whole medical history assembled before you walk in. We'd rather see you sooner and sort out the paperwork as we go than have you put it off another three months waiting to feel prepared.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Keep it simple. Here's the short list:

• A photo ID
• Your insurance card
• A list of every medication you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements
• Any records from a previous provider, especially recent lab work
• Your questions, written down so you don't forget them

Be thorough on the medication list. People routinely leave off the over-the-counter things and the supplements because they don't think of those as medication, and then we're missing a piece of the picture. If it's easier, just throw the bottles in a bag and bring them.

If you don't have records from an old provider, don't let that stop you from coming in. We can request them, and we can order fresh labs. Missing paperwork is never a reason to delay care.

What Happens at the First Appointment

The first visit runs longer than a normal one, because we're building the foundation for everything that comes after it.

We'll go through your medical history, your family history, and your current medications. We'll check the basics like blood pressure, weight, and vitals. We'll talk about what's actually going on with you, which is the part that matters most, and we'll usually order labs so we're working from real numbers instead of guesses.

Then we'll agree on a plan. That might mean starting or adjusting a medication, scheduling a screening, setting up a follow-up, or simply booking your next physical and leaving it there. It depends entirely on you. Nobody's going to bury you in tests you don't need.

Insurance and Payment

We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid is worth mentioning on its own, because it can be genuinely hard to find a primary care practice in this area that takes it, and we do.

If you're unsure whether your plan is in network, call us at (240) 880-3220 before you book and the front desk will check. If cost is a worry, say that out loud when you call. It's a completely normal thing to bring up, and it's better to talk about it up front than to be surprised later.

Why Patients Choose Highland Healthy Living

April Dawson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of clinical experience, and she built this practice on a pretty unglamorous premise. Don't rush people.

That's most of what patients write about in the reviews, and it's why we're at 4.9 stars across 35 of them. It's also why a good share of our new patients show up because a friend or a relative told them to.

New Patient FAQ

How do I ask if a doctor is accepting new patients?

Just call and ask. Seriously, that's it. Front desk staff get this question constantly and nobody thinks it's odd. Online directories go stale fast, so a phone call gives you a real answer. Highland Healthy Living is currently open to new patients, and you can confirm by calling (240) 880-3220.

Who is accepting new patients near me?

Highland Healthy Living, at 909 A Seton Drive in Cumberland, MD, is accepting new patients across the practice right now. We see all ages and take most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

What doctors near me are accepting new patients?

Our full team is open to new patients, including April Dawson, FNP-C, who's our most requested provider. If you'd like to see her specifically, mention it when you call and we'll try to accommodate.

Are you accepting new pediatric patients?

Yes. We provide pediatric and adolescent care, so children and teenagers can be seen here alongside the rest of the family.

Do I need a referral to become a new patient?

No. You can establish primary care with us directly. If you're on an HMO plan, it's worth double-checking your plan's rules, but for most people no referral is needed.

How soon can I be seen?

It depends on the week and on what you need. Call (240) 880-3220 and we'll tell you honestly what's available rather than parking you on a list.

Do you accept Medicaid?

Yes, we do, along with Medicare and most private plans.

Location and Hours

Highland Healthy Living is at 909 A Seton Drive, Cumberland, MD 21502. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed weekends. We're easy to reach from La Vale, Ridgeley, and the surrounding area.

We're accepting new patients and there's really no reason to wait.