Dr. Fausto Q. Aquino Jr. in Baltimore: General Internal Medicine with Walk-In Same-Day Options
Dr. Fausto Q. Aquino Jr. is a physician assistant in internal medicine who operates a primary care practice in Baltimore that accepts walk-in patients and accommodates scheduled appointments for established and new patients. His practice sits at the entry point of Baltimore's medical system, handling chronic disease management, preventive screening, and acute illness evaluation without requiring a referral.
What this practice is and where it sits
A solo or small-group internal medicine practice in Baltimore, Dr. Aquino's office bridges the gap between primary care physician offices and urgent care centers. Internal medicine practices like this one manage complex outpatient care for adults, from hypertension and diabetes to respiratory infections and post-hospitalization follow-up. Unlike a dedicated urgent care center, a primary care internal medicine office typically invests in longitudinal relationships with patients and maintains detailed medical records. Unlike a hospital-affiliated practice, this practice operates with fewer systemic constraints, making it accessible for uninsured and underinsured patients in Baltimore.
Services and scheduling approach
The practice accepts both scheduled appointments and walk-in patients, a model increasingly rare among Baltimore internal medicine providers. Walk-in same-day care is useful for patients without a standing primary care provider or those facing mid-week acute symptoms. Scheduled appointments allow continuity with Dr. Aquino for chronic disease management and preventive visits. The practice accepts insurance, though you should verify your plan's participation before your first visit; out-of-pocket costs for uninsured patients should be confirmed directly with the office.
How it compares to other Baltimore internal medicine options
Baltimore's primary care landscape divides into three tiers: hospital-affiliated practices (like those under MedStar Health or Johns Hopkins), independent primary care physicians and PAs, and urgent care centers. Hospital-affiliated practices offer integrated electronic records and specialist referral networks but often have longer new-patient wait times and inflexible scheduling. Independent practices like Dr. Aquino's prioritize access and flexibility but may lack the institutional infrastructure for complex referrals. Urgent care centers (such as CareFirst Urgent Care locations throughout the city) handle acute problems quickly but rarely manage chronic conditions or preventive care. For an uninsured or newly relocated Baltimorean seeking a flexible entry point into primary care, a walk-in-friendly independent practice is often the best starting point; for a patient with multiple chronic diseases, hospital-affiliated practices may offer better specialist coordination.
Who this practice suits
Dr. Aquino's practice works well for Baltimore residents without a standing primary care provider, those seeking same-day evaluation for acute illness, and patients prioritizing appointment flexibility over clinic size. It also serves as a logical choice for initial preventive screening (blood pressure, cholesterol) and management of common chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The practice is less ideal for patients requiring frequent specialist coordination or complex mental health integration, as a solo or small-group practice cannot replicate institutional psychiatric or social-work teams.
What your first visit will involve
As a new patient, expect to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for intake paperwork, including insurance information and a medical history form. Dr. Aquino will take a focused history relevant to your chief complaint or preventive needs, perform a physical exam, and discuss findings. Walk-in visits for acute problems typically take 20 to 40 minutes; scheduled preventive or chronic-disease visits may run longer. Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any recent test results from other providers.
Hours, location, and parking
Confirm current hours and parking availability directly with the office. Baltimore's independent practices vary widely in weekend and evening availability; Dr. Aquino's walk-in policy makes scheduling more forgiving than hospital practices, but hours can change seasonally or with staffing.
Dr. Aquino's practice remains an accessible entry point for Baltimore patients seeking primary care without waiting weeks for an appointment or paying urgent care fees for routine illness.
