Michael Dempsey, MD in Baltimore: Internal Medicine With Same-Day Urgent Care Access

Michael Dempsey, MD operates a private internal medicine practice in Baltimore that combines primary care for established patients with same-day and walk-in urgent care services. This dual model, unusual among independent primary care physicians in the city, allows patients to access acute care without leaving the practice or cycling through a separate urgent care facility. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and maintains a patient roster that includes both Baltimore residents and those from the surrounding counties.

What the practice actually offers

Dr. Dempsey provides comprehensive internal medicine services: chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, COPD, heart disease), preventive care and annual physical exams, medication management, and acute illness evaluation. The urgent care component treats conditions like upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, minor injuries, and acute exacerbations of chronic conditions without requiring an appointment. This structure appeals to patients who value continuity with a single physician but also need flexibility for unscheduled visits.

The practice operates as an independent, non-hospital-affiliated office, which means patient records are housed separately from larger health systems like University of Maryland Medical System or Johns Hopkins Health System. This can simplify logistics for routine follow-ups but requires separate coordination if a patient needs hospitalization or specialist referral.

Services and what to expect on pricing

Internal medicine visits for established patients run between $150 and $250 out-of-pocket at the time of visit, depending on insurance and the complexity of the visit; verify current copay amounts with your plan. New-patient appointments, typically longer and more detailed, may be scheduled 2 to 3 weeks in advance during non-urgent periods.

Walk-in urgent care visits are billed similarly to office visits but do not require prior insurance verification; Dr. Dempsey's office will submit claims to your insurance if you provide your card at check-in. Patients without insurance should confirm pricing at the time of visit, as acute care visits may incur different fees than scheduled office visits.

The practice does not perform complex procedures such as biopsies or arthrocentesis; such cases are referred to specialists or urgent care centers with procedural capability. Lab work (blood draws, urinalysis) is handled on-site, with results typically available within 24 to 48 hours.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore primary care options

Independent internists like Dr. Dempsey compete with hospital-affiliated practices (Johns Hopkins physicians, UM Midtown, Mercy Medical), urgent care chains (CityMD, Urgent Care MD), and federally qualified health centers (FQHC network). Patients seeking a single physician for both routine and acute care often have to split time between a traditional primary care office and an urgent center elsewhere.

Dr. Dempsey's model eliminates that friction. However, hospital-affiliated practices typically offer more direct access to imaging, specialists, and inpatient care on a shared platform; if your condition requires MRI or same-day cardiology input, a Johns Hopkins or UM-affiliated primary care physician can often expedite those without a separate referral call. Independent urgent care chains like CityMD are often open until 8 or 9 p.m., whereas Dr. Dempsey's evening hours should be verified directly.

FQHC clinics (operated by groups like Chase Brexton or Harbor Health) charge fees on a sliding scale tied to income, making them cheaper or free for uninsured or low-income patients. Dr. Dempsey's practice does not use a sliding scale; expect standard copays regardless of income.

Who this practice serves well and who should look elsewhere

This practice suits Baltimore patients who want a single physician relationship, have active insurance, and value the convenience of same-day or walk-in access for acute issues without switching to a separate urgent care center. It works particularly well for those already managing chronic conditions and who see their doctor regularly.

The practice is not ideal for patients without insurance seeking low-cost care (FQHC clinics are more appropriate). It is not suited to those who need hospital-based specialists easily available within one system; Johns Hopkins Medicine Primary Care or University of Maryland Medical System offer better integration. Patients who frequently need imaging or minor procedures should be aware that Dr. Dempsey refers out for those services, requiring additional scheduling.

What your first visit involves

New patients typically complete a health history form online or on arrival. Dr. Dempsey conducts a full history and physical, reviews medications, and establishes baseline vital signs and lab work if needed. The appointment usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Insurance cards and photo ID are required. After the first visit, follow-ups are generally scheduled 2 to 4 weeks if a chronic condition requires monitoring, or as needed for acute complaints.

Walk-in urgent visits skip the scheduling step but expect a 15- to 30-minute wait during busy periods. The office keeps the morning and afternoon open for walk-ins, though Dr. Dempsey prioritizes scheduled patients, so afternoon arrival times may mean shorter waits.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Dr. Dempsey's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with same-day urgent care slots available throughout these hours. The practice does not operate on weekends; after-hours urgent care needs should direct patients to a 24-hour urgent care facility or the ER. Parking on-site or street parking varies by location; verify when you call to confirm the office address and parking details.

Michael Dempsey's blend of primary care continuity and walk-in flexibility fills a practical gap for Baltimore patients who do not want the friction of managing care across multiple practices, making the office a reasonable choice for those with active insurance and a preference for independent care.