Dr. Howard Goldstein in Baltimore: Internal Medicine with Extended Appointment Availability

Dr. Howard Goldstein operates an internal medicine practice in Baltimore focused on adult primary care and the management of chronic conditions, with a specific emphasis on making new-patient appointments available within a timeframe shorter than the typical 4- to 6-week wait common across much of the city.

What the practice actually is

Goldstein's practice is a solo or small-group internal medicine office, not part of a larger hospital system. Internal medicine in this setting means managing common conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol; handling acute illnesses during office visits; and serving as a referring physician for specialists. This differs from urgent care, which handles acute problems without ongoing relationships, and from hospital-based medicine, where patients see hospitalists during admission. The practice accepts established and new patients.

Services and insurance acceptance

The practice provides standard internal medicine office visits, including preventive care (annual physical exams, age-appropriate screening), management of chronic disease, medication prescribing and adjustment, and coordination with specialists. Typical visit copays in Baltimore range from $20 to $50 depending on insurance plan; if you have commercial insurance through employers like University of Maryland or CareFirst, confirm Goldstein is in-network before scheduling, as out-of-network visits can cost $150 to $300. Medicare patients should verify whether the practice accepts Medicare assignment. Call the office directly to confirm current accepted insurers, as networks shift annually.

New-patient wait time advantage

Baltimore's primary care shortage has left many established practices closed to new patients or offering first appointments 5 to 10 weeks out. Goldstein's practice stands out for accepting new patients with appointment availability in 2 to 4 weeks, a meaningful difference if you need a physician sooner. This advantage is especially valuable if you are relocating to Baltimore, switching insurers, or have a chronic condition requiring management adjustments before a long wait is feasible.

How it compares to other Baltimore internal medicine options

Many Baltimore primary care physicians operate within health systems: Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, and MedStar Health all employ or contract internists at multiple locations across the city. Those practices often fill their new-patient slots months in advance but offer the advantage of integrated electronic records and on-site lab and imaging services. Independent practitioners like Goldstein typically offer shorter wait times and continuity with a single physician but require you to coordinate referrals and lab work separately. Choose a health-system practice if you prefer all care under one organizational umbrella; choose an independent practice like Goldstein's if getting an appointment soon and establishing a stable physician relationship matter more.

Who this practice suits

This practice suits adults seeking a long-term primary care relationship with a physician who has availability in the near term, especially those managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension who benefit from continuity. It suits people with commercial insurance or Medicare and those who prefer building care around a single internist rather than navigating a large health system. This practice does not suit patients looking for same-day acute care (use urgent care) or those whose insurance exclusively covers a network of health-system physicians.

What your first visit involves

First visits to an internal medicine practice typically run 45 minutes to an hour. You will complete a medical history form covering past illnesses, surgeries, medications, family history, and social history (smoking, alcohol use). Dr. Goldstein will perform a physical exam, review your health goals, and discuss preventive care based on your age and risk factors. If you are a new patient to Baltimore, bring insurance cards and a list of current medications. If you have records from a prior physician, request they be sent to Goldstein's office in advance so he can review your background before the visit.

Hours, location, and parking

Confirm the office address and hours by calling directly, as practices sometimes move or adjust schedules. Baltimore's street parking is limited in most neighborhoods; some internists' offices are located in parking-available medical buildings, others on residential streets where you may need to circle. Ask about parking when you call to schedule.

Why it matters in Baltimore

A responsive internal medicine practice addresses a real gap in Baltimore's primary care landscape, where physician shortages and overboooked health systems leave many residents without timely access to preventive and ongoing chronic disease management.