Mary P. Howell, MD in Baltimore: Internal Medicine with Extended Appointment Slots for Complex Cases

Mary P. Howell, MD is an internist accepting new patients in Baltimore who focuses on the medical management of adults with multiple chronic conditions and medication interactions. Her practice operates as an independent office rather than as part of a larger hospital or urgent care network, which shapes both how appointments are scheduled and what kind of follow-up care she provides.

What this practice actually is

Howell is a board-certified internist offering primary care and ongoing management for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and COPD. She does not operate an urgent care clinic or same-day walk-in service. The practice is designed around scheduled appointments, typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour for established patients with complex medication regimens or multiple active problems. This is different from many Baltimore primary care practices, which squeeze 20-minute visits into afternoon slots and rely on urgent care for anything that cannot wait weeks.

Services and what to expect at appointment

Howell handles medication management, chronic disease monitoring, preventive care coordination, and referrals to specialists. New-patient visits often run longer than follow-ups because she documents a full medical history and reviews previous medical records. She accepts Medicare, most major commercial insurances, and some self-pay patients at rates that should be confirmed at scheduling. Insurance deductibles and copays apply as set by the patient's individual plan; verify in-network status with your insurance before the first visit.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore primary care options

Baltimore's primary care landscape is divided between hospital-affiliated practices (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical Center, Mercy Medical), urgent-care-heavy models (CareFirst urgent care clinics, Prompt Care), and independent internists. Howell's model resembles other independent practices in Charles Village and Canton but differs from urgent care by design: she reserves longer time slots for patients who need it, whereas most network clinics prioritize throughput. University of Maryland Internal Medicine clinic in downtown Baltimore also accepts new patients but has longer wait times for first appointments (typically 4-6 weeks). For patients with one or two stable conditions, a walk-in urgent care or a network clinic is faster; for someone on five medications who needs coordinated management, Howell's longer appointment window is the deliberate choice.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

Howell is best for adults who have been diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions, take multiple medications, or need careful monitoring of medication interactions. She is also appropriate for patients who value continuity with a single provider and have scheduling flexibility for 45-minute appointments. The practice is not designed for acute illness (fever, severe cough, abdominal pain) that needs same-day care; urgent care is the right choice for that. It is also not a fit for patients looking for walk-in availability or for those with insurance plans that restrict choices to a single hospital network.

What the first visit involves

Bring insurance cards, a list of current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements), and any recent test results or medical records from previous providers. Howell will take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, and often order baseline labs if they are not recent. First visits typically last 50 minutes to an hour. Expect to discuss preventive care (screening tests, vaccinations) alongside management of any active conditions. She will establish a medication baseline and usually schedule a follow-up within 4-6 weeks to review lab results and any adjustments.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The office is located in Baltimore and operates by appointment only. Hours and parking availability depend on the specific location; confirm both when scheduling, as they may vary by season and staffing. No walk-in visits are available. The practice does not have an after-hours answering service for urgent problems; patients experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (University of Maryland Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, or Johns Hopkins Hospital are all within Baltimore city limits).

Howell's practice fills a specific role in Baltimore's primary care market: longer visits, medication focus, and continuity rather than convenience. For patients with complex medical needs who prefer to see the same doctor, this model works; for everyone else, faster options exist.