Services
Internal medicine is devoted to the comprehensive care of adult patients and includes (but is not limited to) diagnosis and treatment of:

• Heart disease and hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Arthritis and other joint problems
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Anemia
• Lung problems such as asthma and emphysema
• Infections
• Neurological problems such as strokes and seizures
• Nutritional problems
• Depression
• Skin disease
• Diabetes and thyroid disease

New Patients / Appointments
We are accepting new patients.
To contact us or to make an appointment please call (208) 706-5100.

After-hours and Weekends
Our physicians alternate being "on call" for emergency care before and after our regular office hours. The physician on call can be reached by calling our office at (208) 381-6400.

What is Internal Medicine?
Internists are sometimes called primary care physicians. They are fully trained specialists in adult medicine, much like pediatricians are specialists in the care of children. Internists are specially trained to care for complex medical problems in the office and in the hospital (including coronary and intensive care units and the emergency department), providing a smooth continuum of care.

We are prepared to handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where many illnesses occur at the same time. Internists are also capable of performing a variety of technical medical procedures. Severe medical illnesses often require the broad training and skills of internists to coordinate highly trained care teams. As internists, we keep the whole patient in mind, rather than merely focusing on a single disease or organ system.

Working closely with our physicians are physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). Also known as "advanced practice providers," PAs and NPs provide follow-up care for acute or chronic illness if your doctor is not available, and may provide annual exams and procedures.

St. Luke's Clinics
St. Luke's Clinics are an integrated network of highly skilled health care professionals in locations throughout our region.

Our Medical Providers

	Catherine Atup-Leavitt, MD is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Cebu Institute of Medicine in the Philippines. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Rush-Westlake Internal Medicine Residency Program, where she served as chief resident.
	Andrea Axtell, MD earned her medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University and completed her residency through Legacy Health System.
	James H. Gallafent, MD is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemical sciences from Harvard College and his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency through the University of Washington, serving as chief resident of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, Boise track.
	Michael Hedemark, MD is board certified in internal medicine. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Whitman College and his MBA from Boise State University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at the University of Washington, finishing residency as chief resident at the Boise VA Medical Center.
	Frank N. Johnson, MD is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Pacific Lutheran University and his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Washington and served as chief resident at the Boise VA Medical Center.
	Natasha Miltner, MD earned bachelor's degrees in psychology and biology from Drake University and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin Medical School. She completed her internship and residency at Oregon Health & Science University.
	Anne Poinier, MD is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Washington University and her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at the University of Washington.
	Benjamin Powers, MD practices adult general internal medicine, including all aspects of acute care, chronic disease management, and preventive care. He earned his bachelor's degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego. He completed his residency and served as chief resident at Duke University, where he also earned his master's degree in health science.
	Brandie Collins, PA-C is a board certified physician assistant. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physician assistant sciences from Saint Francis College.
	Andrew Valerio, PA-C earned bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering technology from the Metropolitan Sate College of Denver and in physician assistant studies from the U.S. Air Force Training Program at the University of Nebraska. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Your Appointment
We try to stay on time, as a courtesy to you and others. Since paperwork may take a few minutes, please arrive early. As emergencies do occur, there may be occasions when your appointment time will be delayed. We will always try to keep you informed in the event of a delay, and will be happy to reschedule your appointment, if you prefer. We ask that you respect the appointment time we have reserved for you, and call 24 hours ahead to cancel or change appointments so that others may be helped during that time.

Communication with your provider is extremely important. It may be helpful for you to write down questions for your doctor or nurse practitioner prior to your visit. Bring a list of medications and the dosages, or bring the bottles with you.

Make sure you understand any instructions you are given. If clarification is needed, review your instructions with the provider or medical assistant before you leave. If you aren’t doing well after your visit, we want to hear from you. Our goal is to improve your health.

Insurance Plans
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare, in-state Medicaid, Tricare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and others.

Medication Refills
Talk with your provider at each visit to be sure your prescriptions are up to date. For refills, contact your pharmacy. Your pharmacy will then contact our office for verification and approval. For patient safety, narcotics cannot be refilled outside of office hours. Talk with your provider before your prescription runs out, and please allow 48 hours for refills.