So, you’re looking for a Dr. Ryan in Flagstaff. You’d think that’s a simple search, right? Well, it’s kinda not. If you start digging, you’ll actually find a few different specialists in town sharing that name.
Most people searching for Dr. Ryan Flagstaff AZ are actually looking for Dr. Keith Ryan, a long-standing internist who has been a staple of the local medical community for decades. But there is also Dr. Ryan Zate, who handles complex spine and pain issues, and Dr. Ryan Tuinstra, who is a well-known dentist downtown.
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Navigating the mountain town's healthcare scene can be a bit of a maze if you don't know who does what. Here is the real breakdown of the providers you're likely trying to find.
The "Original" Dr. Ryan: Keith Ryan, MD
When people talk about "Dr. Ryan" in a general medical context around here, they usually mean Keith Ryan. He runs Ryan Internal Medicine over on Rim Drive.
He's a board-certified internal medicine specialist. Basically, he’s the guy you see for the "big picture" of adult health. We’re talking chronic disease management—think diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma—alongside preventative wellness.
What’s his vibe?
Patients often mention that he actually listens. That sounds like a low bar, but in today’s world of 10-minute "in-and-out" appointments, it matters. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia and did his residency at the University of Utah. He’s also a local at heart; he got his undergrad degree at NAU and even plays in a local band called F-Town Sound.
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Important Logistics:
One thing that catches people off guard is that Ryan Internal Medicine has an annual membership fee of $100. It’s not covered by insurance. It’s a bit of a "concierge-light" model that helps them manage the practice size so you don’t feel like a number.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1350 Rim Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Phone: 928-213-5881
- Specialty: Primary care for adults (Internal Medicine)
The Specialist: Dr. Ryan Zate, DO
If your back is killing you or you’re dealing with a sports injury that won’t quit, you might actually be looking for Dr. Ryan Zate.
He’s at Northern Arizona Orthopaedics. Unlike Dr. Keith Ryan, Dr. Zate is a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation). He focuses on the "mechanics" of the body. He’s fellowship-trained in Interventional Spine Medicine, which means he does the high-tech stuff like spinal nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablations.
Why people go to him
He handles the stuff that makes life miserable—sciatica, pinched nerves, and degenerative spine conditions. He’s known for being incredibly thorough with diagnostics. He often uses electrodiagnosis (nerve conduction studies) to figure out exactly which nerve is acting up before suggesting a treatment plan.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1840 North Jasper Drive, Suite 2, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Phone: 928-226-2900
- Specialty: Pain management and non-surgical orthopedics
The Dentist: Dr. Ryan Tuinstra, DDS
Maybe your "medical" search is actually for a toothache. Dr. Ryan Tuinstra owns High Country Family Dentistry.
He took over the practice from Dr. Kurt Geisel back in 2020. He’s a native Arizonan and graduated from the UCSF School of Dentistry. If you’re looking for someone who uses the latest tech—like CEREC single-visit crowns where you don't have to wear a temporary for two weeks—he’s your guy.
Patient Experience
His office is over on Humphreys Street, right in the heart of town. Patients generally rave about the "painless" experience there. It’s a family-oriented practice, so they see everyone from kids to seniors. Plus, he has a 100lb Bernese Mountain Dog named Harlow who is basically a local celebrity.
Contact Info:
- Address: 504 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Phone: 928-779-3666
- Specialty: General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Making the Right Choice
Honestly, Flagstaff is a small town, and these offices fill up fast. If you're looking for a new primary care doctor, check with your insurance first. Dr. Keith Ryan is affiliated with Flagstaff Medical Center, which is huge if you ever need hospital-level care.
If you are dealing with chronic pain, Dr. Zate is usually the go-to, but you might need a referral from your primary doctor first.
A Few Insider Tips for Flagstaff Healthcare:
- The "Mountain Time" Factor: Traffic on Milton or Fort Valley Rd can be a nightmare during tourist season or a snowstorm. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes.
- Patient Portals: Both Ryan Internal Medicine and Northern Arizona Orthopaedics use patient portals. Use them. It’s ten times faster than waiting on hold to get a prescription refill.
- Altitude and Health: If you’re new to town, remember that Dr. Ryan (either one!) will tell you that hydration is different at 7,000 feet. If you’re feeling sluggish, it might just be the thin air.
Before you call, have your insurance card ready and a list of your current medications. It sounds basic, but it saves everyone a headache.
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Next Steps for You:
Check your insurance provider list to see which Dr. Ryan is "in-network" for your specific plan. If you are looking for primary care and don't mind the $100 annual fee for better access, call the Rim Drive office. If you have a specific injury, head toward Northern Arizona Orthopaedics on Jasper Drive.