Plenty of people put off finding a primary care doctor for one specific reason: they’re scared of needles. If the thought of a blood draw makes your stomach drop, you’re not being dramatic, and you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common reasons people delay the routine care that actually keeps them healthy.
At the practice of Dr. Marina Fest, DNP, in Staten Island, we’d rather you come in nervous than not come in at all. A little fear of a blood test shouldn’t stand between you and good primary care, and part of our job is making that part of the visit as manageable as possible.
Care That Takes the Fear Out of Routine Lab Work
A blood draw takes a couple of minutes. The worry around it can last for days beforehand. We get that, and we don’t treat needle anxiety as something to rush past. One patient came to us after choosing the practice from patient reviews and told us she has a major phobia of blood draws. She described the team sitting with her, keeping her calm and comfortable, and not making her feel judged for being scared. That’s the experience we want anyone with the same worry to be able to picture before they book.
Blood Draws Done Right in Our Office
Getting your lab work done in the same place you see your doctor removes a step and a source of stress. There’s no separate trip to an outside lab and no unfamiliar setting. For our patients, having blood drawn in the office means the people handling it already know you and your history, and you’re in a space where you’re comfortable asking questions. It also keeps your care connected, since your results come straight back to the clinician who ordered them.
A Team That Doesn’t Rush You
Feeling rushed is one of the fastest ways to make anxiety worse. Several things this patient mentioned came back to the same theme: the doctor took her time, sat with her, and treated her with patience rather than moving her along. She also described the front desk staff as pleasant and welcoming, which matters more than people expect. The first face you see sets the tone for the whole visit. Our approach centers on personalized, attentive care, and that includes the small moments that make a nervous patient feel looked after.
Why This Matters for Your Long Term Health
Avoiding blood work isn’t just about one uncomfortable moment. Routine lab testing is how a lot of conditions get caught early, from issues with your metabolism to markers your doctor watches over time. Dr. Fest’s practice focuses on disease prevention and long-term wellness, and lab work is a big part of that picture. When the experience feels manageable, you’re far more likely to keep up with the testing that protects your health year after year.
Choosing a Primary Care Doctor You Trust
Finding the right primary care provider is a personal decision, and comfort is a legitimate thing to weigh. Dr. Fest, DNP-C, brings clinical experience across areas including cardiology, nephrology, dialysis, and rehabilitation, and she cares for patients aged 14 and up in Staten Island. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, due for a physical, or just overdue for a checkup you’ve been avoiding, the goal is care that fits the person in front of us.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If fear of blood work has been keeping you from finding a primary care doctor, our practice is a good place to start. We’ll take the time to make you comfortable, and we won’t judge you for being nervous.
To book an appointment, call (718) 285-4440 or visit https://drmarinafestdnp.com/book-now/. The office is located at 2627 Hylan Blvd D2, Staten Island, NY 10306.
FAQs
Is blood work done in the office?
Yes. Blood draws and lab work are handled at the practice, so you don’t need a separate trip to an outside lab.
Where is Dr. Marina Fest’s practice located?
The office is at 2627 Hylan Blvd D2, Staten Island, NY 10306. You can reach the practice at (718) 285-4440.
What are the office hours?
Monday through Wednesday, 9 AM to 4 PM; Thursday, 11 AM to 7 PM; and Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday.
What ages does the practice see?
Dr. Fest cares for patients aged 14 and up.
What primary care services are offered?
Services include preventive medicine and immunizations, chronic disease management such as diabetes care, physical exams (routine, employee, sports, school, and pre-op), and medication management with referrals. Telehealth is available for patients in New York and Florida.
