Specialties

Mid-State Sports Medicine 221 North Oak Ave. Cookeville, TN U.S.A. 38501 View map Phone 931-525-6676 Fax 931-525-6689

My staff is committed to giving you the best customer service possible when you come to my practice. Each member of my staff is a professional with experience in working in a physician's practice. My staff and I work as a team for you - we are all here to answer any types of questions you may have. Here is a list of my staff, along with their titles:

James W. Cates, M.D. - Primary Care Physician. Dr. Cates comes to our practice with over 17 years of experience in primary care and emergency medicine. He has worked with me in the treatment of sports injuries for over 7 years. He is happy to work in our office three days a week to assist our patients and myself. He and I typically follow the same treatment protocols and often share in the care of our patients. We are always in close contact and work well together to ensure each patient receives the best care possible.

Marcia Reel - Office Manager. Marcia has been with our office since January 2004. She coordinates all the activity of the office including insurance, staffing, and physician management.

Joe Buck and Jill Layne - X-ray Technicians.

Vernita Young - Certified Athletic Trainer. Vernita's athletic training background gives her a wonderful understanding of each athlete's need. She assists the doctor in many ways.

Daniel Shaver - Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN. Daniel
began working with us in November 2004. He will bring you into a room and take your medical history. He is also able to fit you with braces or splints as directed by the doctor. He will be able to assist with many of your medical needs.

Mashell Cooper - Check-Out Receptionist. Mashell will assist you after you see the physician. She will schedule special testing, physical therapy, and assist you with your payment. She works daily with our bililng company to ensure the patient's bill is correct. Mashell works with the insurance companies to make sure all surgeries are pre-certified.

Alexis Twyman - Check-In Receptionist. Alexis will greet you when you arrive at our office. She will have paperwork for you to fill out and will need a copy of your insurance card. She will call you with a reminder of your appointment time.

When you enter my practice, Alexis will greet you, take your insurance information and let the other staff know that you are here for your appointment. When you leave the waiting area and come to one of the examination rooms, Vernita or Daniel will talk with you about how you sustained your injury, what other physicians you may have seen because of your injury, and what your thoughts are regarding the injury. Joe or Jill will be taking any x-rays necessary. Typically we will always take x-rays on your first visit. Mashell will make your next appointment and will assist you with your payment and insurance questions. Marcia is available by phone or email, so if you have an administrative question or concern, please feel free to contact her anytime.