For appointments regarding diabetes management, endocrinology, hormone therapy, and thyroid disorders, please call us at (469) 898-8869 or (972) 468-9999. We also offer patient education to help you understand your health better.
Some of Our Other Services
Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a medical specialty dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care specifically tailored for older adults. This population often faces unique health concerns that geriatricians, or primary care doctors with a special interest in geriatric care, are thoroughly trained to address. Unlike younger adults, older patients may experience illness, disease, and medication reactions in distinct ways, frequently grappling with multiple overlapping health issues that necessitate a more comprehensive approach to care. Geriatricians focus on preventive care, lipid management, and the development of individualized care plans that cater to the specific health needs of older adults, including essential evaluations like pulmonary evaluation and skin cancer screenings.
Preventative Care and An Annual Physical Exam
Preventive care is essential for maintaining good health and catching health issues early, especially in geriatric care. An annual physical exam with a primary care doctor is a crucial aspect of preventive care. Here are a few reasons why:
Assessing overall health: During an annual physical exam, a primary care doctor can assess your overall health and well-being by performing various screenings and tests, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and BMI. These tests can help identify potential health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes, before they become more serious. This includes important aspects like lipid management to keep cholesterol levels in check.
Tracking health goals: Regular physical exams allow patients to track their progress toward health goals, such as weight loss, healthy eating, and regular exercise. Primary care doctors can offer advice and resources to help patients achieve their goals and implement lifestyle changes that promote good health. This is imperative for older adults who may be focused on maintaining their health as they age.
Catching health issues early: Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, an annual physical exam can help catch health issues early. For instance, routine screenings for certain cancers, including skin cancer screenings and evaluations for pulmonary issues, can detect early signs of disease when they are easier to treat.
Building a relationship with a primary care doctor: By scheduling regular annual physical exams with a primary care doctor, patients can forge a relationship with a provider who understands their health history, medications, and any ongoing health issues. This personalized approach can enhance the quality of care and result in better health outcomes.
Overall, annual physical exams play a pivotal role in preventive care, helping patients stay healthy and catching health issues early.
Lipid Management
During your initial consultation, we conduct blood tests as part of our preventive care to determine the type of lipid disorder you have and to investigate if factors other than diet or heredity may be contributing to the issue. Numerous disorders can cause lipid imbalances, and treating any underlying conditions can also help in lipid management.
Managing your diet is a crucial aspect of controlling your lipids, so all patients engage with a nutritionist who performs a food survey and collaborates with you on dietary changes. We also discuss a customized fitness plan, tailored to your individual needs and capabilities, which is an important component of geriatric care. Our physicians explore various medication therapies, particularly identifying alternative medications for patients who may not tolerate standard statin drugs. Follow-up visits are scheduled to review lab results, evaluate the effectiveness of dietary changes, and consider potential medication adjustments.
Educating patients is vital in facilitating behavior change; therefore, our physician provides comprehensive information on lipids, including acceptable ranges, potential complications from medications, and strategies for managing your lipids—such as food shopping, selection, and portion control. Additionally, patients will learn about the likelihood of family members having similar lipid disorders and how they can also undergo blood testing. For patients at higher risk, we may recommend additional assessments, including pulmonary evaluations and skin cancer screenings.
Rheumatologic Evaluation and Joint Issues
At our medical practice, we understand that diagnosing musculoskeletal problems can sometimes be complex and challenging. That's why our doctors will gather a complete medical history and perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms that may give clues to the cause of the problem. Patient family history can also be helpful in diagnosing rheumatic diseases, so we will want to know as much about your family background as possible.
In addition to our efforts to diagnose musculoskeletal issues, we emphasize the importance of preventive care, which includes regular screenings such as skin cancer screenings and lipid management. Our doctors will review the results of any prior testing and may order additional laboratory tests, imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), or other evaluations, including pulmonary evaluations, to assess for additional potential clues to the underlying cause of your musculoskeletal problem. We will then combine all of these results to determine the source of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Our treatment recommendations may include medications, referrals to physical or occupational therapy, or consultations with other specialists, as well as joint or tendon injections. Some musculoskeletal issues can be challenging to diagnose and may require several visits with us.
During follow-up appointments, we may treat recurring conditions or discuss with patients about medications, coping mechanisms, and techniques for preventing disability or regaining function, along with strategies to improve their quality of life. We're committed to providing comprehensive care, including geriatric care, to help our patients feel their best.
Pulmonary Evaluation - COPD, Asthma and Allergies
Breathing is essential for our body's proper functioning, and our lungs play a crucial role in this process. However, illnesses or diseases affecting the airways, lung tissue, cardiovascular system, or caused by neurological or muscular conditions can limit the amount of air reaching our lungs, leading to respiratory problems.
At our primary care group, our physicians specialize in geriatric care and treating diseases related to the lungs, airways, and chest. We provide comprehensive preventive care for patients of all ages, from the very sick to those with sleep disorders. If surgery is necessary, we collaborate with experienced physicians to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.
We can help with various respiratory conditions, including allergy medicine, rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergy skin testing referrals. If necessary, we also offer immunotherapy and biologic injections to alleviate symptoms of allergies. Additionally, our services cover chronic cough, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia, along with thorough pulmonary evaluations.
Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care for their respiratory health needs. Whether you're experiencing minor respiratory issues or managing chronic conditions, we are here to help you breathe easier and enhance your quality of life. We also offer lipid management and skin cancer screenings to address a diverse range of health concerns.
Skin Cancer Evaluation
Regular skin cancer screenings are a crucial part of preventive care for maintaining your overall health and well-being. At our clinic, our doctors, who are also trained in geriatric care, conduct thorough examinations to check for signs of skin cancer during routine physical exams or scheduled skin cancer screenings. We recommend that everyone begins regular self-exams starting at the age of 18, as skin cancer is very prevalent and can affect individuals of all skin colors.
During a skin cancer screening, our doctors will examine your skin for any suspicious areas, including moles or growths that may have changed in size, shape, or color. They will also review your medical history and assess any risk factors that could elevate your likelihood of developing skin cancer. If a suspicious area is identified during the exam, further testing may be ordered, or a referral to a dermatologist for a pulmonary evaluation could be suggested.
For patients with a history of skin cancer or those at a higher-than-normal risk, such as individuals with a family history of skin cancer or conditions like Gorlin syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum, we may recommend regular yearly skin cancer screenings to help detect new growths early when they are more treatable. In addition to skin cancer screenings, our team can provide valuable education on lipid management and guidance on reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. This may include advice on the use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and steering clear of tanning beds. By taking proactive measures to protect your skin and catch any potential issues early, you can help minimize your risk of skin cancer and maintain your overall health and well-being.