Appointments: (469) 898-8869 or (972) 468-9999
Some of Our Other Services
Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a medical specialty focused on providing exceptional, patient-centered care specifically for older adults. This group of patients often has unique health concerns, which primary care doctors with a special interest in geriatrics, or geriatricians, are specifically trained to address. Unlike younger adults, older adults may experience illness, disease, and medication reactions differently, and often have multiple overlapping health problems requiring a more comprehensive approach to care. Geriatricians work to prevent and manage illnesses, and develop care plans that target the specific health needs of older adults.
Preventative Care and An Annual Physical Exam
Preventive care is essential for maintaining good health and preventing or catching health issues early. An annual physical exam with a primary care doctor is an important part 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.
- 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 make lifestyle changes that promote good health.
- Catching health issues early: Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, an annual physical exam can help catch health issues early. For example, routine screenings for certain cancers, such as breast, cervical, and colon cancer, can detect early signs of the disease when it is easier to treat.
- Building a relationship with a primary care doctor: By scheduling regular annual physical exams with a primary care doctor, patients can build a relationship with a provider who knows their health history, medications, and any ongoing health issues. This can help improve the quality of care and lead to better health outcomes.
Overall, annual physical exams are an important part of preventive care and can help patients stay healthy and catch health issues early.
Lipid Management
During your initial consultation, we conduct blood tests to determine the type of lipid disorder you have and to investigate if factors other than diet or heredity may be causing the disorder. There are numerous disorders that could cause lipid imbalances, and treating the underlying illness can also address the lipid disorder.
Managing your diet is an important factor in controlling your lipids, and thus all patients meet with a nutritionist who conducts a food survey and works with you to make dietary changes. We often discuss a customized fitness plan tailored to your individual needs and capabilities. Our physicians discuss various medication therapies and identify alternative medications for patients who cannot tolerate standard statin drugs. Follow-up visits are scheduled to review lab results, evaluate the effectiveness of dietary changes, and discuss potential medication adjustments.
Educating patients is critical in changing behavior, so our physician will provide 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.
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. Your family history can also be helpful in diagnosing rheumatic diseases, so we will want to know as much about your family history as possible.
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 tests to assess for additional potential clues to the possible 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, referral to physical or occupational therapy, referral to other specialists, or joint/tendon injections. Some musculoskeletal problems can be challenging to diagnose and may require several visits with us.
During follow-up appointments, we may treat recurring conditions or talk with patients about medications, coping mechanisms, techniques for preventing disability or regaining function, and ways to improve their quality of life. We're committed to providing comprehensive 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, causing respiratory problems.
At our primary care group, our physicians specialize in treating diseases related to the lungs, airways, and chest. We provide care for patients of all ages, from the very sick to those with sleep disorders. If surgery is necessary, we work with experienced physicians to provide our patients with the best care possible.
We can help with various respiratory conditions, including allergy medicine, rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergy skin testing referrals. We also offer immunotherapy and biologic injections if necessary to help alleviate symptoms of allergies. Additionally, we can assist patients with chronic cough, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia.
Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive care for their respiratory health needs. Whether you're experiencing minor respiratory issues or have a chronic condition, we are here to help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life.
Skin Cancer Evaluation
Regular skin cancer screenings are an important aspect of maintaining your overall health and well-being. At our clinic, our doctors are trained to check for signs of skin cancer during routine physical exams or scheduled skin cancer screenings. We recommend that everyone performs regular self-exams starting at the age of 18, as skin cancer is very common and can affect people of all skin colors.
During a skin cancer screening, our doctors will examine your skin for any suspicious areas, such as moles or growths that have changed in size, shape, or color. They will also review your medical history and any risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing skin cancer. If our doctors find a suspicious area of skin during the exam, they may order further testing or refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.
If you have had skin cancer in the past or have a higher-than-normal risk of developing skin cancer, we may recommend that you have a regular yearly skin cancer screening. This can help detect any new growths early on when they are more treatable. Additionally, if you have a family history of skin cancer or unusual moles, such as Gorlin syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum, we may recommend more frequent skin cancer screenings.
In addition to skin cancer screenings, our doctors can also provide education and guidance on how to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. This may include recommendations on using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight, and staying away from tanning beds. By taking proactive steps to protect your skin and detect any potential issues early on, you can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and maintain your overall health and well-being.