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Do you need durable medical equipment and devices (DME) for your health condition, disability, or injury? If so, you may be facing some challenges, such as high costs, limited availability, insurance issues, and lack of convenience. But what if we told you that there is a better way to get the DME you need, without breaking the bank, wasting time, or compromising quality?
We are excited to announce a new partnership between My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store, two online platforms that provide telemedicine and medical equipment services. This partnership allows you to use My Virtual Physician to get online consultations, prescriptions, ordering, and billing for DME, and use Your Medical Store to get the products delivered to your doorsteps, with your insurance covering the costs. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not. It’s real, and it’s here to help you.
In this blog post, we will explain what DME is, why it is important, what are the challenges of getting it, how the partnership between My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store works, and what are the advantages of using them as your “go-to” providers. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how you can get the DME you need, with ease, efficiency, and satisfaction.
DME is a term that refers to items needed to function at home with a medical condition, disability, or injury. Some examples of DME are:
DME is important for many patients, as it can improve their quality of life, reduce complications, and prevent hospitalizations. For instance, patient lifts and slings can help a caregiver safely move their loved one or patient from bed to chair or chair to bath time, oxygen equipment can help patients with respiratory conditions breathe better, and wheelchairs can help patients with mobility issues move around. DME can also help patients recover from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses, and maintain their independence and dignity.
DME has been shown to have positive effects on health outcomes, such as reducing mortality, morbidity, and readmissions, and increasing adherence, satisfaction, and quality of life.
Despite the benefits of DME, many patients face difficulties when they need it. Some of the common challenges are:
These challenges are not uncommon and have been reported by many patients and studies. For instance, a recent survey found that 40% of Medicare beneficiaries who used DME experienced problems with access, cost, or quality, and another report found that 20% of Medicare beneficiaries who used oxygen equipment had difficulties with delivery, service, or repairs.
Fortunately, there is a solution to these challenges: the partnership between My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store. These two online platforms work together to provide you with telemedicine and medical equipment services, in a simple, convenient, and affordable way. Here is how it works:
As you can see, the partnership between My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store makes it easy for you to get the DME you need, without any of the challenges mentioned above. You just need to sign up for My Virtual Physician, schedule an appointment with a doctor, get a prescription for DME, and My Virtual Physician will place your order with Your Medical Store. Then, you can sit back and relax, and wait for your DME to arrive at your home, with your insurance paying for it.
By using My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store as your “go-to” providers for DME, you can enjoy many advantages, such as:
In conclusion, if you need DME for your health condition, disability, or injury, you don’t have to settle for the traditional way of getting it, which can be costly, inconvenient, and frustrating. You can use the new partnership between My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store, which offers you a convenient and affordable solution for getting DME with your insurance and online doctor.
By using My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store, you can get online consultations, prescriptions, ordering, and billing for DME, and get the products delivered to your home, usually free of charge. You can also save money, time, and hassle, and get DME that meets your medical needs and preferences, from reputable sources and experts. You can also improve your health outcomes, quality of life, and peace of mind, and enjoy the benefits of telemedicine and online delivery.
If you are interested in using My Virtual Physician and Your Medical Store for your DME needs, you can visit their websites at www.myvirtualphysician.com and www.your-medical-store.com, or contact them at (888) 224-0804 or info@myvirtualphysician.com and (800) 876-8143 or info@your-medical-store.com. You can also sign up for My Virtual Physician and schedule a virtual visit with a doctor and browse the DME products available on Your Medical Store and check out with the option to use your insurance and online doctor.
Dr. David Howard of My Virtual Physician was honored to be part of Crosspoint's 16th Annual Community Resource Fair in Santo Antonio, Texas, an event dedicated to building
safer and stronger communities by empowering individuals in their transition from incarceration or addiction.
Crosspoint, a longstanding pillar of hope in the Santo Antonio community, has been tirelessly working to empower individuals as they transition from incarceration or addiction. Their mission is clear: to be a model of personal and community restoration. The Community Resource Fair, now in its 16th year, is a shining testament to their unwavering dedication to this cause.
The Community Resource Fair hosted by Crosspoint brings together 25 community agencies that offer various resources to the city's residents. These services encompass a wide range of needs, from medical assistance to housing support, job placement, mental health resources, and more. With My Virtual Physician's participation, individuals in
attendance are assured of quality medical care.
My Virtual Physician's active participation in Crosspoint's 16th Annual Community Resource Fair is a commendable display of solidarity and support for individuals transitioning from incarceration, as well as their dedication to providing accessible healthcare services.
Our mission at My Virtual Physician is to provide all people with the best Telemedicine services. Ultimately, we want to fill the gap in men, women, and children's health services when local offices cannot get them in, don’t offer same-day services, or there are other barriers to care.
Our hope as a Telemedicine service provider is to give everyone a safe, secure, and convenient method for getting the proper care when they need it.
A new test to detect preeclampsia was just approved by the FDA Read on to learn more about why this is a big deal!
Historically, the United States has more pregnancy-related deaths than other developed nations. And over the last two decades, that number has continued to rise—more than doubling since 1999.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 17.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with causes ranging from heart complications like hypertension and preeclampsia to blood loss and post-surgical infections.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related complication seen after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If a woman has preeclampsia during pregnancy, it usually shows up as high blood pressure (hypertension) and the presence of proteins in the urine.
This life-threatening condition puts both mom and baby at risk. For a pregnant mother, high blood pressure increases the risk of seizures and strokes that can cause permanent brain damage and may lead to death. For babies, this condition increases the possibility of placental abruption or preterm delivery, each coming with its own set of risks.
In the US, 1 in every 25 pregnancies results in a preeclampsia diagnosis–a shocking statistic that continues to increase.
Preeclampsia is diagnosed in pregnant women after 20 weeks gestation who present with hypertension along with at least one of these symptoms:
Regular blood pressure checks during routine prenatal visits is the first step to identify preeclampsia. Women with elevated blood pressure will be monitored more closely to determine individual risk level and treatment options.
When hypertension becomes a complication in pregnancy, doctors often order additional blood or urine tests to check for proteins, platelet counts, and other indicators of abnormal organ function.
Preeclampsia is a serious, life-threatening complication. Since preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition, the primary treatment option is to deliver the baby.
However, if the pregnancy is very preterm, early delivery can pose risks to the baby. Treatment plans might include close observation along with symptomatic treatment for preeclampsia to allow the pregnancy to continue.
The common theme with preeclampsia is that it’s not a very specific condition. While high blood pressure is a hallmark symptom, not all hypertensive pregnant women have preeclampsia. Other symptoms include headaches and dizziness, which are also non-specific symptoms of other conditions, including a healthy pregnancy.
Currently, less than 50% of severe preeclampsia cases are identified through traditional testing. For those patients with severe high blood pressure, the urine protein test can increase those odds up to 80%–but that still leaves a pretty big gap.
It’s often up to the keen eye of a watchful doctor and the self-reporting of the patient to raise the warning flag and warrant a closer investigation. However, a new blood test from Thermo-Fisher Scientific is helping provide a clearer picture with an astounding 94% accuracy rate.
A biomarker, or biological marker, is a general label for any biological attribute that can be identified and measured in a biological test of blood, urine, or other specimens. Most often, this is the presence or absence of a substance in the genetic material that indicates normal or abnormal biological function.
This test, specifically, measures a number of placenta-related proteins in the blood, providing results in a ratio format. This test is not a replacement for conventional testing but rather a supplement that helps doctors analyze risk levels for an individual patient.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved this blood test after seeing accurate results from a study of more than 700 patients in 18 separate hospitals. The test can effectively predict the onset of preeclampsia in high-risk patients within a two-week window.
This means the test can help doctors decide when it is safe to discharge pregnant patients hospitalized with hypertension–giving them a reliable tool to know who is safe to go home. This new blood test for preeclampsia is expected to have a positive impact, helping to reduce the maternal mortality rate in the United States.
The new preeclampsia blood test from Thermo-Fisher is a big step in the right direction for reducing the number of deaths from pregnancy-related complications. Many of these deaths result from cardiovascular stress, like pregnancy-induced hypertension. This test now helps doctors be proactive and identify patients who are most at risk of developing the condition.
My Virtual Physician wants to help those affected by the recent tragedy in Mississippi.
Our hearts go out to the victims, families, and those affected by the tragic tornadoes in the state. We would like to extend a hand in any way we can by immediately helping increase access to affordable healthcare for those affected by the devastating tornado.
My Virtual Physician is an online healthcare provider with the ability to serve patients across all 50 states. We already have the framework in place to assist patients from across the United States, including Mississippi. Our caring and compassionate virtual doctors are here to meet the medical need in this time of crisis. Our diverse group of board-certified physicians are trained in multiple areas to address a wide range of health conditions.
Our specialists include:
As an established online provider, we’d like to offer our services to those suffering as a result of the tornado by providing round-the-clock medical support to supplement local providers. If you or a loved one has been affected and want the opportunity to be seen by a virtual doctor, My Virtual Physician is here to help.
Our practice is in-network with Mississippi Medicaid. For those without insurance coverage, My Virtual Physician will offer no-cost healthcare to residents who are affected by the tornado over the next 30 days.
Call (888) 224-0804 or schedule an appointment below to get care now. If you wish to take advantage of the free care as a Mississippi resident, be sure to note such in your scheduling details.
In a 21st century world of convenience, we’ve already got the ability to visit with doctors from the comfort of our own homes through telemedicine and virtual visits. But there’s another post-pandemic trend on the verge of emergence in the way that we visit the doctor. Mobile clinics are on the rise.
They’ve already been around for a few decades, but thanks to recently passed legislation—mobile healthcare clinics are about to get an overhaul and become a lot more commonplace, picking up 40% growth since 2019.
Find out what the new law is and how it is slated to impact your healthcare in a great big way!
The MOBILE Health Care Act is a new law (passed in 2022) that makes it easier for Medicaid healthcare providers to use federal funding to purchase and operate mobile clinics. The law was created in order to cut some red tape that previously required a brick-and-mortar facility in the region before federal funding could be used for mobile units. By eliminating the physical location requirement, it’s anticipated to expand healthcare access to harder-to-reach areas like rural communities.
Everyone can benefit from the new law. However, it’s especially exciting for rural communities that have limited options for healthcare. Other groups that will likely experience better access to healthcare include:
It’s important to note that low-income families who depend on Medicaid to pay for medical expenses are often limited by choice. Combining the monetary limitations of only having a small selection of doctors who accept Medicaid with the physical boundaries of rural areas can drastically reduce access to healthcare in these regions. Mobile clinics offer an opportunity to reach more Medicaid patients where they live and work.
My Virtual Physician is excited about the future of healthcare and how the new MOBILE Health Care Act can increase access to patients even further than telemedicine alone. We see a future where these mobile healthcare vans provide easy and convenient access to specialists to all patients—regardless of location, income level, or other circumstances. We understand there are inherent hurdles to overcome with patient access to telemedicine, and we embrace the future of merging telemedicine with mobile healthcare when and where it’s appropriate.
By combining telemedicine services with mobile clinics, patients will be granted access to hundreds of doctors rather than just the ones who are physically aboard the van. Today, technology and new legislation is letting doctors shift to meeting patients more effectively where they’re at rather than the other way around.
The MOBILE Health Care Act takes the future of healthcare a step in the right direction.
There’s been a recent spike in positive RSV tests in the Las Vegas region. CDC data shows a jump to over 5% of positive PCR tests that began in September and October.
This spike resembles last year’s Vegas RSV data for September, but preliminary information looks like it might be doubling October’s numbers. So is it cause for concern?
Here’s everything you need to know about RSV if you’re living or staying in Las Vegas.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a seasonal respiratory virus that resembles the common cold, but can develop into a more serious illness for some people.
Each year, this virus spikes during cold weather months, typically late fall. This cycle, the CDC surveillance noticed that the peak is happening earlier than usual across the country, and hospitals are seeing more patients coming in with RSV.
The symptoms of RSV appear within a week after exposure, and they can include a series of effects lasting one to two weeks, such as:
For infants under one year old, the symptoms can be difficult to identify and can include the following:
For most people, the RSV virus is not dangerous. The immune system naturally takes care of the virus with a one-to-two-week recovery period. Some populations are at a higher risk (babies under the age of one) of developing serious complications, including:
RSV is so common that most children contract and recover from RSV before turning two years old. Having RSV isn’t necessarily a cause for concern—but keep a close eye on the more troubling symptoms involving difficulty breathing and look for signs of dehydration.
Infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems or existing breathing problems are at a higher risk when it comes to RSV. Their bodies may struggle more than others to heal from the virus and may require medical intervention.
Here’s a list of specific factors that may also put you or your loved ones at a higher risk of RSV-related complications:
If you or someone in your family is at a higher risk of complications from RSV, then follow the precautions in the next section to reduce your chances of exposure. If you have a trip planned to Vegas with your infant, you may want to reschedule until your baby is older and the spike in RSV has passed for the season.
Follow these tips to help reduce the spread of RSV in Las Vegas and elsewhere:
If you believe you or your child has RSV, stay home for at least one week after symptoms begin. Schools and daycares tend to spread RSV. People with cold or flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with those who are at a higher risk of complications from RSV until they have recovered.
RSV testing is available. There are several types of tests that can be used to diagnose the viral infection. Testing is recommended for more vulnerable populations with symptoms who are at a higher risk of developing severe respiratory infections from the virus.
The testing process varies but one method is very similar to Covid-19 testing; using a nasal swab. Another method requires flushing the nose with saline liquid to collect the sample for lab testing.
In most cases, RSV clears up on its own, and no medical intervention is required. There are not currently any vaccines or medications that are used for recovering from RSV.
Here are some natural remedies that help to relieve the symptoms:
If you need help treating the symptoms and over-the-counter medications are not helping, or you’re not sure about giving your child cold medicine, contact your doctor or pediatrician.
In rare cases, infants or older adults may require treatment in a hospital setting for a few days so that they can get oxygen or IV fluids to help with breathing and hydration while the body recovers. Out of 100 infants under six months old who test positive for RSV, only one or two will require hospitalization.
RSV is a common virus that comes around every year and doesn’t pose much of a problem for most people. However, for some, it can become life-threatening. If you or someone in your family is at a higher risk for RSV-related complications and you’re concerned, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure.
If you’re having symptoms and would like to get tested for RSV because you or someone you are around frequently is at a high risk for complications, contact My Virtual Physician to set up RSV testing or get medical advice to treat symptoms.
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My Virtual Physician has an exciting announcement to celebrate: our hybrid clinic on Paradise Road is now open in Las Vegas!
My Virtual Physician’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and convenient access to healthcare for men, women, and children. In other words, we use telemedicine to fill the healthcare access gap that’s left by the reality that many doctors don’t offer same-day services. Patients who need to see a doctor now have the ability to meet virtually with our team of physicians with same-day appointments.
Our online telemedicine services launched during the pandemic, have grown exponentially, and continue strong today—providing quality healthcare access nationwide, online. We credit our growing team of doctors for our success.
But My Virtual Physician aims higher than simply providing online access to those who have the right equipment for a virtual visit (such as a smartphone or computer equipped with a camera and mic).
Other limitations exist with providing this type of healthcare solely online, including not having a private or safe place to interact virtually and the lack of medical equipment for taking vitals and collecting labs for diagnostics.
To overcome this challenge, My Virtual Physician opened its first one-of-a-kind hybrid clinic in Las Vegas. We’re excited to announce that, despite some major obstacles, we have successfully launched our first physical walk-in location.
Related: Hybrid Medical Clinics: Expanding OBGYN Access in Las Vegas
My Virtual Physician’s hybrid medical clinic is now open at 2217 Paradise Road in Las Vegas. Walk-ins are welcome. Find out our current hours or book an appointment (if preferred) here.
We are pleased to welcome men, women, and children into the physical clinic for a virtual visit in our private patient room, where our videoconferencing equipment is already set up and ready to go. We provide women’s health, pediatric, and primary care services in our hybrid clinic.
My Virtual Physician is proud to have opened the first clinic in Vegas that offers immediate access to online healthcare for those who may not have access to the equipment or private space. We welcome all to come visit us. Find us on Paradise Road! Get Directions Here.
Related: Now Available: Walk-in STD Testing in Las Vegas at Hybrid Clinic
Inside Our Las Vegas Hybrid ClinicTake a peek inside our clinic, where our certified medical assistant (CMA) will greet you! We have a comfortable waiting room for busier times. We also have a private room for patient use where our CMA will take your vitals, give you the tools to collect samples if needed for labs, and then you can meet virtually with our doctors with our private and secure videoconferencing setup.
At times, we do staff the clinic with a nurse manager and other medical professionals who can provide additional services such as wound care, vaccinations, ultrasounds, and more. If you’re interested in these services, please call ahead to (888) 224-0804 so that we can make sure the appropriate staff is present for your visit.
My Virtual Physician offers affordable and immediate access to patients at our new hybrid clinic in Las Vegas. Click to find out more about which services we offer. Welcome to our clinic!
Are you looking for a doctor who accepts Medicaid in Las Vegas? Nearly a million citizens are currently enrolled in Nevada’s Medicaid and CHIP program. It can be challenging to find a provider that accepts Medicaid. Luckily, My Virtual Physician is approved to accept Medicaid as payment for medical services, including doctor’s appointments. Patients can visit online or connect virtually with doctors at our physical hybrid location in Las Vegas, located at 2217 Paradise Road. Read more below to find out how to see a Medicaid doctor in our Las Vegas clinic (or online).
My Virtual Physician has a new physical location on Paradise Road in Las Vegas. At this hybrid location, patients looking for a Medicaid doctor in Vegas can have their vitals taken, get lab samples taken, and connect virtually with a doctor in a private room through our videoconferencing setup.
Whether you just need to get a quick covid test, physical exam, or get a prescription refill, our hybrid clinic in Las Vegas is set up to handle your basic medical needs. We have primary care physicians as well as specialists on staff to meet with you today. Our Nevada specialists include:
Read more about our doctors and which states they are licensed to practice in.
Check the clinic’s current hours here before you visit. As you walk into our clinic, our medical assistant will make you comfortable and take your vital signs for the doctor’s review. You’ll be guided to a private room to meet virtually with one of our doctors via our secure videoconferencing setup. Upon leaving, if you were prescribed any medications, you can either head to the pharmacy or head home to wait on your order-by-mail prescription. We cater to meet patient needs, so just let us know which pharmacy option you prefer during your visit.
If you prefer to schedule an appointment time rather than wait during a walk-in visit, My Virtual Physician welcomes you to reserve an appointment time by filling out the form on this page.
You have options to either book an appointment for a virtual visit on your own equipment (smartphone or computer) from any location in the state or at our physical hybrid location at 2217 Paradise Road in Nevada. Both ways to see your doctor are covered by Medicaid.
If you schedule an appointment time at our hybrid clinic in Las Vegas, your experience will be similar to the walk-in option above. Our medical assistant will welcome you, collect any samples and vitals as needed, and show you to a secure room where you’ll visit privately online with one of our doctors.
A third way to see a Medicaid doctor in Las Vegas is through online appointments. While you’ll need to be a resident of Nevada for the visit to be covered by Nevada Medicaid, you may still be covered by your state’s Medicaid plan in other regions. Check our coverage map and payment page to see if your state’s Medicaid plan is included in our coverage area.
Currently, other states with Medicaid coverage with My Virtual Physician include: Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, and New York.
To schedule your online appointment today, click below.
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Regardless of which part of the state you’re located in, if you prefer not to physically travel to our hybrid clinic, you don’t have to. If you have a smartphone or computer that can record video and sound, then you can meet with our Medicaid doctors through a telemedicine visit online.
The process works as easily as this:
Today, getting medical care is simple and easy. You can quickly find doctors in Las Vegas who take Medicaid. And care is available through a variety of channels, including in-person, hybrid clinics, or 100% virtually. My Virtual Physician is here to help make healthcare more accessible to those who need it, including those who have Medicaid.
As the number of monkeypox cases climbs in the United States during the 2022 outbreak, people are wondering if they should get the vaccine.
Data from today shows nearly 30,000 cases in the US, making up nearly half of the cases in the entire world (just over 75,000 total cases worldwide) this year. Although it’s not very deadly, it’s also not pleasant. So, what can you do to reduce your risk of contracting the monkeypox virus? One option is the monkeypox vaccination.
That brings us to our big announcement: we’re proud to announce that My Virtual Physician is in the process of becoming certified to dispense the monkeypox vaccine inside our Las Vegas Hybrid clinic located at 2217 Paradise Road.
Related: What is Monkeypox and How Can I Get Tested?
Monkeypox is closely related to the smallpox virus, and there are two vaccines that are currently used to prevent monkeypox and smallpox. They are called JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. It’s important to note that certain groups should not get the ACAM2000 version, including:
The JYNNEOS vaccine is provided in a series of two doses, spaced 28 days apart. The injection site can be located in your forearm, shoulder blade, or shoulder muscle. The vaccine is considered effective 14 days after the second dose is received.
ACAM2000 is the alternate monkeypox vaccine, provided in a single dose using a special needle that administers multiple pricks. The injection site will form a lesion that will take several weeks to heal and requires special after-care attention to prevent spreading the live Vaccinia virus to others. This vaccine has a longer period of time to be considered effective, at 28 days after vaccination.
Not everyone should get vaccinated for monkeypox. Right now, the CDC only encourages two major groups of people, who are at a higher risk, to consider vaccination. You should consider vaccination if:
Men who have sex with other men, transgender, and nonbinary people may also be at a higher risk of contracting monkeypox and should consider vaccination. Additionally, if you engage in sexual activity with multiple partners, you could also increase your chance of getting monkeypox.
Even if you’ve already been exposed, the CDC still recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce the severity of symptoms.
If you’re not sure whether you should get vaccinated for monkeypox, contact our doctors at My Virtual Physician, and we’ll help you determine which course of action is right for your situation. If it’s deemed that you qualify for the vaccine, we’ll notify you when it is available at our hybrid clinic on Paradise Road in Las Vegas. Contact us today for more information about the monkeypox vaccine.
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When was your last STD test? It’s hard to keep up with the latest testing recommendations, let alone make sure you’re in line with them. My Virtual Physician wants to make it easier for patients to stay on top of regular STD screening and testing with our hybrid clinic, which now offers walk-in STD Testing in Las Vegas.
Our hybrid clinic is now open and located at 2217 Paradise Road in Las Vegas.
If you’re unsure about whether you’re due for STD testing or which test to get, continue reading below so we can fill you in on the details.
Not everyone needs to get screened or tested every year for STDs. But certain populations are at a higher risk of contracting particular STDs. There are different recommendations for men and women.
In general, get screened or tested at least annually if you are under 25 and sexually active, HIV positive, having symptoms, or have multiple sexual partners. Since many people do not experience any symptoms when they have an STD, it’s important to get tested regularly.
If you’re in this higher-risk group, visit our walk-in clinic in Las Vegas today to get a quick and simple STD test done today.
Even if you’re not in the high-risk group, you may be experiencing symptoms that you’d like to confirm are not a sexually transmitted infection. Here are signs to look out for if you suspect you might have symptoms of an STD:
Read more about specific STDs and when to get screened or tested in these blogs:
Related: The Importance of STD Screening with a Virtual Doctor
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two STDs most commonly tested on a yearly basis for higher-risk individuals, particularly women, since these infections can cause severe complications for the female reproductive anatomy if left untreated.
Rule out HIV at least once in your lifetime if you are sexually active and between the ages of 13 and 64 years old.
Other tests specifically recommended for pregnant women include:
Some clinics offer throat or rectal STD testing options if you suspect an oral or anal infection. Call your doctor to find the best testing facility if you need these areas tested.
If you want to get STD testing done today, visit our hybrid clinic located at 2217 Paradise Road. My Virtual Physician is proud to offer walk-in STD Testing in our Las Vegas location. Alternatively, if you’re outside of the Vegas area or prefer not to leave home, connect with our doctors online to find out how to get an at-home STD test kit sent to your home.
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Getting sick in Vegas is not fun! If you’re in the big city, whether on business, pleasure, or because you live here, you may be looking for a quick way to get tested to rule out Covid-19.
While the drive-through Covid testing sites have shut down, the government has suspended the free at-home test program, and testing requirements for Covid-19 have dropped off, My Virtual Physician aims to provide easy access to Covid testing for those who want to be checked.
With the recent opening of its Hybrid Clinic, located at 2217 Paradise Road in Las Vegas, you can now walk-in to get your Covid testing done right on the Vegas strip.
My Virtual Physician’s hybrid clinic in Las Vegas offers three Covid testing options for your choosing. We can do:
PCR tests are most accurate, but they should be avoided if you tested positive within 90 days since they can still detect prior viral genetic material for that length of time.
Antigen tests are not as reliable and may require multiple tests to confirm results. The CDC recommends repeating this test after 48 hours to ensure an accurate reading.
At-home tests can be purchased over the counter or picked up at our hybrid clinic in Las Vegas. These are antigen tests and can give you results in under 30 minutes from the comfort of your own home. These are ideal if you are picking the test up for someone who prefers to stay at home.
The CDC has updated the Covid-19 testing information and now recommends that you get tested if you have symptoms. Common Covid-19 symptoms include:
Before you visit someone who is at a high risk of severe Covid-19, such as the elderly or immunocompromised, get a Covid test.
If you’re looking to treat your covid-19 symptoms, My Virtual Physician can help with that as well. Our clinic doors are open if you’re in town and need to get tested and consult virtually with our doctors. Treatment must begin within a few days (five to seven days, depending on treatment) after you first have symptoms and is reserved for those who are at higher risk of becoming very sick. Treatment reduces your risk of hospitalization or death from Covid-19.
If you’re not eligible for Covid-19 treatment, our doctors can help you manage your symptoms with a care plan tailored to your experience. Check your eligibility by comparing your situation to the criteria below:
Our physicians can help determine whether you would benefit from Covid-19 treatment, and if so, prescribe the appropriate treatment. Come see us today at our Covid testing site in Las Vegas or schedule your appointment online to address your symptoms and get treatment after a positive at-home test result.
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The new year found Americans mired in the peak of yet another SARS-CoV-2 wave, with the preceding holiday season scarred by overstretched health care systems and testing capacity. In response, the Biden administration has increased the accessibility of at-home COVID-19 tests on multiple fronts.
In January 2022, all US households became eligible to request four free rapid COVID-19 tests either via the website, COVIDTests.gov, or by calling 800-232-0233.
At the same time, the government also mandated that private health insurers cover up to eight at-home antigen tests per month, per covered individual, with reimbursement capped at $12 per testing kit (two tests per kit). Out of pocket costs vary between ~$10-25 per kit. Typically, the insurance provider will cover the upfront cost for in-network pharmacies and retroactively reimburse members who buy test kits from out-of-network pharmacies.
Although Medicare was not initially included in the coverage mandate, at the beginning of February the Biden administration announced that Medicare beneficiaries, including Medicare Advantage, would also become eligible for eight free at-home COVID-19 antigen tests per month, beginning in the early spring.
The expanded coverage will include over 60 million Americans, many of whom fall into the higher risk health category.
Medicaid recipients already have full coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests (8 per month).
Many labs are experiencing long delays –5 days or more– in processing COVID-19 PCR tests.
If this is the case for you, and you are wondering what to do while awaiting your test, you can utilize serial at-home tests (typically rapid antigen tests), if you have access to them. These tests come back in ~ 15 minutes, but they are less sensitive for testing small amounts of the virus and will be negative very early on in the infection. One approach might be to begin testing with antigen tests on day 3 (day 0 is your exposure), then test daily while awaiting the PCR result.
If you are asymptomatic, never develop symptoms, and antigen tests remain negative 5 days apart (eg day 3 and day 8), it is unlikely you have COVID-19.
If you have or develop symptoms of COVID-19, and you are not able to obtain antigen tests OR even if the initial antigen test was negative, assume you likely have COVID-19 and isolate accordingly.
The table below is a basic outline of recommendations regarding what to do while awaiting your PCR test (for a more detailed explanation, including definitions of quarantine vs isolation: https://myvirtualphysician.com/2022/01/22/ive-been-exposed-to-covid-19-what-now/)
*Continue isolating as long as you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and while awaiting test results. You can end isolation after 5 full days if your symptoms are improving AND you are fever-free for 24 hours (without taking any fever-reducing medications), provided your other symptoms have improved.
* Please contact your medical provider if you test positive for COVID-19 and/or if you are experiencing any severe symptoms of COVID-19.
If you haven't yet been in the situation where you've received 'the call', the one in which someone you were recently in close contact with rings you a day or two later to let you know they tested positive for COVID-19 (these days, this means positive for the highly transmissible Omicron variant), it’s highly likely that you may be in the coming weeks. Both Dr. Janet Woodcock, acting head of the FDA, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden's chief medical adviser, stated recently that they expect the majority of Americans will eventually be infected with COVID-19. Mercifully, Omicron infection appears to cause less severe disease than previous variants and a large swath of the population has a degree of protective immunity, either through vaccination and/or a previous infection.
The CDC has recently updated its recommendations for quarantine following COVID-19 exposure. To briefly summarize, if you've just found out you had an exposure and you are not experiencing any symptoms (asymptomatic):
- Stay calm. It takes time for the virus to reach detectable levels. The CDC recommends testing on Day 5 (Day 0 is the day of exposure). Testing experts have noted that Omicron tends to replicate more quickly, though, and suggest that–if possible–at-home testing can begin on day three, and continue daily through day seven.
- If you are fully vaccinated and boosted, then you do not need to quarantine (again, if asymptomatic). However, it is recommended to wear a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95, for 10 days when you are around other people.
- If you are unvaccinated or vaccinated but did not receive a booster, quarantine for 5 days. If you are asymptomatic, you can stop quarantining but should continue to wear a well-fitting mask such as an N95 or KN95 around others for 5 more days.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 AND/OR receive a positive test, isolate for at least 5 days if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. Day 0 is counted as either the first day of symptoms or, for those without symptoms, the date of an initial positive COVID-19 test. Isolation means you stay home, separate yourself from others in your household, and – if necessary to be around them -- wear a well-fitting mask at all times. If you had COVID-19 and had symptoms, you can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without taking any fever-reducing medications), provided your other symptoms have improved. If you tested positive for COVID-19 but never developed symptoms, you can end isolation after 5 full days. In all cases, you should continue wearing a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days (days 6 - 10).
Serial Testing: If you want to take a test at the end of the 5-day isolation period, it is best to use an antigen test (the more sensitive PCR test can detect very low levels of virus and will often stay positive for weeks after infection). If the test result is negative, as above, end isolation and continue mask-wearing through day 10. If the test result is positive, you should continue isolating until day 10. If you continue to test positive on an antigen test after day 10, the safest route is to continue isolation until you have a negative test result. For many people, this may not be feasible; if this is the case, experts recommend continuing to wear a highly effective mask, such as an N95 or KN95, around others, and being mindful of your contacts (eg avoid public transportation and situations where immunocompromised persons may be present).
* Please check in with your health care provider for concerning symptoms or test results
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Many Americans faced job losses this year. That means that a lot of families lost their health insurance. That leaves many wondering, can you make a doctor's appointment without insurance?
Doctors and healthcare facilities allow individuals to book appointments without insurance. When scheduling an appointment, patients are asked about who will pay for the services. Without health insurance, it is possible to pay out-of-pocket. If paying for treatment without insurance coverage, it is important to consider factors like necessity and cost.
Here's what you need to know when booking a doctor's appointment without insurance.
Healthcare providers, like doctors, treat patients' health concerns. When it is time to see a physician, the first step is to contact them for an appointment.
To make an appointment to see the doctor, patients will need these things:
Those who are not covered by a health insurance plan can still schedule an appointment. The doctor's office will charge the patient directly instead of billing an insurance company.
Making a doctor's appointment without insurance is just like making an appointment with coverage. In most situations, patients can receive the same treatment.
Sometimes a test or medication is very expensive without insurance. However, doctors will often discuss what treatments or procedures are necessary and how costly they may be. That is why it is good to talk with a doctor even if you don't have insurance.
A recent poll found that about 44% of Americans would not go to the doctor if sick or injured because of the cost.
Many providers offer discounts for cash-paying customers. Others may be able to arrange payment plans. There is nothing more valuable than your health. Skipping the doctor because you don't have insurance is a bad idea.
An average doctor's appointment costs between $68 and $234, according to Debt.org. The charge may change depending on how difficult the condition is and how much time the doctor spends with the patient.
One cost-saving alternative to an in-office appointment is telemedicine. Online doctors offer significant savings to patients, including the expense of time and travel. And some online doctors offer reduced visit fees as well.
Even those with insurance can benefit from saving money on gas and cutting the wait time by booking a virtual physician appointment. All of the top private health insurers offer some telehealth coverage.
My Virtual Physician offers the best in telemedicine services. They regularly add new insurance plans, but those without insurance can see a doctor today for only $49.99. Each patient at My Virtual Physician receives patient-focused, quality care with or without health coverage.
If you've experienced a job change or lost health insurance coverage, check with My Virtual Physician for a doctor near you. Book now with the secure patient portal. And get the care you need.
Did you know that My Virtual Physician is now accepting SilverSummit Health Insurance? That is great news for residents of Nevada’s Clark and Washoe counties. Members can now book an online doctor appointment with no out-of-pocket expense.
SilverSummit Healthplan provides the best Nevada Medicaid plans. Now they are adding even more value to their services by partnering with My Virtual Physician to give members virtual doctor visits. Residents of Nevada can access doctors to treat a wide range of problems, including:
My Virtual Physician’s caring doctors treat patients right in their own home through a video visit. The office provides appointments for Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) or Primary Care Physician (PCP) services. And patients can book safely and easily through the patient portal.
Health insurance plans are similar because they usually cover the same services. But different plans may:
Some plans are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). These give members a list of doctors to choose from in their network. Insurance will cover services from in-network doctors, but may not cover the same services with out-of-network providers. My Virtual Physician is thrilled to add SilverSummit to their accepted Insurance Plans lineup and accept new patients.
My Virtual Physician is still adding new insurance plans to the network. But even without insurance, visits are still less expensive than an in-office visit. And the office accepts many forms of payment. Patients also appreciate booking an online doctor appointment because it is more convenient. My Virtual Physician has late evening and weekend appointments for booking. Members of SilverSummit Healthplan can schedule an appointment now at www.myvirtualphysician.com or text the office staff with questions.
To meet the physicians, simply click “BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW” to book your visit. Or visitors can text message questions about the virtual/online doctor benefits.
Every 13 minutes, a woman dies from breast cancer. Unfortunately, many women with the disease do not show symptoms. So, regular screening for breast cancer is critical for early detection and diagnosis.
Breast Cancer screening typically occurs as a part of routine preventative care. Individuals do not have to have any signs or symptoms to have a screening performed by their doctor. Manual exams, ultrasound, thermography, and mammography are a few ways patients are screened for abnormalities. A doctor can explain screening options and when it is time to consider certain tests.
To find out how breast cancer screening aids in the diagnosis of the disease, read on.
Breast cancer can be asymptomatic. In other words, it may have no symptoms. In fact, cases may show different symptoms and examination findings. That is why screening should be individualized for each patient.
Screening means looking for or testing for something when there are no signs.
Many people think that only someone with a family history should worry. Yet, about 85% of breast cancers occur in women who do not have any family history of breast cancer. Rather, genetic mutations that occur as women age increase their risk. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
Doctors are trained in the latest research and guidelines. They can tell their patients about the options. And doctors help women decide when it is a good idea to be tested.
Breast cancer is typically diagnosed in one of the following ways:
Mammography is the most common screening method used today. Other testing methods include Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBI) and thermography, although these are not widely used.
According to a recent article, doctors are seeing later-stage cancer cases in younger women. This is worrisome because cancers detected in younger women in their 20s and 30s are more aggressive. And they may lead to poorer outcomes.
Doctors are seeing later-stage cancer cases in younger women. This is worrisome.
Early detection is key in cancer treatment. The cost of treatment, risks of complications including death, and length of treatment go down with earlier detection.
If not caught early, cancers can grow and spread. When cancer cells move to other organs, this is called metastasis. Thus, cancer is harder to treat.
The best way to catch cancerous changes early is through regular check-ups with a doctor and routine screening tests to help detect changes early. Online doctors or virtual gynecologists can order mammograms or other imaging tests, and tailor screening plans for women who do not usually see a primary care physician.
Medical researchers continue to look for ways to help doctors with better and more accurate tests.
In 2019, the National Cancer Institute presented a new study that showed Doctors could detect breast cancer up to five years before any clinical signs appear, using a blood test for tumor-associated antigens (TAAs).
Newer research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine paired blood tests with other screening tests to determine whether finding and treating cancers identified by blood tests reduced mortality rates. Researchers said that “some screening may actually cause more harm than good.” And so, they used bloodwork with standard imaging procedures.
Results were promising. Researchers concluded that there is hope for a blood test that could eventually reduce deaths from cancers that typically go undetected until late stages. But “any blood test needs to complement and add to standard-of-care screening because standard-of-care screening works.”
Current recommendations encourage most women to have a mammogram beginning at age 40. Here are the most recent guidelines on screening.
My Virtual Physician can offers virtual gynecology services in many states. Women can talk with experts about individualized screening plans. Don’t worry about your risk. Talk to the doctor now.
My Virtual Physician is now accepting new patients.
My Virtual Physician has great news to share. Nevada’s favorite telemedicine provider is now in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Nevada residents looking for an online doctor may be able to book an appointment now with little to no out-of-pocket expense.
Anthem leads the health insurance industry with a strong desire to make healthcare easier and change lives. Anthem health plans serve more than 42 million families. That is why My Virtual Physician (MVP) is proud to join the Anthem Nevada provider network.
BCBS is known for offering members value-added services.
Anthem Nevada’s member support services are unmatched.
And when Anthem Nevada members need to see a doctor, that’s where MVP comes in. Their board-certified, expert doctors care for Nevada patients from the convenience and safety of home.
MVP offers Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) and primary care services to residents of Nevada. Whether using insurance or paying out-of-pocket, My Virtual Physician’s pricing is competitive, and the patient care is unmatched.
Take a look at a few of the current online physician services they treat for Nevada residents:
Patients who need to see an online doctor can book now through a secure patient portal. My Virtual Physician is excited about the new Anthem Nevada partnership and is now accepting new patients. Virtual doctor visits are now easier than ever.
Residents of Nevada can find more information about Anthem BCBS in Nevada at www.anthem.com.
To meet our book an online doctor appointment with our physicians, simply click “Book Appointment Now” to book your visit. Or visitors can contact the office for questions about their virtual/online doctor benefits. My Virtual Physician is standing by to help.
Have you been looking for a Nevada healthcare provider that is in your Prominence Health Plan network? Look no further.
My Virtual Physician (MVP) is excited to announce a new partnership with Prominence Health Plan. Prominence is a respected plan provider that offers a broad network of hospital and healthcare services to its members. Together, MVP and Prominence are serving more individuals with the high quality online healthcare services they need.
Here’s what this new relationship can do for you.
Prominence Health Plan is a subsidiary of Universal Health Services (UHS), which was recognized by Fortune and Forbes as a top company in 2021.
Prominence focuses on providing their members with options for quality, convenient, cost-effective care close to home.
Prominence Health Plan began in Reno, Nevada as a commercial Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in 1993. Since then, they have expanded to include Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Medicare Advantage (MA) service lines in multiple states including Nevada, Texas, and Florida.
What Does Prominence Cover?
Prominence Health Plan, like most insurers, offers different types of medical plans. Health insurance plans are similar because they cover many of the same services. Yet they can be different when it comes to:
If a plan is called a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), the insurance plan gives members a list of doctors that are in the network. Choosing a provider that is not on the list may mean that the insurance will not cover any of the visit costs. Members are encouraged to choose an in-network provider so the services will be covered by the plan.
On the other hand, if a plan is called a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) the member has more options. They can pick any doctor. But choosing an in-network doctor makes services more affordable because of discounts or additional coverage for using in-network providers.
It is easy to see why it is best if your doctor is in-network with your insurance plan. This is one reason why MVP is excited to announce that they have joined the Prominence Health Plan network.
MVP and Prominence have a lot in common.
They both started in Nevada.
They are both well-respected companies.
And both work to provide options for quality, convenient, cost-effective care close to home.
Prominence Health Plan and MVP are a perfect match.
MVP is a multi-specialty telemedicine team, treating patients across the US. They provide comprehensive online doctor visits to treat patients of all ages with care for obstetrical-gynecological, primary care, and pediatric services.
Virtual physician appointments are affordable and easy-to-schedule. Plus, they offer the safety and security of being seen from your home or workplace in convenient after-hours and weekend appointment times. Now with more in-network insurance coverage, MVP’s online physician services are better than ever.
MVP’s online doctors treat gynecological issues including:
As well as primary care concerns such as:
If you need to see a doctor and you’ve been looking for the best care at an affordable price, your search can stop here.
Many health concerns can be solved with a simple online consultation. The team at MVP is available now to meet with you.
Did you know My Virtual Physician is offering a promotion for September? Book now to get a free home blood pressure kit for new patients who complete an online consultation in the month of September. Don’t wait, grab your appointment spot now!
MVP’s founder Dr. Howard is a board-certified physician practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is passionate about medicine and research. He has authored/co-authored several publications and is among the top 10% of scientific reviewers in the United States. Dr. Howard and his team are now accepting new patients.
Women looking for a great Obstetrics and Gynecology provider (OB/GYN) in Las Vegas, Nevada, may have trouble. There is an OB/GYN physician shortage in Las Vegas. And the situation is getting worse.
Factors such as physician burnout, population growth, and competition from other parts of the country have created a shortage of OB/GYNs in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a result, some may have difficulty finding the perfect provider to care for their reproductive health.
Women and their partners want an OB/GYN they can trust. Issues like birth control, childbirth, and menopause are delicate matters. Unfortunately, a shortage means there are not enough providers to meet Las Vegas’ needs. Thus, those doctors who are available may be overworked or stretched thin.
Here is why it’s hard to find a good OB/GYN in Las Vegas and what to do about it.
When there are too few doctors to meet a city's demands, it can be hard to find a provider to respond to each patient’s needs. According to NBC News, America is facing an OB/GYN shortage.
Las Vegas, overall, has the most severe OB/GYN workforce shortage.
Other parts of Nevada face an even more serious situation. Some counties lack even one OB/GYN provider. Hence, patients face delays in care. In some cases they are forced to look far away to find a doctor.
Here’s why it is hard to find OB/GYN care in Las Vegas.
And while Las Vegas OB/GYNs may have it rough, the patients suffer too.
OB/GYNs offer services that women need. They provide health counseling, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and more. From puberty to menopause, women need a health expert they can trust. Many patients depend on OB/GYN advice.
Fortunately, Las Vegas residents can now find the best OB/GYNs, right in their neighborhood.
My Virtual Physician has an answer for the physician shortage crisis. Two of the best board-certified OB/GYNs in the nation are on staff and available for appointments near you in Las Vegas.
My Virtual Physician offers OB/GYN visits in Las Vegas with flexible scheduling through telemedicine. While most providers are busy and feel the pressure to treat many patients quickly, My Virtual Physician is different. Online video visits eliminate travel time and the feel of a busy waiting room. Virtual consultations provide a relaxed, personalized, and patient-centered care experience.
During the pandemic, many patients have had questions about staying safe. Some want to know if vaccination is right for them. Women in Las Vegas can now book a visit with My Virtual Physician to discuss their concerns and get real medical advice. Booking an appointment with an OB/GYN in Las Vegas has never been easier.
Are you looking for an OBGYN near you in Las Vegas? My Virtual Physician has two board-certified physicians licensed in Nevada who can address gynecological problems via video visits.
If you would like to talk with a board-certified OB/GYN, you can schedule your appointment online now. My Virtual Physician offers health screening, lab tests, and counseling to meet all of your healthcare needs.
This past year tested many young businesses. Telemedicine is not new. But the My Virtual Physician (MVP) business model is. The virtual doctor practice offers the best in online doctor services as a direct-to-consumer multi-specialty provider licensed in multiple states. Regardless of 2020's challenges, the MVP virtual doctor team didn't slow down. They focused on their path to becoming the #1 online doctor and forged ahead.
Over the last 12 months, MVP worked hard to bring high-quality medical care into homes in 15 states. They now offer online pediatric, gynecologic, and primary healthcare services for patients of all ages. Plus, they provide same-day scheduling for online physician appointments, some in-network insurance benefits, and five-star customer service.
As the #1 online healthcare provider, MVP doctors get to know their patients. Quality care is emphasized, and they aim to provide the best patient satisfaction in telemedicine. Here’s what patients are saying about MVP's online doctors:
“I would give My Virtual Physician more stars if I could”
“Dr. Howard has the best personality and is very friendly.”
“The future of medical visits; what better way to social distance.”
“A+ would recommend to everyone.”
Since their launch, MVP has opened new offices and added service lines such as nutrition and diabetic care. The practice has partnered with more online doctors and added office staff. Just this Spring, MVP enhanced their patient portal for self-scheduling, and integrated a program to trend patient reviews.
This one year anniversary milestone is cause for celebration. It is exciting, and this is only the beginning. Despite any challenges that lie ahead for this medical practice, their progress shows that the future is very bright for My Virtual Physician.
Congratulations to Dr. Howard, Dr. Masghati, Dr. Ayyagari, and all of the My Virtual Physician Staff.
My Virtual Physician now offers virtual doctor visits in Las Vegas. Their telemedicine visits offer comprehensive services in the following areas:
In the middle of a pandemic, along with a cold and flu season, many residents fear going out in public. Due to high patient volume, Las Vegas physician offices are busy. In some cases, patients can't get an appointment with their physician when they need it... until now. Las Vegas residents can now conveniently access a virtual doctor with My Virtual Physician.
Patients emphasize the convenience of having an online doctor visit where they receive the personalize care they need, all from the comfort, privacy, and safety of their homes. Patients can skip the waiting rooms and old magazines and enjoy waiting for their appointment in their own home. When it comes time to talking with the provider, their doctor is ready to connect and focus with them one on one. My Virtual Physician can effectively treat the following gynecology conditions during an online visit:
Our patients rave about our primary care services. The virtual doctors at My Virtual Physician understand getting to know their patients, their medical histories, and the factors impacting health and wellness. With top-notch and on-demand Las Vegas primary care telemedicine services, My Virtual Physician can effectively treat patient health concerns involving:
Residents in Las Vegas, Nevada can schedule a virtual doctor appointment or choose a provider through a secure and fast online booking system. Our Las Vegas OBGYN accepts Medicaid. Contact us to learn more about our services!
Starting a family is a goal for many couples. Unfortunately, one in ten couples may have some difficulty getting pregnant and require medical treatment. If you've been affected, you might be wondering about infertility: when is it time to see a doctor? My Virtual Physician has board certified physicians who specialize in infertility and are available for virtual doctor visits.
Infertility is a diagnosable medical condition in which a couple cannot conceive a pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse. It can be caused by many factors.
In women, most often, abnormal ovulation causes infertility. In men, usually problems with sperm cells, such as sperm count or function, cause difficulty conceiving.
Aside from these physiological causes, factors affecting a couple's fertility include their age, health status, and lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, or smoking.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are overweight, underweight, or exercise too much may have difficulty getting pregnant, and men who are heavy drinkers or smoke marijuana since these are known to lower sperm count and movement.
In some cases, doctors cannot determine the cause and refer to these cases as unexplained infertility.
Generally, it is time to consult your physician about getting pregnant if you are under the age of 35 and have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. Women over the age of 35 and those who have irregular menstrual cycles or have known abnormalities with their reproductive system, should talk with their doctor much sooner, after six months.
Infertility affects both people in the relationship. There is a 30% chance the infertility is related to male factors in a traditional couple, 30% related to female factors, and a 30% chance a combination of both factors. Therefore, anyone in the relationship may need to discuss options for starting a family. Here are some reasons to see a virtual doctor:
When you consult your physician about infertility, you can expect that they will begin your care with a complete history and physical exam. They may order blood testing, urinalysis, hormone tests, or other diagnostics to check for abnormalities. It may be necessary to have your partner undergo an exam and diagnostic testing also. Your physician may order an ultrasound or an X-ray as well.
After all of the tests, you will meet with your physician to discuss the results and go over treatment options and recommendations. After you decide on the treatment plan that is best for you, you will receive support and guidance in your process to get pregnant.
Medical treatment and new technologies can increase your chances of getting pregnant. One or both partners in a couple may undergo treatment.
Medications may be taken by mouth or injected. There are drug therapies for both men and women aimed at increasing egg production or sperm count. A list of medicines frequently prescribed for infertility treatment can be found here.
In some cases, blockages, scar tissue, or abnormal growths require surgical intervention. Procedures may be laparoscopic: meaning performed through small incisions in the abdomen for a minimally-invasive procedure.
Today, the two most common infertility treatments are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IUI is a procedure during which a physician injects sperm into the uterus at the ovulation time. This method is least invasive and most cost-effective but has lower success rates. The estimated success rate is 10-20% for a single cycle of IUI, but additional rounds increase chances, and in three to six cycles, the success rate is up to 80%.
IVF is a complicated procedure requiring surgical retrieval of a woman's eggs, fertilization in a laboratory, and then transferring the fertilized eggs back into the uterus. Women under the age of 35 can expect a 50% success rate for IVF treatment, but this process requires intense testing and monitoring and can cost $20,000 to $50,000.
Starting a family can be challenging, and your physician may offer options to guide you through the process. Infertility is a medical condition that affects many couples, and there are treatments available.
Need to talk to a physician now? My Virtual Physician has Board-Certified OB/GYN's that are available for virtual doctor appointments and are able to answer any questions you have and guide you in the right direction. The online doctors at My Virtual Physician, not only address infertility and reproductive endocrinology, but also irregular periods and painful periods, and many more gynecological conditions.
If you still have questions or you would like to discuss your problem with our board-certified OB/GYN specialists, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats conditions, including infertility, irregular periods, sexually transmitted infections, and more. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to check out our podcasts for more and follow us on social media.
