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Lengthy hospital stays are often infamously derided for their seemingly exorbitant price tags, unsavory-yet-overpriced food, and general patient dissatisfaction with their perceived level of quality of care. In all honesty, these sentiments --while potentially valid-- are also often somewhat unfair, and worsened by a lack of transparency and understanding of the basic economics that go into maintaining a viable hospital system operational, particularly within our current medico-legal environment. All that notwithstanding, there are very legitimate reasons for someone to search for alternative solutions to long-term care that are better suited to both the patient and their family’s lives. One of these potential alternatives is “hospitalization” at home.
Many hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) across the country are facing serious shortages of available hospital beds for inpatient care. As a result, many ED’s are stuck “boarding” patients in hallways for days or even weeks while they await a hospital bed to open up. Obviously, this is less than ideal for myriad reasons: it is uncomfortable and unpleasant for the patient; it increases potential exposure to pathogens and the development of new hospital-acquired infections; it increases wait times in EDs; and so forth.
Fortunately, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) actually have expanded their Hospitals Without Walls initiative by creating the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) program, which financially covers “hospitalization” at home. This program allows patients to remain in their homes with daily follow-up by healthcare providers, as the situation warrants. This daily follow-up can range from in-person nurse or physician visits (to administer medications, maintain intravenous (IV) lines, perform examinations, etc,), all the way to even virtual check-ins by a clinician to make sure everything is going well.
As one would assume, there are limitations to this program. The patient must be sufficiently ill to have otherwise warranted normal hospitalization. However, their condition must also be sufficiently low in severity and stable that they do not require immediate access to the lifesaving resources found in a physical hospital. The patient must be able to perform the basic activities of daily living, or at least have reasonable assistance available for certain limitations. Furthermore, admittance to the program requires an in-person evaluation from a physician. This can be performed in an ED or community clinic, where the physician determines the individual warrants hospitalization, but is safe to be admitted to the home hospitalization program. Alternatively, if the patient is already admitted to the hospital, their hospital physician may determine that they are stable enough to continue their “hospitalization” at home. The home must also be assessed to ensure it is a safe environment and meets basic criteria such as running water, indoor plumbing, heating and/or air conditioning, etc. A member of the clinical team must also meet with the patient at their home to go over the entire treatment plan and assess what additional steps might need to be taken (such as providing meals, for example).
Ideally, this program should offer greater convenience and comfort to suitable patients, while also reducing the inpatient costs and overcrowding burdens on the healthcare system. There are currently 53 health systems with 116 hospitals located across 29 states that have been approved for this program. To see if a hospital near you is participating in the program, you can check the following list published by CMS.
Theoretically, home hospitalization programs could help alleviate hospital crowding and extended ED “boarding” stays, in addition to possible savings on healthcare expenses. A study from Johns Hopkins found that home hospitalization cost roughly 32% less than traditional hospital care (an average difference of $5,081 vs. $7,480 for applicable hospitalizations). However, other studies have failed to show any significant difference in the average costs of home hospitalization vs. inpatient care. One might also worry about many possible unintended and unwanted consequences of a program such as this. For example, if it becomes easier for busy ED physicians to simply clear out patients by sending them back home under this program, you might find that the home hospitalization program becomes inappropriately overused, ultimately driving CMS costs up instead of down. The program might also be abused from the consumer side, where individuals seek out the comfort and/or benefits of this service inappropriately. Again, driving total costs up instead of down. However, for the time being, it is a potentially promising program that will undoubtedly need further tweaking as it matures.
If you or a loved one is facing a possible hospitalization --or are/is currently hospitalized-- consider asking your physician if their hospital is participating in a home hospitalization program and whether that is a suitable option for your treatment.
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Prenatal care has evolved and can be provided to pregnant women and their babies from the comfort of their homes. Care is accessed via digital devices such as smartphones, iPads, and laptops via audio and video calls, text messaging, and other forms of chatting. This defines telemedicine in prenatal care.
While telemedicine in prenatal care has its pros and cons and has recorded positive health outcomes, is it the way to go for high-risk pregnancies?
A high-risk pregnancy is one where the mother, the fetus, or both have an increased risk of health problems or adverse outcomes before, during, or after delivery.
Your pregnancy may be considered high-risk if you:
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Typically, while prenatal care is needed for all pregnant women, it is crucial for women with high-risk pregnancies. This population of women require special monitoring or care throughout pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Prenatal care in the United States is accessed by 4 million women annually and only 6 to 8 percent of these pregnancies experience high-risk complications. This figure is a lot, running into hundreds of thousands.
Hence, women with high-risk pregnancies will require increased number of prenatal visits, monitoring, tests and examinations, and consultations with their healthcare provider and specialists.
Telemedicine in prenatal care means adopting videoconferences, at-home monitoring, and virtual consultations to replace in-person visits and monitoring at the healthcare facility.
However, not fully. It is impossible to completely rule out in-person visits during prenatal care. Instead, Telemedicine should be seen as a model of care that enhances access to and delivery of health care. The question, however remains, "can high-risk pregnancies benefit from telemedicine visits?"
High-risk patients usually have to work closely with their doctors and care team to prevent, reduce, and manage complications. Generally, they require highly specialized and comprehensive care to manage the several health conditions that may be affecting or may potentially affect the mother, unborn baby or both.
Research shows that prenatal care via telemedicine can be modified for women with high-risk pregnancies. This requires more remote visits to their local OB doctor and other specialists, fetal testing and ultrasound examinations.
The study also suggests that telemedicine is feasible with special recommendations given for certain conditions and services including:
It may seem as though these recommendations have been implemented. A study shows that patients with health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes were instructed on how to monitor their blood pressure and sugar levels respectively at home. The results were transmitted to their providers which facilitated active participation of patients in their care and self-efficacy. Subsequently, results of the study showed similar pregnancy outcomes between telemedicine and conventional prenatal care.
Remote consultations with specialists could also encourage care and delivery of high-risk patients in nearby local hospitals.
As a supplementary health care service, our team at My Virtual Physician is available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We also help with electronically sending orders for tests and examinations while you wait for an appointment with a local OB doctor.
We are in network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare and Blue Cross.
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Prenatal care (or antenatal care), remains one of the most accessed preventive health services in the United States. Accessed by 4 million women yearly, the COVID-19 pandemic has made healthcare less accessible and unsafe for both healthcare providers and patients.
In the U.S., patients with low-risk pregnancies are expected to have 12 to 14 office-based visits. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it increasingly difficult for pregnant women to meet up with the recommended visits. Hence, the shift to telemedicine.
Telemedicine is a relatively new approach to prenatal care. However, through telemedicine, pregnant women can access several healthcare services including certain emergency services, specialist consultations, and psychotherapy.
Below are the benefits of telemedicine to both patients and their healthcare providers.
The following are advantages of telemedicine in prenatal care for patients and providers.
Improves access to care
Telemedicine makes you gain access to care while bypassing the time and distance it usually takes for an in-person visit.
With telemedicine, you do not need a day off for a 15 to 60-minute appointment. Likewise, patients with disabilities, those geographically isolated, or with one ailment or the other can easily get care from wherever they are.
Telemedicine helps you save costs from transportation, consultation, childcare, and time spent in the hospital. You can attend your appointment with a doctor from anywhere, including your home and workplace.
Research shows that using telemedicine helps save up to 30% from healthcare costs.
An in-person prenatal care appointment means you get in close contact with people who may be sick.
Pregnant women may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19, as they are more susceptible to respiratory pathogens. They made also be prone to other infections as the immune system undergoes several changes during pregnancy to accommodate mother and child.
With telemedicine, there is reduced risk and spread of infection, especially for pregnant women with underlying conditions or weak immune systems.
Improved access makes it easier for doctors to provide care to their patients. Patients and healthcare providers can easily connect via a voice or video call.
Telemedicine bypasses the somewhat tensed atmosphere of a doctor's office. Patients can relax in a more familiar environment and discuss their symptoms and concerns. This helps improve the care provided.
Additionally, research shows that telemedicine helped provide equal or better care to women with high-risk pregnancies.
Telemedicine allows you to book and have a visit from the comfort of your home or anywhere you may be.
It cuts off the need to leave your home or workplace, arrange childcare, take some time off work, drive through traffic or get a bus or cab to access care.
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Telemedicine helps providers cut down on overhead expenses such as paying for a big office space or facility, front desk support, etc.
Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to care for more patients outside of the hospital. Hence, telemedicine may serve as an additional stream of income.
Telemedicine eliminates physical or close contact with several patients. Hence, providers are less exposed to illnesses and infections.
Patients experience greater satisfaction with care rendered via telemedicine visits. Reasons include being able to involve their families, improved access to and delivery of care, lower costs, and at their convenience.
Doctors also appreciated that they were able to spend more time with their patients, and at their time. They could also give follow-up calls.
Study shows that telemedicine visits helped improve health outcomes. These included patients quitting smoking and gaining access to necessary high-risk obstetrical services.
You may enjoy the advantages of telemedicine with My Virtual Physician. At My Virtual Physician, our team is committed to ensuring that patients get the best of health care as needed.
We provide virtual care at any point in your pregnancy while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. We are in network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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Have you ever wondered what the anatomy of a 15-minute online OBGYN Las Vegas appointment looks like?
Traditionally, when going to see your doctor and treating a condition, most of us are used to going through a sometimes painstaking process. That process includes scheduling an appointment, taking time off work, remembering to go to your appointment, and then driving to a clinic where you’ll spend hours getting treated.
Things have shifted when it comes to your doctor visit. According to the CDC, there was a week in 2020 with a 154% increase in telehealth visits when compared to the previous year. This means more people are trying out telemedicine.
Seeing your OBGYN Las Vegas doctor online is a new experience for most women. That’s why we have written this blog post to let you know what to expect during a typical visit, from scheduling the appointment to picking up your medications at the pharmacy.
My Virtual Physician has a team of experienced board-certified doctors who have been providing virtual doctor appointments to patients for over a year now so we have settled into a system that is very comfortable for both the physicians and our patients. Here, we will explain our simple telehealth process.
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Sometimes seeing a doctor just can’t wait the weeks or months that most brick and mortar offices require. That’s why My Virtual Physician is here; we want you to have access to your OBGYN Las Vegas physician when you need it. We can get you scheduled within 24 hours, if not sooner!
Before you schedule your appointment, the first step is to verify that your symptoms can be addressed through an online virtual appointment. Click here to see a list of conditions that we can easily diagnose and treat online at this time.
Here are a handful of qualifying medical conditions we can treat online:
So you’ve confirmed that your symptoms can be diagnosed and treated using our telehealth OBGYN services. Congratulations, you are ready to schedule your first appointment with your online OBGYN! Here’s what to do:
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Everything is confirmed and you show up virtually at the scheduled date and time to meet with your online OBGYN Las Vegas doctor, what does that look like?
First, you’ll get signed into our secure portal with your mobile phone or computer (with mic and camera). Instructions on how to access the portal are provided before your appointment.
Unlike a traditional doctor’s appointment, you won’t wait hours in the lobby until your doctor is finally available to see you! Our doctors are ready for you at your scheduled time, every time.
The next part of your visit will look a lot like a typical doctor's appointment. Your OBGYN virtual physician will chat with you about your concerns and/or symptoms to get a better understanding and to make a diagnosis and provide treatment options.
There may even be a physical self-exam. You could be led by your doctor through movements or exercises to gather more information. For example, during a UTI appointment, patients may be asked to tap on different parts of their body to determine the stage and location of the infection.
The last part of a typical online OBGYN doctor appointment is where the doctor provides treatment options based on his or her observations. If the best treatment is medication, our online doctors can send prescription orders directly to your local pharmacy for pickup or delivery.
So yes, it’s really that easy! In about the time it took you to read this blog post, you could have your OBGYN appointment done and over with and be on your way to feeling better now. Once you’ve tried telemedicine once, you’ll see how convenient it is.
In fact, a recent study found that the satisfaction rate of telehealth services was as high as 99%!
Will telemedicine be your new go-to method when you need your doctor? Book an appointment now with our OBGYN Las Vegas physicians to find out!
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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.
One in five Americans face poor access to medical care. In some parts of the country, there are serious shortages of doctors and healthcare services. And this is the case for many women living in Georgia.
Georgia has been greatly affected by a nation-wide healthcare shortage. The need for care, specifically women’s healthcare, has increased dramatically over the past decade. Especially in the rural areas outside of major cities, Obstetrical and Gynecological (OB/GYN) services can be hard to find. Fortunately, My Virtual Physician (MVP) has been able to fill the need for some.
Why is there such a need for OB/GYN services in Georgia? And what can be done about the problem? Here's a closer look at the problem.
According to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, the state has:
Hence, the lack of doctors is part of the issue. Some women have no choice but to travel to other cities for care. And others even go without.
In many rural areas, there are no OB/GYNs. And in other parts of Georgia, facilities are closing. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, over 100 hospitals have closed during the past decade. Georgia ranked third for most hospitals closed, behind Texas and Tennessee.
To sum it up, a lack of doctors and hospitals is one piece of the puzzle.
Finding a doctor is one problem. But paying for services is another. Many women in Georgia do not have health insurance. Notably, Georgia's insured rate is ranked 48th in the nation.
Another problem is the state's low high school graduation rate. Lack of education is a barrier for access to healthcare. Women struggling with their health may not know where to go for answers.
Speak to one of our board certified OB/GYN virtual doctors today:
Birth control, sexual health, and menopause are sensitive topics. Women need doctors they can trust. OB/GYNs help women through complicated health changes.
OB/GYNs can treat common problems such as:
In addition to new or worrisome symptoms, gynecologists also provide preventative health services.
For example, OB/GYNs encourage women to have breast cancer screenings after age 45 and bone density scans every two years following menopause.
Without regular checkups, women may face major health concerns as time goes on.
Despite the dismal circumstances, care for women in Georgia and other states is changing.
Telemedicine providers offer a new solution. Board-certified OB/GYNs are treating women in Georgia virtually.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), patients can get the same quality care via telemedicine as they would in person. In some cases, patients say their online doctor experience is even better.
Online doctor appointments are affordable and easy to schedule. As well as that, virtual gynecology visits provide a greater sense of safety and security from the comfort of home.
It is getting easier for the women of Georgia to see top-rated doctors for the virtual gynecology care they need. Dr. Howard of MVP treats patients across the U.S., including Georgia. MVP is a multi-state, multi-specialty telemedicine provider that is quickly becoming the preferred choice for many.
Women who want an online gynecology appointment can text the office at 725-228-8277 or visit the patient portal to set up self-scheduled appointments.
My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive virtual gynecology services to address women’s healthcare needs. Our caring doctors can talk with you about your concerns and provide the experience you've been looking for.To talk with one of our expert physicians near you, book an appointment today.
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.
More than 100 million Americans are living with abnormal blood sugar. Is it possible that you could be one of them? A simple A1c screening blood test shows when levels are too high. Elevated blood sugar means higher risk for diabetes.
A glycated hemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1C, test (HbA1c) is one screening test that checks blood sugar levels. Results show how much sugar is in the bloodstream over time. Testing is accurate since values are not affected by acute illness or stress. A1c screening is recommended for certain populations, including overweight adults and those with other risk factors.
Those thinking about blood sugar testing or wondering about risk factors should talk to their doctor. Here are some common questions about diabetic screening and A1c testing.
The A1c test can detect diabetes because it measures how much sugar, called glucose, is found in red blood cells. The red blood cells give a “glycemic history” of the past 120 days.
Everyone has sugar in their blood. But diabetics have higher levels. Blood sugar that is too high leads to cell and tissue damage.
When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, their doctor will also use the A1c test to monitor how the disease is being controlled.
A1c readings are measured in percentage. Here is what A1c results mean.
Higher blood sugar levels cause greater A1c values, and they equal greater risk for diabetes.
Early detection is key in diabetes because early treatment can prevent serious complications. When a problem with blood sugar is found, doctors and patients can take steps to prevent permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels, and other vital organs.
Here are the current recommendations for A1c screening.
The CDC suggests A1c screening to know a baseline for:
They further recommend that any woman who has ever had gestational diabetes should have an A1c check every three years even if results are normal.
The USPTF also says that adults over age 45 should be checked for diabetes using the A1c test. Furthermore, it recommends repeat testing every three years.
The ADA also recommends the A1c test, or other diabetic screening, for all adults at age 45 and over. Additionally, it advises overweight individuals with one or more risk factors to be screened, regardless of age. If results are normal, repeat screening is recommended every three years or less.
How to Get an A1C Test
If you meet some of these guidelines, you might be wondering how you can get a screening test.
A primary care doctor or other licensed provider can order this common blood test. Results take as little as a few business days.
Those who do not have a doctor to order the test, can still get this valuable screening. An online doctor or virtual physician can help. Telemedicine providers work with laboratory partners to treat patients without unnecessary trips to an office.
An online physician sends referrals and lab orders just like a brick-and-mortar doctors office. After going to a lab for blood work, virtual doctors offices schedule follow up video visits to go over the results, answer questions, and discuss treatment plans.
If you would like to talk with one of our board-certified physicians, book and appointment today. My Virtual Physician offers health screening, lab tests, and counseling to meet all of your healthcare needs.
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Half of adults over the age of 50 are at risk for broken bones. Maintaining healthy bones is important for a long healthy life.
Osteoporosis (OP) is a condition of weakened bones. Thin bones are at risk for fractures. OP screening can be an important part of staying healthy. Early disease detection and treatment may prevent complications later. Broken bones are painful and costly. Luckily, screening tests like the Dual-Energy Xray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan alert doctors of problems early.
DEXA scans or other OP screening tests are advised for some at-risk groups. To find out if you should be concerned about bone testing today, read on.
OP is more common in adults than you may believe. One health department called it a major public health threat.
OP screening may prevent:
People with OP may not know anything is wrong until they suffer an injury. With advanced bone disease, normal activities can cause bones to break. Studies have shown that many patients do not get the right treatment for low bone density (LBD) despite the great prevalence, complications, and costs of fractures related to bone disease.
Therefore screening tests for bone loss are important to your health. Doctors or specialists can diagnose problems with weak bones before they become serious.
OP affects one-in-three women above 50 years old. It is also a serious condition for men.
It is best to talk to a doctor about when to get a screening test. They can explain the test and treatment options. Physicians will also answer questions about what to expect.
Currently, we have a few recommendations for OP screening.
The NOF advises a DEXA scan of the hip and spine for:
Also, they also encourage testing in those with:
The ISCD has similar guidelines. They recommend DEXA scan of the hip and spine for the same groups above, but also in:
AACE recommends a DEXA scan for
The AACE says that the lumbar spine and proximal femur are the best sites for testing.
The USPSTF recommends screening for OP in women 65 years or older. Also in younger women with certain risk factors. At this time the USPSTF does not have a recommendation for men.
ACOG currently urges screening for women 65 or older and those under age 65 with risk factors for fracture. They also say physicians should screen patients using the FRAX tool to define their risk of a major fracture.
The FRAX® tool evaluates fracture risk in patients. Based on the score, a 9.3% or higher risk should be referred for a DEXA scan.
The DEXA scan is a quick and reliable test for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). It aids in the diagnosis of OP.
The scan usually takes around 15 minutes. And it doesn't hurt. First, the patient lies down on an open table.
Next, a scanner passes over the body. It sends two X-ray beams. And the machine tells how the rays pass through the bones. This shows how thick or thin they are. The results give the doctor a good idea of how healthy the bones are.
Like other medical tests, a DEXA scan is ordered by a healthcare professional. Typically, doctors or specialists can write a prescription or send a referral. Virtual doctors and online physicians can also arrange this test for their patients.
OP screening may be a part of your yearly check-up. Or it can be used to check on certain risk factors.
Thanks to telemedicine, it is now fairly easy to get this important test. An online doctor can tell you about OP screening and answer your questions. Online appointments are convent. Patients meet doctors from wherever they are, on a mobile device or smartphone.
My Virtual Physician offers screening consultations at little or no out-of-pocket cost. They can order blood tests, imaging or scans, X-rays, and more. And in some cases, same-day appointments are available.
Many screening tests are covered by health insurance or medical benefits. Check with your insurance to see if any out-of-pocket payment is required. Medicare pays for bone density testing every two years for adults over 65 with some risk factors.
My Virtual Physician offers full preventive care services for men and women. To talk with one of the top physicians, click to book an appointment now. The MVP caring experts help patients with screening plans that are tailored to their healthcare needs.
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Meet Dr. Aravinda Ayyagari! We are ecstatic she has joined our My Virtual Physician practice.
She is a board-certified pediatrician with almost 20 years of experience. She serves on several hospital committees and enjoys volunteering her time in different settings ranging from the local school to the board of Easter Seals, and even traveling to El Paso, TX as a volunteer physician at a migrant center. She also serves as the state of Delaware CATCH grant coordinator to increase children’s access to healthcare services.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and spending time with friends. She loves hiking with her husband and two children in various destinations both domestically and internationally - covering Asia to South America. As a family, they have been amazed at how people are much more alike than different. They are looking forward to their next adventure!
Dr. Ayyagari speaks Spanish and some Telugu. She enjoys caring for patients of different cultural backgrounds.
Most recently, she started Bridge Care Pediatrics, a direct primary care which provides all pediatric and newborn housecalls. www.bridgecarepeds.com
January is a month when some choose to make new year resolutions. It is a time to reflect on the past 12 months. And look where you want the next 365 days to take you. Time reported that 50% of Americans resolve to exercise more. But is exercise safe for everyone?
Exercise is safe for most people. But, some adults should check with a doctor before starting an exercise program. Those with health problems must talk with their doctor to lower their risk of injury or other harm.
In this post, you will learn about safe exercise and how to reduce your risk of injury.
Research shows that regular physical activity is vital for health. Exercise also plays an important role in disease prevention. New studies show that physical activity boosts mood and makes the immune system strong. Some say, exercise is the best medicine.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently updated the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines provide science-based recommendations to help people improve their health through exercise. Information presents the types and amounts of activity that provide the best benefits.
To determine if exercise is safe, children and young adults need a yearly physical. Check-ups help identify health problems that interfere with exercise or that increase the risk of injury. Through preventative care, doctors can identify breathing problems like asthma or heart conditions.
Also, adults should check with their doctor about exercise if they have:
These conditions can affect the way the body produces and uses energy.
Some movements are more comfortable to perform, and some are more gentle on the joints. Here are a few of the safest exercises to try this year.
Walking is the safest exercise because it is simple. This activity requires no training; you have already been practicing for years! It is safe, you don’t need any equipment, and you can walk almost anywhere. You can walk alone or make it a group activity. Walking only 30 minutes daily increases cardiovascular fitness, bone density, and weight management.
The next exercise, swimming, tops the list of safe exercises because it is “low-impact” on the joints. Swimming gets your heart rate up, builds muscle, and increases endurance. Water activities are great options to get in shape with low risk of injury.
Strength training eliminates contact injuries associated with other sports. The exercises are safe and effective for increasing your heart rate and muscle mass. Push-ups and sit-ups are examples of simple strength training exercises you can try. Use a spotter when lifting heavy weights or attempting new exercises for safety. Spotters also help you get the most out of your workout.
Here are some more tips for preventing an exercise-related injury:
For most people, exercise is safe. And it provides many health benefits. But physical activity can cause injury. If you are wondering what I’m talking about, here are some examples.
Traumatic injury is one type of exercise-related injury to avoid. Trauma is when there is physical injury to the body. A traumatic injury can affect joints, bones, or muscles.
To prevent this injury, ease into physical activity. Do not rush into an exercise without warming up, or work too hard. Doing this increases the likelihood of injuries like strains and sprains increases.
Overuse injury is a second type of exercise-related injury. Exercise stresses the body. When joints or muscle groups work too hard there is an increased risk of overuse injury.
This type of injury can also occur when your body does not have enough rest between activities. For this reason, it is important to get “rest days” in your exercise routine.
If you experience a trauma such as a fall, muscle strain, or contact injury during exercise, consider these interventions.
For strains and sprains, doctors recommend R-I-C-E, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. You should:
For discomfort, adults can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Look for medications labeled “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory” because these reduce swelling pain.
Braces, splints, and slings support injuries and gives relief while also promoting healing.
To talk about starting an exercise program, or what activities might be right for you, talk with one of our board-certified physicians. You can click below to book an appointment. My Virtual Physician’s caring experts offer services to address your healthcare needs. If you have suggestions for other topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media!
Menopause is manageable. If you or someone you know is going through this stage of life, you may be wondering how to manage menopause.
Menopause is a natural process that many people associate with uncomfortable symptoms. Many women report mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. Despite the unpredictability, menopause is manageable. With a basic understanding and simple lifestyle choices, women can thrive during this time.
How do you manage some of the common complaints? Well, it helps to start with a grasp on what causes this change.
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when the menstrual cycle stops. During this period, the ovaries produce less of a hormone called estrogen. Changing hormonal levels affect many body processes.
Three phases make up the process of menopause:
Premenopause (“pre” means "before"): years before periods stop, estrogen levels decrease and periods may become irregular
Perimenopause (“peri” means "around"): the ovaries lower estrogen production, and periods stop; when a woman has not bled in 12 months, she has reached menopause
Postmenopause (“post” means "after"): after menopause, symptoms become milder and less frequent
Menopause generally affects women in their 40’s or 50’s. Studies show that the onset age of menopause is affected by many factors, including genetics (age the mother began menopause), the number of pregnancies a woman has had, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and other factors. The average age for menopause in the United States is 52.
Symptoms may last during the postmenopausal time for up to four or five years, but they will become lighter.
Menopause varies among women. Yet, many report some common symptoms.
Empowering women with understanding about the natural process, and recommending lifestyle changes known to improve signs and symptoms, helps patients and their doctors manage menopause.
So, below you will find details about what causes these common complaints, and ways to manage them.
Mood swings happen with menopause because of changing hormone levels. Estrogen decreases during menopause. This important hormone relates to production and regulation of other key hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Serotonin is a mood-stabilizing hormone. Thus, fluctuating estrogen levels can lead to a disruption in serotonin production.
In other words, women in perimenopause may notice that they feel more emotional, sensitive, anxious, or worried.
To reduce or prevent mood swings, women should practice healthy habits, including:
Doctors believe that night sweats and hot flashes occur during menopause because of hormones. Estrogen and progesterone hormones help to regulate body temperature. During the natural process of menopause, when hormone levels change, many women find that they experience periods of feeling very hot to the point of sweating, even though their environment has not changed. Night sweats are episodes that occur while sleeping.
Hot flashes vary from seconds to minutes. They may happen once a day or 20 times in a day. Some women never experience them at all.
To deal with hot flashes, women could:
Weight gain is another common complaint of menopause. And it happens because, you guessed it, hormone changes. Estrogen plays an essential role in regulating fat storage. As estrogen levels go down during menopause, there are changes in the way the body stores fat. Also, for many women in their 40’s and 50’s, activity levels decrease, and metabolism slows. This triple whammy makes weight gain probable.
To prevent menopausal weight gain, women might consider:
Menopause symptoms generally become less intense and less frequent as time goes on. Some women may experience few or none at all. Yet, if you feel like your symptoms are severe or disrupt your life, you should talk to your doctor. There are other medical treatments, such as medications or hormone replacement therapies, available.
To talk with one of our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive OB/GYN services to address women’s healthcare needs. Our caring experts can treat menopausal signs and symptoms. If you have suggestions for other topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
If you have ever wondered if your blood pressure is normal, you are not alone. We know that maintaining readings in a healthy range can help prevent serious life-threatening conditions. So, is there a magic number for blood pressure?
There is no “magic number” for blood pressure, because readings are affected by many factors and can vary throughout the day. Rather, there are clinically defined ranges that doctors consider normal, elevated, or pathologic. A reading is considered "normal" when it is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is too high. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that over a billion people have hypertension, but fewer than one in five have the problem under control. So when does high blood pressure become hypertension, and how do we manage it? Read on to find out.
Blood pressure is determined by the force of the blood that is pumped from the heart into the body’s largest vessels, called arteries.
Readings are written as two numbers. The first or top number, called the systolic reading, should be less than 120. Systolic pressure measures the force inside the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood from the heart. The second or bottom number, called the diastolic reading, should be less than 80. Diastolic pressure measures the force inside the arteries when the heart is relaxed or resting, in between beats.
Both readings are measured in millimeters of mercury, written as “mmHg.” Depending on where, when, and how it is checked, you may get slightly different readings. Your numbers change throughout the day. This means that blood pressure readings must be evaluated over time.
According to the American Heart Association, a "good" reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, or hypertension stage I, starts at 130/80 mmHg. At this stage, your doctor will probably recommend steps to try to lower your pressure. Interestingly, some doctors debate about these numbers, and at what point a patient should be treated.
What is undisputed, however, is that the risk of heart disease and stroke is doubled for each increase of 20 mmHg systolic and 10 mmHg diastolic. Keeping your number under 120/80 decreases the likelihood of health dangers including death.
Many factors affect your readings, including:
Regardless of what causes your high blood pressure, we know that over time it causes serious complications. Hypertension changes the walls of blood vessels. Damaged arteries and vessels stiffen and reduce blood flow. In other words, This process harms vital organs.
Many factors affect what your blood pressure reading is. Similarly, several things can lower your numbers.
The National Institute on Health (NIH) recommends the DASH diet. This eating plan, named the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, gives guidelines for a balanced, heart-healthy diet. You can read more about the DASH eating plan here.
Cardiovascular activity strengthens the heart and can actually lower your systolic and diastolic pressures. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends exercise for prevention and treatment of hypertension. Find the guidelines here. The ACSM asserts that regular exercise can result in reduction of 5-7 mmHg which means a 20-30% risk reduction.
If you are overweight, losing weight will decrease your number. According to Cardiologist Dr. Matthew Alexander, even a 5-10 pound weight loss could lower your blood pressure by 5-20 mmHg.
Stress, anger, and fear-based emotions affect the cardiovascular system. Over time, chronic stress can lead to hypertension.
Practices such as biofeedback, mindfulness, and meditation counteract these feelings. Studies have shown the power of the mind to improve body function. For instance, recent research concluded that stress management therapies can decrease systolic pressure 6-10 mmHg.
If you have high blood pressure, or if you’ve already tried these suggestions to lower your numbers without success, it may be time to talk to your doctor. That is to say, doctors can prescribe a personalized treatment plan to get your readings into a safe range. In some cases, that plan includes medications. For example, there are many drug therapies available today, including diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium-channel blockers, and more. A doctor can recommend the best treatment for you.
In summary, there really isn’t a “magic number” for everyone because many factors affect the reading. If you worry that yours is too high, be proactive in making lifestyle choices that are known to help lower blood pressure to a safe range.
To talk with one of our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician offers healthcare services to address all of your healthcare needs. Our caring experts treat high blood pressure and can help with your medication questions. If you have suggestions for other topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
Advanced practice nurses work alongside physicians in many settings. As more facilities employ nurse practitioners to work with their doctors, you may wonder: is care improved by a collaborative approach?
The truth is that care is better when physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or nurse practitioners work together in a collaborative care model. When these professionals come together to treat the patient, the result is a synergistic effect that improves care outcomes and increases satisfaction.
To find out how, read on.
A care approach by a doctor and APRN team improves:
A recent article on collaborative care between physicians and nurses found that outcomes improves in many areas. To sum up, the results were better compliance, lower symptom severity, and fewer hospitalizations.
There are many reasons for these findings. Firstly, when doctors and nurses work together on a treatment plan, they complement each other. Each brings a different set of skills, knowledge, and background. Putting these two views together gives a better picture of the patient and how to treat them.
Physician and APRN teams provide a more comprehensive treatment plan that addresses more factors affecting health and illness than each one could alone.
Certainly, a team approach improves satisfaction in many ways. Patients, family members or caregivers, and the healthcare providers themselves report more contentment from this care model.
One reason for increased satisfaction is the focus on health promotion. Nurse practitioners provide education. They can counsel patients and families, and they even perform care coordination. Patients and families get great benefits from this added care management. It makes them feel they are getting better care.
Secondly, when APRNs work with physicians in outpatient settings, they help to increase efficiency and optimize patient care. For example, clinics or offices that use nurse practitioners are able to give patients more appointments. These care teams can make same-day visits, walk-ins, and extended hours possible. APRNs can provide routine health care services, while letting physicians to treat the more complex cases.
Healthcare continues to change. Read more about in our article here. More doctors and patients are focusing on preventative care, health, and wellness.
Meanwhile, factors such as a growing, aging population and increased access to care under the Affordable Care Act have helped create a greater demand for physicians. The workforce is not able to meet the need. Moreover, the physician shortage is expected to continue. Nurse practitioners are one of the answers to this crisis.
Working with doctors, nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients in many settings from hospitals to specialty clinics.
Nurses provide health promotion and education. Consequently, APRNs complement the care that physicians provide. They are an integral part of the healthcare team. The results of this doctor-nurse collaborative care model include improved health outcomes and increased satisfaction.
To talk with one of our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats health conditions, provides routine screening, counseling, and more. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
A urinary tract infection can be painful and bothersome. Perhaps you’ve heard that drinking cranberry juice is a simple effective cure to treat the infection without the hassle of seeing a doctor. Is this the case?
Many people believe that cranberries, or cranberry juice, can cure a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, the truth is that while cranberries may help prevent recurrent infections, they are not an effective cure for a bladder infection.
If you’re wondering why this is so, and what you can do if you do have an infection, read on.
There have been many studies on the effects of cranberries in urinary tract infections. Research has shown that an active ingredient in cranberries called “proanthocyanidins,” or PCAs for short, can affect bacterial growth.
The most common bacterial cause of urinary tract infections is an organism called Escherichia Coli or E. Coli. This bacteria usually lives in the intestines of healthy humans and animals and most are not harmful, however some strains can cause infection.
PCAs found in cranberries can prevent E. Coli from attaching to the bladder wall lining. In other words, they can help prevent infection.
While PCAs found in cranberries can help prevent infection, it is important to note that a cup of cranberry juice may only contain a small amount of this active ingredient. Moreover, cranberry juice cocktail drinks are loaded with sugar. Cranberry tablets or pills may be a healthier option for prevention.
For UTI prevention, a recent article in Pharmacy Today recommended two options:
The research shows some evidence that cranberry products may reduce the incidence of UTIs but the most effective amount and concentration of PACs that must be consumed and how long they should be taken are unknown.
Urinary tract infections are common, affecting approximately 50% of adult women during their lifetime.
In some cases, simple urinary tract infections go away on their own. One study found that approximately 25-42% of uncomplicated UTIs resolve without any medical treatment. However, in other cases, the body’s immune system is not able to kill and eliminate harmful bacteria on its own. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for infections that require treatment.
There are some things you can do for relief, or even after you have seen your doctor while you are waiting for an antibiotic to work.
It is important to stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water flushes out the bladder. When going to the bathroom it is important to try to empty the bladder completely. UTIs can cause frequent urges to urinate or pressure in the low abdomen. Going to the bathroom frequently to empty the bladder can help.
Heating pads may provide some relief of low abdomen discomfort. And over-the-counter pain relievers such as Motrin or Tylenol can also be taken to help with discomfort.
Untreated infections could spread and become serious. Talk to your doctor as soon as you suspect a UTI. These can be signs of a serious infection:
If you need treatment for a UTI or want to talk about your symptoms with one of our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats conditions including urinary tract infections, other urinary problems, 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 follow us on social media.
Much mistle-toeing and hearts will be glowing. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? For some, the holiday season brings to mind financial strain, complicated relationships, stressful schedules. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season cause worry for many. Coping with anxiety during the holidays can be a challenge.
Coping with anxiety during the holidays is essential to your mental and physical health. It is necessary to know how to cope with anxiety and depression and recognize when support or help may be needed to manage.
Here’s what you need to know.
The holiday season is upon us. It can be common and normal to have feelings of anxiety during this time. Financial pressures, excessive commitments, and unrealistic expectations can trigger stress, anxiety, or depression.
For some, the holidays are a time of memories, some good or some unpleasant. For those separated from loved ones, it can be a time of sadness or grieving. Many experience feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Furthermore, during the winter months, the days are shorter and less sunlight can cause seasonal mood changes.
Anxiety is defined as feeling worried or nervous that something terrible is going to happen. Many people have these feelings from time to time.
During the holidays, Americans may feel the financial strain as it can be a season of shopping and gift-giving. They may have to come together with family members who they don’t often see or grieve separation from loved ones, and relationships can be challenging or cause anxiety and worry.
Furthermore, many adults have unrealistic expectations for the holidays, and that can create anxiety. And already busy schedules can feel the burden of holiday events and activities that can make you even more busy, anxious, or restless.
In some cases, anxious thoughts or feelings can become intense and excessive.
Individuals may become overly focused on common everyday events or situations that should not produce fear or worry, or at one time did not make the person feel that way. This type of anxiety usually causes physical symptoms such as sweating, racing heartbeat, or even weakness and feeling tired all the time.
Signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder could include:
This second more extreme anxiety may be out of the norm, and may require a healthcare professional evaluation.
Many people overlook self-awareness and self-care during this season that is often about giving to others. But don’t forget, it’s hard to pour from an empty cup. You must take care of your mental and physical health to give others your time, effort, and resources.
When unpleasant feelings of worry or restlessness seem magnified or more frequent, here are some things you should be doing to make sure you can effectively cope with anxiety during the holidays:
If you have tried these tips above and don’t feel any relief, or if you battle with intense anxiety that interferes with your daily life, it may be time to ask for help.
A primary care physician can talk to you about your anxiety or may recommend further treatment.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders.
If you would like more information on anxiety or want to talk about your symptoms with one of our board-certified physicians, click to schedule an appointment. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to check out our weekly education series Talk Tuesday on our podcast page, and follow us on social media.
In 2018, about 10.5% of Americans were estimated to have diabetes. Furthermore, about one-fifth of those cases were undiagnosed. It is important that individuals know their risk, and talk to their doctor about screening when it comes to diabetes. So, why is early detection key in diabetes?
Early detection is key in diabetes because early treatment can prevent serious complications. When a problem with blood sugar is found, doctors and patients can take steps to prevent permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels, and other vital organs.
With simple tests for early detection, patients can make changes to reverse diabetes and even go into remission. Read on to learn more.
Diabetic care often focuses on treatment of the condition. While treatment is important, early detection increases the potential for effective changes early in the disease process.
An article in the Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity journal recognizes that there are many reasons why earlier detection of diabetes could be of benefit to the individual and the health system, because it creates the opportunity to treat the high blood sugar and the risk factors for heart disease that often show up with diabetes. Individuals who don't know that anything is wrong may suffer long-term effects such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Furthermore, undiagnosed diabetes often results in potentially preventable, costly complications. Hospital stays could be avoided if patients are aware of their illness and work to manage it.
Diabetes can be expensive. The estimated cost of living with diabetes is around $9,600 per year. This covers prescription medications, diabetic testing supplies, doctors appointments, and hospital care. Medical expenses rise drastically when emergency room visits are needed for unmanaged diabetic complications.
Diabetes is a disease in which your body is not able to efficiently turn the food you eat into energy. Sugar then builds up in the bloodstream. Therefore, two problems arise: the cells are not getting the energy they need, and sugar is accumulating in the blood. High blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, causes damage to tissues and organs of the body. That is to say, this is why diabetes is a serious condition that can be dangerous.
Normally when you eat, your body breaks food down into sugar molecules, called glucose. After that, the particles get into the bloodstream and your blood glucose level rises, signaling the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that tells body cells to let the glucose inside.
In diabetes, either your pancreas does not make insulin correctly, or your body cells do not react to the insulin the way they should. As a result, glucose stays in the blood, which is why diabetics experience high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia. Over time, hyperglycemia can damage nerves and blood vessels.
A blood test can determine if a person has diabetes. Doctors commonly use two tests to check for diabetes.
A glycated hemoglobin test, known as a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, measures the glycated form of hemoglobin to determine the three month average of blood sugar. This blood test takes about a minute to perform, and results are generally available in two to three days. A normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. Prediabetes is 5.7 to 6.4%. A result of 6.5% or more is classified as diabetic.
Another way a provider can use a blood test to see if you have diabetes is a fasting blood glucose, or fasting blood sugar (FBS), test. This blood test measures the basal (base) sugar levels of the blood. Testing is usually performed in the morning after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink for eight hours or more. This test may take around ten minutes and results can be immediately available. A normal FBS is 70-100 mg/dl (3.9 - 5.6 mmol/L). The doctor may repeat the fasting blood sugar test or order additional tests to confirm an abnormal blood sugar reading.
Diabetes is a chronic condition which means it may not go away. It is possible, however, to reverse some of the effects of diabetes and go into a remission for those with Type II Diabetes. Remission in diabetes means that your blood sugar levels are within the normal range and you have not required medication to manage your blood sugar for six months or more.
Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, daily exercise, and weight management can improve the way your body uses insulin and can improve the prognosis for someone diagnosed with diabetes.
Diabetes is a global health problem. Health officials expect that rates will only continue to increase. Risk factors such as family history of diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle increase likelihood that you may get diabetes and so it is important to be proactive in your health and talk to your doctor about your risk for diabetes. .
If you would like more information on diabetic screening, or want to talk about your risk with one of our board-certified physicians, click to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats conditions including hyperglycemia, diabetic screening, counseling 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.
Colagiuri, Stephen; Davies, Daniel The value of early detection of type 2 diabetes, Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity: April 2009 - Volume 16 - Issue 2 - p 95-99 https://doi: 10.1097/MED.0b013e328329302f
Harris, M. I., & Eastman, R. C. (2000). Early detection of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus: a US perspective. Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews, 16(4), 230–236. https://doi.org/10.1002/1520-7560(2000)9999:9999<::aid-dmrr122>3.0.co;2-w
Narayan, K. M., Chan, J., & Mohan, V. (2011). Early identification of type 2 diabetes: policy should be aligned with health systems strengthening. Diabetes care, 34(1), 244–246. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc10-1952
You trust your doctor with your health. So, is it right to get a second opinion from another physician?
There are times when you might need a second opinion. You may need a second opinion in cases where you receive a significant diagnosis or extensive treatment plan. You may also want to find out if there are other treatment options or you are not satisfied with the recommendations. In these situations, a second opinion is fair and prudent.
A significant study at the Mayo Clinic in 2017 found that second opinions are invaluable. Researchers evaluated charts of 286 patients who were seen for a second opinion. The results, published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, were compelling.
Your health is an important matter. When faced with a significant health problem, you have the right and responsibility to make informed choices about the treatment plan.
Consider a second opinion when:
Doctors are humans too. You may find that your doctor understands when you let them know you would like a second opinion. It is not offensive to let your physician know that you value their expertise, but you want to have the most information to make the best decisions for your health.
Moreover, patients may find it surprising that doctors frequently get second opinions of their own. When faced with a complicated or unusual diagnosis, they reach out to colleagues and specialists to get the best information that they can too.
It will be helpful to discuss a second opinion with your doctor. Let them know what your concerns are and ask if they can recommend someone to you.
The cost of a second opinion may be a factor in your decision to seek one, but when you consider the value to your health and the expenses you may save in the long run, it may be well worth it.
Some insurances cover the cost of a second opinion when treatment is considered medically necessary, and some payors cover a percentage of the cost. Uninsured or underinsured individuals paying out of pocket can expect to incur expenses starting at around $500. The Mayo Clinic study mentioned estimates costs for a second opinion at around $1,200 when the diagnosis is consistent with the first. However, costs increased to $4,000 when the diagnosis changed. A new diagnosis requires additional testing.
If you are lucky enough to have the option in your state of a virtual second opinion consultation, your cost may be lower.
You trust your physician to help you achieve health and avoid disease. When your trusted doctor gives you a severe or life-threatening diagnosis or recommends a costly or lengthy treatment course, it is reasonable to seek counsel from another source. If you are open and honest with your doctor, you can avoid any awkward feelings.
If you need a second opinion from our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician offers a monthly Second Opinion Clinic™ with a $99 special consultation. 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.
