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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.
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.
How much fun is dragging a sick child out of the house, trekking to your pediatrician’s office and waiting to be seen? Probably not on many parents’ top 10 list of family activities. While there is certainly no replacement for a physician’s physical exam, telehealth can be an important supplement toward attaining the best care for your child. The ongoing pandemic and public health concern has highly influenced the increased use of telemedicine, which has demonstrated its quite helpful role in assessing acute care issues and health surveillance of certain conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises all children receive well child exams and immunizations through a medical office, however utilizing telehealth for common pediatric complaints may be a wonderful additional asset in order to maintain quality medical care for children.
Telehealth in a practical sense, is the method of exchanging medical advice through the use of technology. Here at My Virtual Physician, it is easy to set up an appointment to “see” a physician through our online platform, after answering the text prompt on our homepage. In some cases, telehealth also encompasses the use of special diagnostic equipment. It is private, and typically hassle-free when you consider the lack of commute time and being able to talk to a physician from the comfort of your living space. In particular for pediatrics, telehealth allows for the presence of both caretaker and child, which is sometimes difficult given conflicting work schedules or occasional need for a third party to bring a child to the office. Another perk is the lack of exposure to others’ germs that are also common visitors in office waiting rooms. One of the best uses for telehealth discovered during the pandemic, is the increased access to physician care. Many specialists are overbooked, however often times, given the flexibility that telehealth allows, they are able to accommodate telehealth appointments into their busy schedules more easily. This allows for more patients to be seen, when an ordinary wait for an appointment could be several months away. In the same light, through telehealth, underserved or rural areas are provided a way to more quickly access care without the burden of travel expenses.
A physical exam is one of the most important aspects to establish a diagnosis for most patients and especially in pediatrics, however many common conditions in children can be “seen” virtually. Some of these include cough and cold symptoms, gastrointestinal complaints like constipation, rashes, allergies, medication management, and depression/anxiety. Sometimes follow up visits from an emergency department can also be done via telehealth. These issues rely heavily on another key component to appropriate diagnosis: an accurate history. It is imperative to provide details of the complaints, including time of onset, any improvement or worsening, as well as additional symptoms, recent travel, past health problems and sick contacts. Fortunately, these are questions that can be answered in conversation over a communication platform.
Parental and caregiver guidance, often given within the context of an office visit, is unique to pediatrics and is another important avenue in which telehealth in this population can be incredibly helpful. Whether asking questions about newborn feeding, normal developmental behavior, screen time, school readiness, bath and swim safety, dental hygiene, prepubertal and adolescent concerns, immunization worries or just seeking advice on how to maintain a positive connection with your child, telehealth is a tool that can provide a safe and relatively efficient way of finding helpful answers from a pediatric expert.
There are some diagnoses that should be referred to an in-person physician. Fever, for example, is one of the most common reasons children visit their doctor. Many times this can be discussed via telehealth initially and often reveals itself to be a symptom of an illness that will pass in time. However, there are instances where telehealth is not sufficient and the child should be seen in an office for a closer look, such as when a newborn has a fever. Likewise, a cut that might require stitches as well as an injury where there is question of a broken bone or significant pain would need more than an initial televisit. It should also be noted that any condition, in which the child is having trouble breathing, is difficult to arouse or wake or is generally having worsening complaints, an in-person visit would be likely more appropriate.
As mentioned above, there really is no adequate replacement to having a physician’s exam, but telehealth certainly affords many safe conveniences that can be practical in pediatrics. Visit My Virtual Physician to learn more about how our board certified pediatricians can help you and your child!
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, just behind prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Lung cancer also happens to be the most lethal cancer, accounting for approximately 25% of all cancer deaths. Each year, more men die of lung cancer than from colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers combined, and more women die annually of lung cancer than from breast, cervical, and uterine cancers combined.
The main risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoking, associated with 85% of cases. Among smokers, the risk of lung cancer increases with number of cigarettes smoked and duration of smoking history. There is good news though: the risk of lung cancer will decrease with smoking cessation and may even approach that of the nonsmoking population after 10 to 15 years of tobacco abstinence. Meanwhile, associated risks of developing lung cancer from e-cigarettes are currently under investigation.
Each year in the U.S., up to 26,0000 lung cancer deaths occur in never smokers, with an even higher proportion in some geographic areas. This brings us to environmental risk factors of lung cancer, such as exposure to radon, a chemically inert gas from uranium decay, encountered by underground miners and less commonly, residentially, through indoor exposure in the home basement. Asbestos exposure can lead to a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma and can cause other types of lung cancer when combined with smoking.
Arsenic, chromium, nickel, air pollution, and second-hand smoke represent other occupational or environmental exposures associated with lung cancer risk. Patients with treated for breast cancer, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas with high doses of radiation to the chest have increased risk of lung cancer, especially if they smoke cigarettes. Family history is another predictor of increased risk. Other diseases associated with increased lung cancer risk include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive lung diseases, including fibrotic disorders like pneumoconiosis.
Finally, there have been dietary associations with lung cancer. An increased risk has been found with diets deficient in vitamins A and C, but supplementation with beta-carotene has been associated with an increased risk (in heavy smokers, the highest-risk populations, in 2 of 3 clinical trials).
On the basis of findings from the NLST trial, screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is recommended for certain patients by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). See Table 1.
Table 1. USPSTF Recommendation Summary for Lung Cancer Screening
| Population | Recommendation |
| Adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years | The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery. |
Adults aged 50 to 80 years have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years should screen for lung cancer with LDCT every year. A pack-year is a way of calculating how much a person has smoked in their lifetime. One pack-year is the equivalent of smoking an average of 20 cigarettes (1 pack) per day for a year. These recommendations are available at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
If you would like to learn more and connect with a board-certified physician, click to book now on My Virtual Physician. My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive medical services where you can discuss the best screening plan for you with a virtual doctor.
References
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening
Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A: Cancer statistics, 2019. CA Cancer J Clin 69: 7-34, 2019. PMID: 30620402.
Jemal A, Thun MJ, Ries LA, et al: Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2005, featuring trends in lung cancer, tobacco use, and tobacco control. J Natl Cancer Inst 100:1672-1694, 2008. PMID: 19033571.
Omenn GS, Goodman GE, Thornquist MD, et al: Effects of a combination of beta carotene and vitamin A on lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. N Engl J Med 334:1150-1155, 1996. PMID: 8602180.
Menkes MS, Comstock GW, Vuilleumier JP, et al: Serum beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, selenium, and the risk of lung cancer. N Engl J Med 315: 1250-1254, 1986. PMID: 3773937.
Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group: The effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers in male smokers. N Engl J Med 330:1029-1035, 1994. PMID: 8127329
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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In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer, after breast and lung cancer.
CRC almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum). Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find CRC early, when treatment works best.
A screening test is used to look for a disease when a person has no symptoms. (When symptoms are present, diagnostic tests are used to find out the cause.)
Regular screening begins at age 45. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSF) recommends adults age 45 to 75 be screened. For adults age 76 to 85, the Task Force recommends asking their doctor for screening recommendations.
Talk to a virtual doctor today!
Several screening tests can be used to find polyps and/or CRC (see Table 1 below). There is no single “best test” for any person. Each test has advantages and disadvantages. Talk to a virtual doctor about which test may be best for you and how often to be tested. Testing modality depends on personal preference, individual medical conditions, the likelihood of testing, and the resources available for testing and follow-up.
Table 1. Screening Tests for CRC
| Test Name | Description | Testing Frequency |
| Stool TestsGuaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) | Uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in stool. Test provided by health care provider. At home, use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool. Return the test kit to doctor or lab, where stool samples checked for presence of blood. | Once a year. |
| Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) | Uses antibodies to detect blood in stool. | Once a year. |
| FIT-DNA test (or stool DNA test) | Combines the FIT test with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. This test requires an entire bowel movement be collected and sent to a lab, where it is checked for cancer cells. | Once every 3 years. |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | During this test, the doctor inserts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum through the sigmoid colon (lower 1/3 of colon). The doctor checks for polyps or cancer there. | Every 5 years, or every 10 years with a FIT every year. |
| Colonoscopy | Similar test to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for abnormalities inside the rectum and entire colon. During the procedure, the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. | Every 10 years (for people who do not have an increased risk of colon cancer). |
| CT Colonoscopy (Virtual Colonoscopy) | Computed tomography (CT) colonography, also called virtual colonoscopy, uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon. These are displayed on a computer screen for the doctor to analyze. | Every 5 years. |
The screening testing frequencies above are general guidelines and may be different for you if you have certain risk factors for CRC, such as a family history of CRC or detection of high-risk lesion. Testing is generally more frequent for patients who are high risk. Your doctor will help you decide the optimal screening interval.
Connect with Our Online Doctors
If you would like to connect with a board-certified physician, book an appointment with a virtual doctor today. My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive medical services where you can discuss the best screening plan for you
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common, with around 25 million new diagnoses made yearly in the United States. Young people, ages 15-24 years of age, appear to be the most prevalent group to acquire and spread STDs, accounting for about half of newly diagnosed cases in 2018 per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Notably, 1 in 5 people in the United Stated have had an STD.
Oral, vaginal and anal sexual encounters are the methods of transmission and these infections vary greatly in their symptoms, severity, curability and prognosis. Treatment has improved over the years and some lifelong conditions now do not preclude a good quality of life. However, some of these diseases can be quite quiet in terms of initial symptoms, and screening tests, or tests to check if a disease is present even when symptoms are not, are a critical way to help reduce transmission and consequences of these infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis, not categorized itself as a sexually transmitted disease, is a condition named for alterations in the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to an increased risk for susceptibility to STDs, as well as preterm labor. A fishy odor may be noted after vaginal intercourse, and pain, itching and burning in this area or during urination, as well as thin, grey-white vaginal discharge, are among associated complaints. Although many cases of bacterial vaginosis clear on their own, antibiotic treatment may be needed at times. Currently, there is no recommendation for routine screening for BV.
Two of the most predominant, but easily treatable STDs, include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both can spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Though either condition may be asymptomatic, some suspicious findings include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, burning while urinating and pain or swelling of the testicles. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also reoccur if infectious sex continues, despite prior treatment. Also, having these infections increases a woman’s risk to develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is damage to the internal reproductive organs, making future fertility a challenge. If infected during pregnancy, risk for miscarriage, preterm labor, low birth weight or an infection in the fluid surrounding the fetus, called chorioamnionitis, increases. Newborns of untreated mothers may also suffer postnatal complications such as eye infections and pneumonia. Pregnant women < 25 years of age, or older pregnant women at increased risk of exposure to gonorrhea or chlamydia, are typically screened at their first prenatal visit. Similarly, it is recommended to screen all sexually active women < 25 years of age, yearly, for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and older women who have multiple sexual partners. All sexually active gay or bisexual men, should also be screened at least yearly, but more often depending on frequency of new sexual encounters/multiple partners. Testing for these diseases can be as simple as a urine sample ordered by a virtual physician, however it is prudent to discuss symptoms and history to determine the best course of screening.
According to the CDC, every 1 out of 6 people in the United States has herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, oftentimes without knowing it. HSV can be divided into HSV 1, more commonly known as oral herpes, and HSV 2, known as genital herpes. Although designated as such, either can occur orally or genitally. Many people are infected with HSV 1 in their childhood, through non sexual mediated contact with infected saliva. Oral herpes results in cold sores or fever blisters, around the lip and mouth area. Genital herpes, likewise, can demonstrate sores throughout the genital region of infected individuals. Lack of active sores however does not negate infectious activity and the disease can still spread through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal routes. There is no curative treatment for HSV and the virus can go into a dormant phase where no symptoms occur for years, though patients are at risk for recurrent outbreaks, where an antiviral medication may be prescribed. Devastating effects can occur if left untreated during pregnancy, including life-threatening infection to the newborn. If there is history of infection or active infection at the time of labor, a Cesarean section may be indicated. The United States Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine screening for HSV in asymptomatic sexually active adolescents or adults, including pregnant women.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact, and is divided into distinct phases, first beginning as painless mouth/oral, genital or anal sore(s) several days to several months after initial exposure. This sore or sores will resolve after a few weeks, even without medication. Then a body rash develops, sometimes with swollen lymph nodes, general fatigue and a fever, later. There can be a long period of “latency”, or no symptoms, followed by the last stage classified by neurological, ocular and cardiac symptoms. This is a curable condition, but can cause life-long consequences if untreated, including dementia and blindness, and can lead to death. Screening is indicated for sexually active individuals on a yearly basis, but more often such as every 3-6 months for high risk features, such as multiple partners. This can be performed through a blood test, which may be ordered through a virtual physician’s visit.
Although there are other methods of transmission, typically hepatitis B may be acquired through the sexually transmitted routes mentioned above. Hepatitis C is less commonly sexually transmitted, but spreads through exposure of infected blood, such as in activities like sharing needles in illicit IV drug abuse. Both conditions, though incited by different viruses, have the same impact on the liver and symptoms can overlap, with fever, fatigue, yellowing of the eyes and skin, abdominal pain and changes in urine color. With the exception of individuals living in extremely low prevalence areas, it is recommended that hepatitis C screening be given to a person at least once after the age of 18 years. Additionally, although hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable illness, the USPSTF recommends screening by blood test, those individuals at high risk such as those who inject drugs or share needles, men who have sex with men and immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, as well as those living in areas with a 2% or higher prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen, regardless of vaccination status. This is especially important given that hepatitis B is a chronic illness that will need lifelong treatment and both viruses present a higher susceptibility to liver cancer.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, eventually progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fortunately, through screening and early detection, appropriate prophylactic and supportive agents can be provided to help maintain CD4 counts and stable immune status in order to prevent, or at least slow, this advancement. It is generally recommended that adolescents beginning at 13 years, through adulthood, into the 60s, be screened via blood test, at least once as part of routine health maintenance. For those in higher risk categories, such as individuals with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men and those who share needles, screening may be advised yearly or with more frequent intervals depending on individual circumstances. Once again, this is a blood test that may be ordered through a virtual doctor visit.
While prevention of any illness is optimal through regular visits with a physician, screening tests have proven to be useful in early detection of otherwise asymptomatic diseases, allowing for quicker treatment. In particular, sexually transmitted diseases are relatively easy to screen for through blood or urine samples. If you have questions or concerns regarding your need to be screened for these conditions, it is quite simple to schedule a virtual visit with one of our physicians at My Virtual Physician, and we can help determine which testing is right for you. In addition, depending on the results, oftentimes follow up guidance or medication can also be provided! Schedule a visit today!
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.
If you have ideas for other topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
Sources:
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.
Answer: Sort of. Acid reflux is the same as gastroesophageal reflux which just means that the contents of the stomach are backing up into the esophagus &/or mouth. Occasional reflux is completely normal and can happen to anyone, though usually it is following a meal and there are no real long-term consequences or bothersome symptoms and the episodes of reflux are short-lived. GERD on the other hand is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease…so that means someone that suffers from GERD has bothersome reflux symptoms that can result in damage to the esophagus and their symptoms are typically a daily or somewhat routine occurrence. These symptoms include things like heartburn, regurgitation of food, and sometimes there is difficulty swallowing. Some people may have a persistent cough and nothing else.
Answer: It is actually a little complicated, but when you eat…food starts in your mouth where you chew it up and then when you swallow it goes into this long muscular tube which is your esophagus and that tube propels the food from your mouth to your stomach. At the end of the esophagus where it meets the stomach it has what we call the lower esophageal sphincter. It is essentially an area on the esophagus that compresses together and keeps stomach contents from coming back up into the esophagus and it has to relax and open up to let food into the stomach. This sphincter can weaken or not have as tight of a seal as normal and when that happens it does a really bad job at keeping things in the stomach…especially is you lay down right after you eat.
Answer: There are some foods that will trigger reflux symptoms in certain people and the more and more that happens the reflux will then progress to GERD. Some things related to increasing your risk of GERD include alcohol, smoking, caffeine, chocolate, certain medications, and so on. Being overweight is also a risk factor for the development of GERD. Studies have shown that losing weight improves reflux symptoms and frequency and can be a reason to undergo weight loss surgery if you are obese. Pregnancy increases your risk, but that usually resolves after delivery. And you can have something called a hiatal hernia which essentially means you have part of your stomach with or without the lower esophageal sphincter pushed up into your chest through your diaphragm which loosens sphincter tone.
Answer: Usually this can be diagnosed on history and symptoms alone if you have the usual symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation and that can usually be treated with a trial of PPIs or proton pump inhibitors which block the acid production in the stomach and see if that gives you relief of your symptoms. If you don’t have the usual symptoms or there is an indication that something more concerning may be occurring you will need some tests. These tests include an EGD (more on that next week…but it is a test where a doctor puts a camera on a long tube or scope into your mouth and looks at your esophagus and stomach), a 24 hours pH monitoring study where a little probe is placed in your esophagus so it can record how many times a day and at what time the pH in your esophagus changes due to the acid and what that number changes to, and also a manometry study which really just checks the pressure of your esophagus…like the whole thing…that helps make sure there is no problem with the way the esophagus moves food and it is in fact the lower sphincter pressure causing the problem.
Answer: It can be bad. Most people don’t have serious complications as long as they are treated. There are some serious complications that can happen if you have severe GERD and do not treat it. You can get a stricture in your esophagus which is scar tissue causing a narrowing or blockage. This can result in difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck in your esophagus. The process of ulcerations that heal over and over again causes this scar tissue and narrowing. You can have erosive esophagitis. This is when the acid causes ulceration in the esophagus and those ulcers can sometimes bleed. You may not vomit blood or see bleeding per se, but blood can be detected in your stool. You can also get Barrett’s esophagus which is where the cells in the lining of the esophagus change to a completely different type of cell from all the damage. The change in these cells can actually change further and develop into cancer. The acid can actually get into your lungs and cause asthma type symptoms or permanent lung damage and it can damage your teeth. Like I said, most people don’t have serious complications, but these complications are why it is so important to see your doctor and discuss your particular case with them and get treatment as soon as possible.
Answer: First and foremost…talk to your doctor. Everyone is different and should be treated as such. Common things work and should be done, but talk to your doctor to make sure you are treating the correct problem before you start trying to self medicate. There are some lifestyle things that can help like avoiding foods that you notice trigger your reflux, don’t eat close to bedtime, and try not to lay down after eating…try to eat several hours before you plan to lay down. You can lift the head of your bed up, but it involves more than just piling up pillows behind you, so really just try to avoid eating before bed. If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Not only for your overall health but like I said earlier, a lot of people have relief from their symptoms after they lose weight. Surgery is an option, but treatment with medication is always tried first because it is the least invasive option. Surgery does not come without its own complications. Talk to your doctor about taking a histamine blocker or PPI for any symptom relief before trying it on your own. Antacids like tums can help treat the minor symptoms, but if you find you’re using those a lot it’s time to see a doctor. If you feel like the reflux is getting worse or you start losing weight and you aren’t trying, or you feel like you’re choking you should also get to your doctor as soon as possible. If you’ve been treated and are still having symptoms then talk to your doctor about changing medication or what surgical options are available to you if you want to explore that option.
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.
Author: Jane Kaufman
Swag Bagz Inc is a New York City 501(c)3 nonprofit that gifts bags of self-care items to women in need.
Swag Bagz volunteers fill reusable fabric tote bags with items such as scented soaps and sanitizers, hand lotions, lip balms, essential oil roll-ons and decorative pouches filled with menstrual supplies.
Bags are distributed to women, predominantly low-income and women of color, at stressful and challenging or celebratory times in their lives. Swag Bagz Inc gives bags to women at domestic violence and homeless shelters, women visiting abortion clinics, and women graduating from career training and substance abuse programs, among others. They include transgendered women, LGBTQ individuals, and gender-nonconforming recipients as well.
This generous organization partners with other non-profit groups to reach these women.
The aim of Swag Bagz is to care for recipients by helping them care for themselves, and see themselves as worth caring for. For a woman in need, having a few attractive, scented items just for herself can bring joy. Also, they help her feel seen, acknowledged, and deserving.
Certain scents, such as lavender, have been shown to affect mood, cognition, and socialization in positive ways. We all like “free stuff.” Why should Hollywood celebrities be the only ones to get swag bags?
To donate or learn more about this organization, visit https://swagbagzinc.org/
Stefanie:
Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us today.
My name is Stefanie and I'm part of the team here at MyVirtualPhysician. We are a direct to consumer, multi-specialty, telemedicine provider operating in multiple states.
Welcome to Talk Tuesday. We are continuing our weekly educational series, talking with our expert physicians, exploring some common healthcare concerns, and hopefully answering some questions you may have.
Today our physician expert is Dr. Salome Masghati, a practicing gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon who is one of our telemedicine providers. We are talking about a complaint our doctors commonly see or treat, and that is URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS or UTIs.
Dr. Masghati, thank you for joining us today.
Stefanie:
So let’s cut to the chase Dr. Masghati, can cranberries cure a UTI?
Dr. Salome Masghati:
Many people believe that cranberries or cranberry juice can treat a UTI, and the answer is it's complicated.
There have been many studies on cranberries as a UTI treatment, and research has shown that an active ingredient in cranberries called “proanthocyanidins,” or PCAs for short, is effective in preventing E. Coli bacteria, the most common cause of UTI infections, from attaching to the bladder wall lining and colonizing or creating an infection.
So PCAs or cranberries may help prevent a urinary tract infection but once there is already an infection, that treatment may not be effective.
A cup of cranberry juice may only contain a small amount of this active ingredient with a lot of sugar! Cranberry tablets or pills may be another option for prevention.
Stefanie:
So if someone wants to try cranberry juice for prevention of a UTI, how much should you drink?
Dr. Masghati:
A recent article in Pharmacy Today recommends at least 36 mg of PAC daily.
For the prevention of UTIs, 300–500 mL of cranberry juice cocktail (26% cranberry juice) daily and 400–800 mg cranberry extract twice daily.
Or 36–72 mg of cranberry PAC equivalents per day, found in about 360–720 mg of cranberry extract, has been shown to be effective.2
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.
Stefanie:
So cranberry juice and cranberry extract tablets together may help prevent infections but what about someone who already has a UTI?
Dr. Masghati:
Truly if someone has an infection, either their body will be able to fight off the infection, or they may need an antibiotic medication to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Stefanie:
That’s interesting, so you say in some cases a UTI can go away on its own because the body is able to fight off the infection?
Dr. Masghati:
Yes, in some cases. Approximately 25-42% of the time these uncomplicated UTIs may resolve without any medical treatment.
Stefanie:
Ok, so when would it be time for someone to see a doctor about their UTI?
Dr. Masghati:
Untreated infections can spread and become serious. You should talk to your doctor as soon as you suspect a UTI.
Also for signs such as fever, chills, flank pain, or abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting. These can be signs of a serious infection.
Stefanie:
For someone who is going to make an appointment but has not yet, is there anything that they can do to manage the UTI?
Dr. Masghati:
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. Some adults with UTI have a frequent urge to urinate or sensation of pressure in the low abdomen which can make it feel as though you need to urinate. Going to the bathroom frequently to empty the bladder can help.
If there is pain in the low abdomen a heating pad may provide some relief.
Over the counter pain relievers such as Motrin or Tylenol can also be taken to help with discomfort.
Stefanie:
Dr. Masghati you have shared some great information today. I appreciate you joining us for Talk Tuesday and helping us understand more about UTIs and cranberry juice. For everyone else joining us as well, this has been Talk Tuesday with MyVirtualPhysician. If you would like to connect with one of our board certified OB/GYNs, or for more information you can check out our website at www.myvirtualphysician.com. We look forward to seeing you again and we hope you have a great week.
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.
Stefanie:
Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us today.
My name is Stefanie and I'm part of the team here at MyVirtualPhysician. We are a direct to consumer, multi-specialty, telemedicine provider operating in multiple states.
It is Talk Tuesday and we are back with our weekly educational series, talking with our experts, exploring some common healthcare concerns that we see, and hopefully answering some questions you may have.
Today our physician expert is Dr. Daniel Kessler and one of our telemedicine providers. We are talking about coping with anxiety during the holidays.
Stefanie:
Well the holiday season is upon us and I know that this year has been challenging for many, so some people are already stressed or anxious and not looking forward to the holidays. Is it normal to have anxiety during this time?
Dr. Daniel Kessler:
It can be common to have feelings of anxiety during this time.
The Oxford dictionary defines anxiety as feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome that may be coming. These can be normal and natural. Many people have these feelings from time to time. During the holidays, Americans may feel financial strain as it can be a season of shopping and gift-giving. They may have to come together with family members that they don’t often see or grieve separation from loved ones and relationships can be challenging or cause anxiety and worry. Many adults have unrealistic expectations for the holiday 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.
Stefanie:
That makes sense, the holidays can definitely cause anxiety, the worry, nervousness, or unease. So when is anxiety abnormal, or when is it a problem?
Dr. Kessler:
In some cases, those thoughts or feelings become intense and excessive, or individuals may become focused on common everyday events or situations that generally should not produce those feelings 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.
This second more extreme sense of anxiety may be out of the norm, and may require evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Stefanie:
Are there other symptoms, other than the intense feelings you mentioned, that someone could look for or identify as signs that they should get help, or someone they know or care about should see a physician?
Dr. Kessler:
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can vary from person to person so if someone is concerned they should talk to their doctor.
But some other signs or symptoms could include:
Stefanie:
So Dr. Kessler, these may be reasons to talk to your doctor about your anxiety. But for our listeners who may experience some mild feelings of stress or worry around the holidays, and maybe they are reluctant to talk to anyone about them yet, can you tell us about coping with anxiety, and specifically for coping with anxiety during the holidays?
Dr. Kessler:
Sure, There are definitely some steps you can take to manage mild anxiety.
Probably the most important thing is self care and self awareness. Many people overlook taking care of themselves during this season, which is often about giving to others. But you have to be aware of how you’re feeling, and take care of your mental and physical health during this time.
So here are 6 things that we can all do, to try to stay healthy and happy this holiday and keep anxiety at bay.
Number 1 - Adequate hydration
Don’t forget to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. When you are dehydrated, you won’t feel your best. Also keep in mind drinks like coffee and alcohol may contribute to anxiety so it can be helpful to limit or cut out caffeine and alcohol for a time.
Number 2 - Good nutrition
Stress can cause changes in your metabolism, or how you burn energy. Skipping meals leads to spikes and drops in blood sugar that can wreak havoc on your system. It is important to eat regularly and maximize your nutrient intake with healthy foods. Taking a multivitamin won’t hurt either.
Number 3 - Get enough sleep
National Sleep Foundation guidelines say that the average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep. Staying up late at holiday parties and getting up early to wrap presents can be detrimental to your health. Practice good sleep hygiene by setting a bedtime and sticking to it when you can.
Number 4 - Exercise
Studies show that physical activity is excellent for mental health. If you find yourself anxious or worried take a walk or a jog, practice yoga, whatever physical activity that you find enjoyable.
Number 5 - Stay connected to others
Social isolation can be a symptom of anxiety and may also trigger it. During the holiday season, make it a point to stay connected to family and friends. Communicate by phone or in person when possible. When separated from loved ones, look for settings where you can volunteer. Many charities offer opportunities to serve. Being with others can suppress feelings of anxiety or depression. It is helpful to share feelings with others and reach out when you can.
Number 6 - Be intentional with your schedule
Set boundaries with your time, and don’t feel about declining invitations if they cause stress, anxiety, or depression. Limit events that cause excessive worry. You want to be connected, but you also want to be selective in some way, and make the best of your holiday season. It can also be helpful to stick to your normal routine. Change can cause stress so just be aware of that.
Stefanie:
Thank you Dr. Kessler, you have given us some great tips for coping with anxiety during the holidays.
I appreciate you joining us for Talk Tuesday and telling us what we need to know about anxiety. For everyone else joining us as well, this has been Talk Tuesday with MyVirtualPhysician. If you would like to talk with one of our board-certified physicians about your health concerns, you can check out our website at www.myvirtualphysician.com. We look forward to talking with you again, and we hope you have a great week.
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.
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!
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
Stefanie:
Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us today.
My name is Stefanie and I'm part of the team here at MyVirtualPhysician. We are a direct to consumer, multi-specialty, telemedicine provider operating in multiple states.
It is Talk Tuesday and we are continuing our weekly educational series, talking with our experts, exploring some common healthcare concerns that we see, and hopefully answering some questions you may have.
Today our physician expert is Dr. Salome Masghati, a practicing gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon and one of our telemedicine providers. We are talking about a problem that may affect one in ten couples at some point, Infertility.
Dr. Masghati thank you for joining us today.
Let’s start by talking about what is Infertility?
Dr. Masghati:
Infertility is a diagnosable medical condition in which a couple has been unable to conceive a pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse.
Stefanie:
Can you tell us some of the causes of Infertility?
Dr. Masghati:
Infertility in women can have many different causes, such as abnormal ovulation, pelvic inflammation, endometriosis, hormone abnormalities, tubal scarring etc. Infertility in men is commonly caused by problems with sperm cells. Aside from these physiological causes, factors affecting fertility can include age, health status, and lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, or smoking. They work to keep you healthy later if you are exposed to a live virus. Marijuana use and heavy drinking have also been shown to cause decreased sperm motility in men.
Stefanie:
So when should a couple seek a medical opinion about getting pregnant? Is there a time frame, say?
Dr. Masghati:
The general rule of thumb is one year for women under the age of 35, and for women over the age of 35 they might seek a medical opinion sooner, after maybe six months of trying to get pregnant. Other reasons to see a doctor when planning a pregnancy might include history of miscarriages, men who have trouble maintaining erection or women with irregular menstrual cycles. Also couples who have had sexually transmitted infections and are now unable to conceive a pregnancy may need to see a doctor, and individuals who have been exposed to toxic chemicals or chemotherapy as in the case of a childhood cancer or something of that nature.
Stefanie:
When couples seek help for infertility concerns, what can they expect?
Dr. Masghati:
Usually the doctor will start with a history and physical, and then they may order blood or urine testing, hormone testing. The doctor may evaluate both partners to try to determine if there are any abnormalities, and then they will go over test results and recommendations with you. Some of these tests can be ordered by me through My Virtual Physician visits, but some need to be followed up in person with a physician in the office.
Stefanie:
And after this evaluation, what sort of treatment options might be recommended, or are available?
Dr. Masghati:
There are medications available for men and women that can increase chances of getting pregnant. Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a procedure in which a physician can insert sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation to help with conception. And for other cases, fertility specialists may offer in vitro fertilization, known as IVF, which is a surgical procedure in which a woman’s eggs are retrieved, fertilized, and then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.
Stefanie:
What is the success rate of a procedure like in vitro fertilization?
Dr. Masghati:
Women under the age of 35 can expect about a 50% success rate for in vitro fertilization, but it is a very complex process that requires intense testing and monitoring and can be costly, anywhere for $20,000 - $50,000.
There is also the possibility to address infertility issues through functional medicine, which is a type of medicine where we look at the patient in a more holistic approach. Functional medicine and integrative medicine can be helpful to couples who have been unable to conceive.
Stefanie:
Dr. Masghati, you have shared some great information today and answered questions that I think many couples may have on their minds. I appreciate you joining us for Talk Tuesday and telling us what we need to know about infertility. For everyone else joining us as well, this has been Talk Tuesday with My Virtual Physician. If you would like to connect with one of our board-certified OB/GYNs, or for more information, you can check out our website at www.myvirtualphysician.com. We look forward to seeing you again and we hope you have a great week.
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.
