Internal Medicine Services

Office Procedures Performed by the Physician, Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistants of the Internal Medicine Department Include:

• Physical Examination: involves a thorough history and physical examination of the patient to determine to presence or absence of physical problems. Includes wellness counseling.

• Monitoring Laboratory tests.

• Weekly/Monthly Injections
  • Allergy
  • Vitamin B-12

• Diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases.

• Blood pressure evaluation.

• Gynecological Examination: involves a thorough examination of the breast and female genitourinary system. Usually includes a pap smear of the cervix.

• Review of various ancillary procedures:
  • Dexa Scan - a simple procedure used to measure bone density. Bone density is very important in identifying people at risk of bone injury and osteoporosis.
  • X-rays - a procedure used to diagnose illness or injury which involves using small amounts of electromagnetic waves.
  • CAT Scan (Computerized axial tomography) - use of a computer to produce from x-ray data, a cross-sectional view of the anatomical part being investigated.
  • MRI Scan (Magnetic resonance imaging) - a type of diagnostic radiography using electromagnetic energy. This technique is valuable in providing soft tissue images of the central nervous and musculo-skeletal systems.
  • Ultrasound procedure - uses ultrasound to produce an image or photograph of an organ or tissue for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
  • Mammography - x-ray examination of the breast.

• Sigmoidoscopy: a small, soft bendable tube is inserted into the anus to examine the lining of the rectum and lower colon (bowel).

• Skin Tag Removal: the skin tag is lifted with tweezers and the provider usually uses scissors to cut the flap away from the surrounding skin. The provider may also use a small cautery device to remove the skin tag.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): a record of the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose cases of abnormal heart rhythm and heart muscle damage.

• Pulse Oximetry: a pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood without use of needles. It is placed on the patient's finger.

• Removal of impacted cerumen: dried cerumen (ear wax) can become pressed together so tightly that it cannot be removed easily. A provider can remove impacted cerumen by using special instruments and/or an ear flushing procedure.

Services Performed by the Internal Medicine Nursing Staff:

• Interviewing and collecting data

• Nursing advice and teaching.

• Weight, height and blood pressure check.

• Dressing change, ear flushes, bladder cauterizations, etc.

• Diabetes Education - provides education on the treatment and management of diabetes, including training the patient on how to monitor their own blood sugar levels, insulin shots, diet and meal planning and exercise therapy.

• Allergy Shots.

• Vitamin B-12 shots.

• Protime/INR laboratory testing.

• Administration of various medications and immunizations.

• Comfort patients.