powered by Zocdoc

Doctor

What Can a Family Doctor in Wellington Treat?

Family medicine is grounded on the most basic social unit—the family. Family medicine doctors receive specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of the entire spectrum of medical conditions that affect the members of an entire family unit: the mother, the father, the children, and even the grandparents.

It doesn’t mean, however, that you need to have a family to be attended to by a family doctor. Rather, it implies that family doctors can provide care to patients of all ages, throughout their lives, and for multiple generations at the same time.  

To get a better insight into how you can benefit from the expertise of a family doctor, let’s explore the various conditions they treat and the scope of their services.

Emerging, Acute, and Chronic Conditions

 

As your primary care provider, your family doctor knows your medical history and can evaluate new and unusual symptoms, which may be indicative of a development of a potentially serious medical condition. In other words, if you’re experiencing symptoms that you suspect to be those of a chronic condition, your family doctor is the usually the first physician you see to ascertain whether these symptoms are any cause for concern. Your family doctor will then order the necessary tests, interpret the results, and constantly monitor your symptoms to see if there’s any progression.

Should these symptoms point to a chronic condition, your family doctor can provide personalized, ongoing treatment and coordinate your care with other sub-specialists, when need be. Common chronic diseases treated by family doctors include arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Your family doctor is also your go-to – and often, your only stop– for appropriate diagnoses and treatment of acute conditions, such as urinary tract infection, cold, flu, sinus infection, ear infection, among others.

Women’s Health

Contrary to what many women think, a wellness appointment with their OB/GYN doesn’t necessarily cover their primary care needs. Albeit an OB/GYN can cover specific gynecologic or reproductive health issues, it isn’t the same as seeing a family doctor.

A recent study indicates that women who consult their family doctors for preventive care receive a broader range of care. The bottom line is that visits with family doctors can complement visits with OB/GYNs.

Other Services Provided by a Family Doctor

Apart from diagnosing and providing treatment for diseases, family doctors also provide health and nutrition counseling, health-risk assessments, early pregnancy care, family planning, wellness checkups, immunizations, and screening tests. 

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

If you’ve been on the world wide web to search for a family doctor in Wellington, Florida, your search ends here. At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified family nurse practitioner–Shariffa Gunawardene—is a family medicine provider, who is dedicated to delivering evidence-based, compassionate, and patient-centered care to everyone in our community.

 To schedule an appointment with Shariffa, call us at (561) 434-1935. You may also use this secure online appointment form.

Headaches in the Summer

People who have chronic headaches may notice that they can worsen during the summer months, especially for those who suffer from migraines. Researchers still haven’t pinpointed the cause behind migraines, but according to the Migraine Research Foundation, researchers have concluded migraines are neurological disorders that involve nerve pathways and brain chemicals.

You may not suffer from migraine headaches, but if you find that headaches occur more often for you during the summer months, then summer headache triggers could be to blame. Here are some reasons why.

Allergens

Allergens that are present during the summer months pose a threat to persons suffering from headaches. Hay fever is big during summer and can cause headaches as it affects sinus nasal passages. Sinus headaches are characterized by facial pain, throbbing on one-side of the head and are exacerbated by light, especially sunlight. Headaches can originate in the sinus area, however; these types of headaches aren’t always diagnosed as sinus headaches and could be migraines. Seek a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Humidity

High humidity can trigger headaches for people who are prone to them. Think ahead. Your local weatherman or weather apps you can download to your phone are great resources for anticipating when you may have a headache brought on by humidity and other weather-related events. This will allow you to take preventative action before the onset of a headache. Ask your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medication before a headache occurs.

Barometric Pressure

As barometric pressure decreases the chance of a headache increases. Even a slight change in atmospheric pressure can trigger headaches, especially when it’s humid and stormy.  Headaches can also be caused by changes in altitude as folks fly away on summer vacation or hike vertically up hills and mountains. Also, there is more storm activity during the summer and this, in turn, can also be a trigger.

Summer Lifestyle

We have a tendency to enjoy a few lifestyle changes during the summer. More people take a vacation and even those who don’t take some time in the sun by the pool, on a summer picnic or at the beach. We also tend to cook outdoors and enjoy the company of friends. Basically, we take advantage of every waking hour of daylight to have as much fun as possible. We may have more fun, but the lifestyle change also affects our bodies. Balance your summer lifestyle to ward off headaches.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body is losing more fluid than it is taking in. Becoming dehydrated is extremely dangerous. In addition to triggering headaches, dehydration can cause serious problems, even death if not treated. Drinking water or Gatorade will keep dehydration at bay and headaches, too. Water is the best solution for restoring hydration. Never assume that alcoholic drinks can rehydrate you. In fact, they actually leave you dehydrated and cause pause pounding headaches.

Headaches are more common during the summer months, but Advanced Medical Clinic is your resource for good health and patient-centered care during every season. At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, we offer a high standard of primary and urgent care. Our comprehensive treatment options are designed to help you achieve a better quality of life through the management of many urgent and non-urgent conditions. As a husband and wife team, internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene understand what family health means and its true importance.

Avoid a headache! The friendly staff at Advanced Medical welcomes your call and looks forward to serving you. If you have any questions about our primary care services, please call our office at (561) 434-1935. To schedule an appointment, you can call us or use our secure online appointment request form.

Why Do We Get Sick in the Winter: Your Primary Care Physicians

What Causes Colds and Flus? 

The common cold and the flu are not caused by changes in temperature, but by viruses. However, the reason they seem associated with the cooler months is because different viruses are more active at certain times of the year. For instance, rhinoviruses, which have many different strains, are some of the most common causes of a cold. These microscopic germs are at their peak during the cooler months of fall and spring. By contrast, the many strains of influenza viruses peak during the winter months. Once exposed to the human body, these viruses are carried around in our respiratory systems. When they are expelled through a cough, sneeze, or nasal secretions, droplets containing the viruses contaminate the air as well as any surfaces they may land on. Once a virus infects a host, it uses the body’s cells to replicate (multiply), instigating a response from our immune system.

Our Bodies 

Our immune system is what causes the miserable symptoms we experience with a cold or flu. When an invading organism is identified by the immune system, a number of different types of cells and chemicals are released and sent to the site of the infection. They create an inflammatory response that causes our rise in temperature, the achiness and chills associated with an infection, and an increase in lung and nasal secretions. While our immune response is actively fighting the infection, these additional secretions become a risk for others, as it makes it easier for the virus to be spread when we cough or blow our noses.

Even though cold weather does not cause infections, it can contribute to our risk of getting sick. For instance, cold air, as well as dry warm air from our heaters, can cause the tissue inside our noses to become dry and cracked. This makes it easier for germs to enter into our system. Additionally, the cold weather may make the cilia (little hairs) in our noses less effective at their job of sweeping germs away. Our immune system itself may not work as well in the cold weather, either. We defend against viruses by not allowing them to replicate. However, this mechanism may be slower when the environment is colder.

Having a chronic illness also puts you at greater risk for catching a cold or the flu. For example, people who have asthma are more likely to have an asthma attack in cold weather. When the lungs become inflamed during an attack, they are more susceptible to pick up an infection. In fact, any chronic illness that makes your immune system weaker, like diabetes or heart failure, puts you at even greater risk during the colder months.

Our Environment and Our Behavior 

As a rule, humans are not fond of staying outside in the cold weather. It may be fun to participate in winter sports or play in the snow with the right clothing on, but eventually everyone wants to come in from the cold. Because this is a communal response, we tend to congregate inside buildings that are heated with dry air. So now we have a lot of people inside, breathing the same air that causes our nasal passages to become dry and cracked. During that time of the year, chances are that some of us will already be infected, even if we don’t have symptoms yet. So any coughing, sneezing, or running noses increases the chances of someone else getting sick. The dry air (whether inside in the heat or outside in the cold) also makes it easier for the viruses to get around. Trapped in tiny droplets of moisture that stay suspended even longer in dry air, these viruses are free to move around and find their way into someone’s respiratory system. If the rooms are poorly ventilated, which is often the case, the chance of more people getting infected goes up.

Can you think of anywhere that lots of people who might be carrying a virus are congregated routinely during the colder months? That’s right – school. From kindergarten to college, filled heated classrooms and dormitories create a perfect environment for “catching cold”. Hence, from fall to spring, both the cold and the flu have ample hunting grounds for human hosts.

What Your Primary Care Physician Knows that Will Keep You Healthy

So, viruses are more active in the cooler months, the environment helps to create a perfect breeding ground for airborne infections, and our natural survival instinct to keep warm increases our chances of getting sick. However, there are some other human behaviors that we can change to prevent some of these illnesses, and your primary care physician is a perfect place to look to for advice. The following are a few tips you should remember during cold and flu season.

First, try not to share. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth. Also make sure and wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or using tissues; and keep your hands away from your face because every surface you touch has the potential of carrying germs. You can also protect others from illness. If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.

You should also be aware of your environment. Know that if you are in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, you are more at risk. This would include offices, classrooms, dormitories, and airplanes. If you can, try to alter your environment by making sure there is good ventilation, and humidification.

Finally arm yourself to fortify your defenses. Eat a healthy ad well-balanced diet. You should also get daily exercise and plenty of sleep. However, one of the most important things you can do to help your immune system is by staying up to date with your vaccines. This includes the flu vaccine, which is available every year beginning in September. This vaccine is made from an inactivated virus. That means it is not alive and it cannot give you the flu. What it does, is provoke your body into making specific antibodies (fighting cells) against the most common flu virus strains for the season. The most common side effects are a sore arm, and possibly mild flu-like symptoms, which are caused by your immune system’s healthy response to the vaccine. The flu is a very serious illness that not only causes severe and prolonged symptoms, but also is responsible for many deaths each year. That is why your primary care physician will recommend that each person receive the vaccine each year, beginning at six months of age.

If you have any more question regarding cold and flu season, or how your primary care physician can help you stay healthy, we are happy to discuss this and any other healthcare concerns you may have. Please call Advanced Medical, PA, at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Why Do You Need to See a Doctor Today?

While it might be convenient to make an appointment for the same day for an annual physical, this may not necessarily be realistic nor the best plan of action for you. Having a productive annual visit generally means that you have laboratory or other screening tests prior to seeing your provider. Conversely, sometimes it is not necessary to go straight to the doctor when you come down with a cold. Viral upper respiratory infections often run their course with little more intervention than rest, fluids, and some over-the-counter medications. However, there are situations when you should have a same-day appointment. There are also certain symptoms that require an emergency room visit.

When Should I Have a Same Day Appointment? 

There are many instances when people will call the doctor for advice over the phone, when they should really be seen in person. While a great deal of information can be retrieved from a conversation with your doctor, there are times when he or she needs to evaluate you before ordering tests or treatments. The following list is not all-inclusive, but reviews a few of the more common complaints that require an office visit.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms

When your have had a cold for about 5 days and the symptoms are not getting better, or are worsening, it is probably time to see your doctor. This is especially true if you are running a fever. You may need an antibiotic. On the other hand, you might not. Sometimes a cough and shortness of breath may be caused by bronchitis, or could be as serious as heart problems. Your doctor will not be able to determine this over the phone, and having a family practitioner that can see you the same day may save you a trip to the emergency room or to urgent care.

Pain or Difficulty Urinating

Often times, problems urinating can be the result of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The first line of treatment for this is usually increasing your fluid intake and giving your body a few days to fight the infection. However, if the symptoms persist, you may need a urine culture to determine what is causing the problem, because an untreated UTI can lead to complications. These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, including certain sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, they may be consistent with

postmenopausal syndromes in women, or prostate problems in men.

A Fall Resulting in Pain or Swelling

The older you are, the more concerning a fall may be. And while the treatment for a traumatic injury that causes swelling is RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), it is usually a good idea to have your primary care provider evaluate you. In the event that they find a fracture or significant injury to a joint, he or she can refer you to a specialist for further treatment.

Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Severe Abdominal Pain Lasting Longer than a Few Days

Viral gastroenteritis or even food poisoning is something that most younger, healthy people will recover from in a few days, but if you are not improving after 3 days of rest along with a bland diet and drinking fluids, it is time to see your primary care doctor. If you are running a fever, it is even more important to be evaluated. First of all, you may need to have a few tests to find the cause of these symptoms. Additionally, vomiting and diarrhea causes loss of both fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to more problems. This is especially true with the young, the old, and the chronically ill; so making a same-day appointment would be in your best interest.

Bloody or Black Stools

Stools with bright red blood may well be from hemorrhoids, however, if accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal cramping or diarrhea, it can be more serious. Additionally, even if it is hemorrhoids, chronic blood loss can cause anemia. If you are experiencing black stools, it could be an indication that you have bleeding somewhere higher in your gastrointestinal system – which runs from your esophagus to your anus. Seeing your primary care provider is an important first step to determine if and why you are bleeding internally.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room? 

Even if you do have a primary care provider that offers same-day appointments, there are times when you should bypass the office and go straight to the emergency room. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are clear indications for emergency room care. Chest pain, especially if it is associated with activity, could indicate you are having a heart attack. Other symptoms to look for in this situation would be neck, shoulder or arm pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. If you feel palpitations, which can be a feeling of your heart beating fast and hard, or of having skipped beats, you should be evaluated in the emergency room, especially if you are feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, or are having chest pain. If you are feeling short of breath or are wheezing, the emergency room is the best place to be evaluated. Additionally, any time you have any neurological changes, such as confusion, dizziness, severe headaches, weakness, difficulty talking or swallowing, or an uneven smile, you should be taken to the emergency room or call 911. This would include whether the changes came on spontaneously, or after you had a head injury. In fact, any severe trauma, including a head injury should be evaluated in the emergency room.

Advanced Medical has caring and attentive medical staff, who are committed to providing quality health care to all their patients. They believe in continuity in primary care, and are available for same-day appointments. Call today at (561) 434-1935 to schedule an appointment, or book an appointment online.

The Difference between an Internist and a Primary Care Physician

To understand the difference between an internist and a primary care physician, it is important to realize that one is a specialty, and the other is a role. An internist is a physician who specializes in internal medicine, and is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. While an internist can function as a primary care physician, he or she may also focus their practice on hospital medicine, medical education and/or research. On the other hand, a primary care physician may be an internist, a pediatrician, a geriatrician, a family practitioner, a gynecologist or an obstetrician, because primary care involves the practice of promoting overall health for the entire individual within the specific population (geriatrics, pediatrics, etc.) of the physician’s specialty. Let’s first look at the specialty of internal medicine, and then examine how these and other physicians practice in the primary care environment.

The Internist: The Internal Medicine Specialist 

Internists are physicians who have specialized training in the diagnosis and management of illness in adult patients. This means that they are capable of helping their patients stay healthy and prevent illness, but are also able to diagnose and treat both acute and chronic illnesses. Just a few of the many illnesses an internist would treat include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, bronchitis, ear infections, back pain and the common cold. The list is exhaustive but basically includes any illness than can affect adults.

Internists are particularly skilled in reviewing the symptoms of patients with complex problems, performing physical exams, ordering diagnostic tests, and using this information to identify both common and rare illnesses. They are basically the detectives and problem-solvers of adult medicine; and they are also experts in treating extremely ill adults.  This is why internists are found in a variety of roles and settings. You may have an internist as your primary care physician, treating you in an office or clinic. However, some internists, known as hospitalists, care for acutely ill patients in the hospital. And some do both. Because of their specialized education and training, internists are exceptionally suited for treating patients with multiple medical problems, understanding how these illnesses, their medications, and their treatments interact, and adjusting the plan of care to best suit the individual patient’s needs.

The Primary Care Physician

A primary care physician (PCP) is basically the physician that you’ve always known as “your doctor.” They are responsible for the ongoing health and wellbeing of their patients, by promoting healthy behavior, helping you prevent illness, and quickly diagnosing and treating any new or potential health problems. He or she is the doctor who knows you the best and who you can turn to for any health concerns. The primary care physician is usually your first contact with the health care system, and they are skilled in providing a comprehensive assessment of health care needs, as well as continuous monitoring of chronic illnesses and treatment of new problems. They will also know when a referral to another specialist is warranted.

The central person in primary care is the patient, and the primary care doctor will focus on you as a whole individual. They work hard to maintain a trusting relationship with their patients and will partner with you to come up with the best plan for your good health. This plan will usually include age-appropriate health maintenance, routine monitoring, immunizations, counseling, patient education, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. To realize the real benefit of having a primary care physician, you should look at them as your focal point of all your health care needs. By turning to your primary care physician first, you will make sure that the doctor treating you knows and understands you; and you will avoid unnecessary tests or trips to specialists.

The role of primary care physician is performed by more than one type of physician, and each provides care to the population that they have specialized in. Internists are experts in the care of adults, or those 18 years and older. Geriatricians, on the other hand, are internists that have additional training for the medical needs of adults 65 and older. Family Practice physicians are qualified to provide primary care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, while pediatricians see patients from infancy through adolescence. Specialists in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) can provide primary care for women, including reproductive health and family planning. While we often think of primary care practices as those in outpatient offices and clinic, in reality, primary care can be performed in a number of settings. This includes long-term care settings such as nursing homes, home care, day-care and even in the hospital. Whichever the setting, the primary care physician carefully tailors the healthcare plan to meet the individual needs of each patient, with the goal of helping their patients achieve their highest level of health.

When your doctor knows and understands you, and is carefully monitoring your health needs, the results are bound to be of benefit to you. With the focus on prevention and early action when an illness arises, the primary care physician can often help patients avoid severe illness, the need for specialists and hospitalizations. Experts agree that primary care increases everyone’s access to healthcare and improves the quality of health care. On a more personal level, patients and physicians are given the opportunity to form trusting and lasting relationships.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about internal medicine or primary care. At Advanced Medical, PA, we pride ourselves in providing quality health care in both internal medicine and primary care. To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to schedule a visit, call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Getting the Most From Your Primary Care Visit

Have you ever gotten home from a doctor visit and realized you forgot to mention something you wanted to talk about? Or maybe you arrived at your visit without important information, like the name of the new medication a specialist prescribed. Your next appointment may not be scheduled for months, and it’s often difficult to make time for an extra trip. Yet, good communication is essential for insuring that all your health needs are met. So, whether you are seeing a new provider, or returning for a follow-up appointment, here are some tips to make sure you get the most from all of your primary care visits.

Go Prepared

The time to organize your thoughts is before you get to your appointment. Preparing ahead of time will help you maximize the time you spend with your provider. Write your questions down and bring the list to the appointment with you. If you’ve researched a new treatment or have questions about a specific illness, don’t bring pages of literature with you. There’s just not enough time to review this during an office visit. It’s better to add these concerns to your list of questions so that you don’t get bogged down on one topic and miss out on addressing other health issues.

To create the best plan to meet your healthcare needs, it is important that you supply all pertinent information. If you have orders for blood work, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests, make sure you complete them in enough time that the results have been sent to the office. Also, if you had any “homework,” such as keeping a log of your blood sugars or blood pressures, make sure you bring it to the visit. And, if you have seen a specialist, have been to an emergency room, or have been in the hospital, it is best if you arrange for your records to be forwarded to your primary care office before your scheduled visit. This gives your doctor the time to review the information before you arrive, leaving more time for discussion and your physical exam.

If you are seeing a new primary care provider for the first time, it is even more important that you arrive with updated and accurate information. Try to have your medical records, including all your past immunizations, forwarded before your visit. It is also a good idea for you to write out your medical history, chronologically, in your own words and bring it to the visit. Additionally, you should include a history of any illnesses your siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents had and the age that these illnesses occurred. This overview will give your new provider an even better picture of your healthcare needs.

All of Your Medications Matter

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is that your doctor know ALL the medications you are taking. Five to 17% of all hospitalizations of older patients are the result of problems with medications; and drug interactions cost billions of dollars while increasing the average hospital stay by 7 days. Bring a complete list of all the medications, over the counter drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements you are taking. It is also important to list the dosage and how many times per day you are taking them. Try to include why you are taking these medications and who originally prescribed them if you can. If you are unsure, or have any questions about what information is important regarding your medications, just put everything you are taking on a regular basis into a shopping bag, and bring it to the appointment. Updating your medication record is an important part of every visit, so make a routine of bringing updates regularly.

Use your Time Wisely

It is important to have a good relationship with your provider and he or she is genuinely interested in you, but be realistic about what can be accomplished in one visit. If you have a number of health issues, it is important to organize your thoughts and address all of your concerns. While telling stories may be entertaining, it may not be productive and could take time away from discussing important issues. So, budget your time and try to stay focused on your health. This is also not the time to paint rosy pictures or avoid embarrassing topics. Honesty and full disclosure will go a long way to help you achieve health. Use your primary care visit to its fullest potential by trusting your provider with sincere information.

Don’t Go It Alone

Sometimes you might have a lot to discuss at your visit, or you might be worried about the results of your tests. Not everyone is comfortable with medical information, so you may have trouble remembering everything your doctor tells you during a visit. In these situations, you might bring a trusted friend, spouse or family member with you. They can offer you support, take notes for you, help you remember to cover all your concerns, or maybe even think of questions that you don’t.

Leave with a Plan

So now you have gone prepared, brought all your important information with you, and reviewed all of your concerns and test results. Most likely, there will be recommendations to be followed, prescriptions to be filled, or follow up testing to be done. Often, you will be advised to return within a certain amount of time. Make sure you understand all that is expected of you. Your health depends on it! So, ask questions, take notes, and clarify what you may not understand. Make sure you know the plan, agree with the plan, and are capable of carrying out all that is recommended. By arriving prepared, making the most of your time during the visit, and leaving with a good understanding of a realistic plan, you will have made the most of your primary care visit, and will be well on your way to good health.

At Advanced Medical PA, we look forward to providing you with all your primary care needs. To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to schedule your primary care visit, call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Selecting the Right Doctor

Changes to healthcare laws and the way insurance works and what’s covered make selecting the right doctor more important than ever. Your primary care doctor is a vital member of your healthcare team. Find out why a small practice may offer the best overall care for your health.

Primary Care Doctor

The right Primary Care Physician, or PCP gives you access to the best possible healthcare. As the “point person” on your medical team, your doctor gets to know you and your health history. He or she knows the specialists you’ve seen and which medications you take. They will help manage your health through acute illnesses or chronic disease, and always explain conditions and treatment options.

Continuity of Care

Healthcare can be big business. More and more, providers work in a large practice where a patient may be seen by a different practitioner at each visit, especially if an appointment is made on short notice in the case of illness. Patients in the Welling and Royal Palm Beach, Florida areas can choose Advanced Medical Clinic for their care, and always see Dr. Ishan Gunawardene or his wife, nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene.

Here are some reasons why continuity of care from your doctor is so important

  • Your whole health picture – if you always see the same doctor, he will know details about your health that can’t all be recorded in your file.
  • Hospital care – if you require treatment in a hospital, the Advanced Medical team will be there to advocate treatments that are in your best interest, keep you and your family informed, and provide first-hand health history information that could significantly improve treatment outcomes.
  • Accessibility – Ask your doctor a question without having to explain symptoms or events that have already been treated.

Advanced Medical Clinic offers personal care with continuity throughout. Call (561) 434-1935  for an appointment in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, Florida today. Get a same day appointment or just walk in.