Primary Care

What Can a Family Medicine Provider in Wellington Treat?

Family medicine is grounded on the most basic social unit—the family. Family medicine providers 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 medicine provider. Rather, it implies that family medicine providers 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 medicine provider, 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 medicine provider 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 medicine provider is the usually the first provider you see to ascertain whether these symptoms are any cause for concern. Your family medicine provider 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 medicine provider can provide personalized, ongoing treatment and coordinate your care with other sub-specialists, when need be. Common chronic diseases treated by family medicine provider include arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Your family medicine provider 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 medicine provider.

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

Other Services Provided by a Family Medicine Provider

Apart from diagnosing and providing treatment for diseases, family medicine providers 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 medicine provider 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.

The Difference Between a Walk-In Clinic and Urgent Care Clinic

Are you one of those people who are unsure as to which type of healthcare facility you should seek treatment at in the event of a medical situation?

Depending on the nature of your condition or injury, you have a variety of options you can try, but your ideal options are a walk-in clinic and an urgent care clinic. Let’s delineate their distinctions to help you determine where you’re supposed to go for a particular medical situation.

Treatment and Services

A walk-in clinic, also referred to as a retail clinic, is designed is for quick visits. Walk-in clinics are the ones you see in grocery stores, pharmacies, and “big box” stores, such as Target and Walmart. Some of the services you can acquire at walk-in clinics are treatment for simple, acute conditions, vaccinations, drug prescriptions for common conditions, and blood pressure checks.

Urgent care clinics, on the other hand, are typically freestanding facilities. Services in urgent care clinics include treatment for acute illnesses or minor injuries, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), minor cuts and abrasions, minor burns, simple fractures, among others.

If you have a condition or injury that is not serious enough to be considered life-threatening, but it needs prompt medical intervention, then your best course of action is to go to an urgent care clinic. Also, because walk-in clinics have a limited menu of services, if you are living with multiple chronic health conditions, your best bet is to go to a primary care practice that offers urgent care services.

Staff and Equipment

One of the major differences between these facilities is the staffing: urgent care clinics are required by law to have at least one board-certified primary care family medicine provider, whereas walk-in clinics typically only have nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Moreover, most urgent care facilities have multiple exam rooms and more advanced medical and diagnostic equipment. These are for conducting x-rays, administering IVs, and treating injuries.

Costs

Walk-in clinics provide more affordable options and less expensive treatments than urgent care clinics do. It is because walk-in clinics are primarily geared toward catering to the uninsured and underinsured. Urgent care services, nonetheless, are less expensive than emergency room services.

Urgent Care Clinic in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, FL

At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, we are essentially a primary care practice that is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered urgent care services to people of all ages in our community. Whether what you have is an acute or chronic medical condition, you can rest assured that we will provide you with the highest quality of evidence-based medical care.

If you have an acute medical situation that needs prompt treatment, you can either walk in or book a same-day appointment by calling us at (561) 434-1935. Alternatively, you may fill out our appointment request form.  We look forward to building a long-term relationship with you!

Coronavirus Treatment Evolution – What we now know about how to treat COVID-19

Coronavirus Treatment Evolution – What we now know about how to treat COVID-19

You may be hearing about coronavirus on a daily basis, but do you know what to do in case you develop symptoms? There’s no telling whether you will get mild or severe symptoms when you get infected. Fortunately, we have learned a lot about treatment over the past several months.

Mild Symptoms

If you develop a fever, dry cough, and body aches and think you may have COVID-19, you must stay home. Call your primary care family medicine provider and let them know of your symptoms. Your family medicine provider may recommend that you get tested to make sure you know the cause of your symptoms. Follow your family medicine provider’s instructions to help make your recovery more comfortable. Monitor your symptoms closely.

According to the CDC, people with mild symptoms of coronavirus can recover from home. Take care of yourself and do what you can to be healthy and help your body fight the virus. Rest, eat nutritious food, take your vitamins, hydrate, take a fever reducer, sleep, and do light exercises. Most people with mild symptoms feel better after a week. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms. As such, there is no need for prescription medication while they recover in most cases.

Moderate to Severe Symptoms

In the case you have severe symptoms, treatment may be necessary. Your family medicine provider may prescribe medications to help with symptoms, but not to treat COVID-19 itself. While the world awaits a vaccine, so far, only one medication has been approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19, and that is Remdesivir. This is only for patients who are hospitalized. A corticosteroid called dexamethasone is also used for patients with severe symptoms who need a ventilator. Convalescent plasma therapy or using the blood of people who recovered from COVID-19 is also used to help reduce the severity of the symptoms and help patients recover. If you have severe symptoms, your family medicine provider will determine which (if any) of these treatments can help you.

If you develop severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, a consistently high fever, or if your lips turn blue, go to an emergency room immediately. Remember, only patients with severe and life-threatening symptoms are admitted to the hospital.

The FDA is expediting the development of COVID-19 treatments at this time. In the meantime, mind your hygiene, follow social distancing guidelines, and do what you can to strengthen your immune system.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Our primary care providers, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and Shariffa Gunawardene, ARNP are dedicated to providing personalized care and treatment. They are focused on restoring you to your optimal health. In light of the pandemic, we closely monitor patients who are COVID-19 positive and those who are showing symptoms but have not been tested. We understand that these are scary times, which is why we provide personalized care and support backed by medical science. If you have questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, call (561) 434-1935 or use our online request form.

Facts About Heart Disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. It is a serious condition that occurs when the heart and blood vessels do not function properly. It, According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people worldwide die each year from heart disease, representing 31% of all global deaths.

It is usually referred to as a “silent threat” because many people do not experience any symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Around 1 in 5 heart attacks occur without the person being aware that they even had a heart condition. Cardiovascular symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in your arms or legs, confusion, loss of consciousness, and blurred vision require immediate emergency medical attention.

What Causes Heart Disease?

The most common cause of heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This canlead to a heart attack, angina (chest pain) or stroke. Other forms of heart disease can affect the heart muscle, valves, or rhythm. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated successfully with lifestyle changes and making healthier choices.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

This is the most common type of heart disease, with approximately 18.2 million adults aged 20 and over living with the disease. It develops when the major blood vessels are damaged which can cause them to narrow or get blocked, obstructing blood flow to the heart. Other causes of heart disease are high blood pressure, heart valve problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and infections or toxins that weaken the heart. Cholesterol-containing fatty deposits, known as plaquethat can build up in the arteries, and inflammation are to blame for the condition.

Reducing Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can put people at higher risk for heart disease and it is believed that around half of Americans have at least one key risk factor, which can include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight/obesity
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

A heart disease can be life threatening, but many heart attacks and strokes can be avoided. The American Heart Association states that 80% of cases can be prevented by avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and having regular health checks. For the average individual, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and controlling blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol levels, can add 10 years to their lifespan and reverse certain risk factors for heart disease.

While a heart disease can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and medications, surgery may be required depending on the type of heart condition being diagnosed.

Advanced Health Care in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

At Advanced Medical, we diagnose and treat heart disease, including coronary artery disease, along with many other medical conditions and urgent care needs. For your convenience, we offer advanced and customized treatment options for people of all ages, and can offer many on-site services such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing.

If you are looking for quality medical care, turn to board-certified internist Dr. Gunawardene at one of our convenient locations in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, call us today at (561) 434-1935, or you can request an appointment online.

How to Choose Your PCP

Choosing the right primary care provider (PCP) is imperative in maintaining excellent health throughout your lifetime. This is the healthcare provider with whom you and your family will build a long-term relationship.

This family medicine provider will oversee your family’s health and wellness, with an emphasis on preventive care. Your primary care provider will maintain your medical records, write prescriptions as necessary, provide immunizations, gather records from any specialists and hospitals you may visit, recommend screenings, and provide advice on a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Primary care providers are also called general practitioners or family family medicine providers, because they are generalists in the field of medicine. These are the healthcare professionals with whom you will have your annual checkups.

Tips on How to Find a Family Medicine Provider

When it comes to looking for primary care providers, patients usually have many different options. Here are a few key tips for how to choose your PCP:

Search Within Your Health Plan Network

A good way to start off your search is to look for PCPs in your own network. Choosing a family medicine provider outside of your health plan may cost you a lot of money.

Most health plans have a long list of PCPs who accept their health insurance. If you have a family medicine provider who you’d like to see, call the family medicine provider’s office and ask them if they take your insurance – and if not, ask them what they charge for out-of-network checkups.

Ask for Referrals from People You Know

Your friends, neighbors, and nearby relatives may have excellent PCPs that they’d recommend to you and your family. If you ask multiple people, you’re likely to get multiple answers, which can be a good thing.

Once you have one or more names of family medicine providers, search online for the providers’ names and look at their credentials. You can often get a good feel for what the family medicine provider is like by their online profile and website.

Friendly medicine providers often mention their spouse or family on their website. Some providers even work with their family members, which is a good sign.

Look for Board Certification

A board-certified PCP has completed medical specialty training and passed an exam that has certified their knowledge, skill, and expertise in a specific field. In the case of a PCP, their certification is often in Internal Medicine. You can check a family medicine provider’s name online for board certification, such as the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Look for Convenient Locations

When searching for a primary care provider, look for one who is within easy driving distance to your home or office. Convenience is key to selecting the right PCP for your family. You should not have to drive far to keep up with regular health and wellness checkups.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, we are a state-of-the-art primary care practice offering the highest standard of medical care in South Florida. Our primary care providers are friendly and compassionate and care deeply for your family’s health.

For your convenience, we have clinics in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to seeing you here!

Why Staying with The Same Family Medicine Provider Is Beneficial

Family medicine providers want to protect their one-one-one relationship with their patients. Therefore, having a good primary care provider (PCP) or family medicine care provider that has provided care for you anywhere from infancy to adulthood, is beneficial and important for many reasons. A family medicine provider who has taken care of you and sometimes other members of your family, will know you and your medical history inside and out.

For example, some health insurance allows the policy holder to go directly to a specialist when they feel the necessity to do so. However, your primary care provider has a unique knowledge of your health history, and can often consult with you about what type of specialist you may need to go to, or that you might not need to at all. They make it their goal to be the steward of your good health throughout the years, so having a little trust in their expertise can go a long way.

Staying with the same provider can ensure that you have the best care possible – they listen to your needs, and are able to give you their time and expertise every time they treat you. Since that relationship is developed over time, good quality service and care is guaranteed from a family medicine provider that has known you for a long period of time. Not everyone has the luck and luxury of having access to good healthcare, which is sad, but the rarity of it is a reality. As good care, and a good family medicine provider can often be taken for granted, when a place of good care and compassion is found, count that as a major blessing and stay put. Being with the same provider and practice as you grow up throughout the stages of life can be a very comforting thing when times get tough.

At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, our continuity of care sets us apart from other practices. We ensure your treatment remains consistent and coordinated, so our patients will avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. Our practice understands the importance of quality of life and the meaning of true family health. By providing evidence-based medical care, our patients who stay with us long-term benefit by having a partner whose goal is to be a champion for their good health.

If it becomes necessary, we will refer you to the best family medicine providers or specialist that is fit to take care of your needs. To learn more about why staying with us is beneficial, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Primary Care Provider

What Qualifications are You Looking For? 

A primary care provider is your most personal contact to the healthcare system. He or she is your partner in health as well as your advisor, your confidant, and the one professional you can turn to when you have a problem with your health. However, this role can be filled by a number of different types of specialists.

An internal family medicine provider specializes in the care of all adults. They are often considered the detectives of medicine, because they are experts at identifying, diagnosing, and treating adult illnesses. However, they are also very qualified in helping you prevent illness and improve your health.

On the other hand, a family practice specialist is board certified to provide primary care for patients throughout their lifespan. This means that they treat infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. You may be looking for a primary care provider that can care for your entire family, and stay with you throughout your life. If that is the case, you may want to research family practice providers.

Some providers decide to get additional training to treat a specific population. A geriatrician is a specialist who is board certified in the treatment of patients 65 years of age and older. If you are looking for a primary care provider that has a deeper understanding of the unique needs of an older adult, than you may be looking for a geriatrician.

Other primary care providers include pediatricians and OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) specialists. Regardless of your choice, you should make sure that your family medicine provider is board certified in their area of expertise. This means that they have not only completed medical school, a residency, and sometimes a fellowship, but also that they have had the required testing that certifies that they are experts in their field.

What’s Important to You? 

Once you have narrowed down your search to specialty, it’s time to take inventory of what is important to you. Depending on where you live and what kind of transportation is available, you may want a primary care provider whose office is close to your home or your work. How about office hours? Do you need to find someone who is available evenings or weekends, or that can see you in an emergency? And if you call after hours, will you talk to your provider or an associate, a covering family medicine provider, a nurse practitioner, a family medicine provider’s assistant, or a nurse? This might be something that will add weight to your decision. You may also have a preference for hospital facilities, so find out where they have affiliations or privileges.

You should also take personal needs and beliefs into consideration. If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, you may be looking for a primary care provider that specializes or has a focus in one of these illnesses. Everyone has different styles or approaches from a provider that they are comfortable with. Do you need a family medicine provider that lays everything out for you and spells out a plan, or would you prefer someone who gives you options and lets you choose? Personal style can be of great benefit, or can be a deterrent to achieving health, because if you are not comfortable the advice you are given, you probably won’t follow it.

Ask Around

Now that you have developed an inventory of what you are looking for in a family medicine provider, it’s time to get some recommendations. Ask your friends who they see, and why they have chosen their provider. Ask them to list their pros and cons, in their opinion, because remember that you might think differently. You can ask people other than your friends too. Ask your coworkers, your kid’s teachers, and even other family medicine providers like your specialists or your kid’s pediatrician. Once you’ve compiled a list, you should check with your insurance company directly because online and published lists are not always accurate. You don’t want to spend time inquiring about family medicine providers that are not on your plan, and you certainly don’t want to find out they don’t take your insurance after you’ve made an appointment. Finally, there are a number of websites that offer reviews of providers. Don’t just look at the numbers, but read the written reviews, because again, what is important to someone else may not be important to you.

Make Your Decision In Person 

When you are pretty sure of your choice, make an appointment. It is important that the impression you have formed is an accurate one. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health concerns, and see how well you communicate. In all likelihood, if you’ve done your homework, you will have a match, but take this opportunity to get to know your provider. When making the very important choice of choosing your primary care provider, you should feel comfortable in knowing that this is someone you can have a long and trusting relationship with, because your health depends on it.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our practice and the primary care services we provide. At Advanced Medical, PA, we pride ourselves in providing personal and individualized, quality health 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.

Types of Primary Care Providers

So, a primary care provider is not just a title, or a box to check off on paperwork. It is the designation you give to someone with whom you have a very personal relationship. The role of the primary care provider is to oversee your overall health, to guide you to a healthy lifestyle, to recommend things that will prevent illness, to anticipate your needs and help you understand what to expect, and to treat you when you do become ill. Your primary care provider should be your “go-to” when you have health concerns, because they know you best. They can provide most of your medical care, and they will refer you to the appropriate specialist when necessary.

In choosing a primary care provider, it is important to remember that people are not all one-size-fits-all. Neither are family medicine providers. You have unique needs and should choose a primary care provider that best fits those needs. Primary care is a role, and not a specialty. Family medicine providers have a number of different specialties, each with advanced training in the care of a specific population, can provide primary care services. In fact, internists, family practice providers, pediatricians, geriatricians, and women’s health providers are all qualified primary care providers.

Internal Medicine Providers

Family medicine providers who specialize in internal medicine, also known as internists, are experts in the care of adult patients. Their focus is not only on health promotion and disease prevention, but also in the diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic illness. Internists are extremely good diagnosticians, often referred to as the detectives of medicine, which is why they are experts at treating patients who are experiencing health challenges. However, their goal is to keep you as healthy as possible, which is why they will also make sure you are getting your scheduled immunizations, are up-to-date on appropriate screening like mammograms and cholesterol levels, and understand the lifestyle choices that promote good health.

Family Practice Providers

Family practice providers have specialized training in the care of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. This means that they are qualified to care for infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and older adults. The focus of family medicine is very comprehensive, treating the whole individual, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. However, like internists, they will also treat both acute and chronic illnesses for their patients.

Pediatricians 

While some people prefer to have one family medicine provider for the entire family, others feel more comfortable having a family medicine provider who specializes in the care of children as the primary care provider for their kids. Pediatricians are board certified in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, ranging from newborns to the age of 21. Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development. Important developmental landmarks mark each stage of life, and it is important to not only be observant that they are being met, but to also foster activities and behaviors that help children learn and grow. Additionally, a lifetime of healthy habits, including staying current on immunizations, having regular checkups, eating healthy diets, and getting adequate exercise can be fostered throughout childhood. A pediatrician is not only an ideal source of guidance and information, but is also highly qualified to treat illnesses associated with childhood.

Geriatricians

Just like children, older adults are faced with challenges unique to their age. Not only is chronic illness more common in adults 65 and older, but also, additional syndromes such as falls, memory loss, and hearing loss become more prevalent. As we advance in age to 65, 75, 85 years, or older, it becomes increasingly beneficial to be under the care of a provider with specialized knowledge of the care of older adults. A geriatrician is a provider that has such training. They are board certified in caring for adults 65 and older, and like other primary care providers, will address health promotion, disease prevention, and management of illnesses, recognizing the unique and multidimensional needs of their patients.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Providers

Women have very unique healthcare needs throughout their lifespan. As such, some women, especially during their childbearing years, choose to elect their OB/GYN provider as their primary care provider. Women who are pregnant, or who are trying to get pregnant, have very specific concerns, including nutrition, exercise, and the safe use of medications. Additionally, hormone irregularities as well as illnesses associated with the reproductive tract can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health. For these reasons, family medicine providers that have specialized knowledge of women’s health issues, such as OB/BYN providers, are a reasonable choice for primary care.

At Advanced Medical PA, we are concerned about the health and wellbeing of you and your entire family, and we are committed to helping you maintain good health. If you have questions about primary care or the services we provide, please call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Selecting the Right Provider

Changes to healthcare laws and the way insurance works and what’s covered make selecting the right provider more important than ever. Your primary care provider 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 Provider

The right Primary Care Provider, or PCP gives you access to the best possible healthcare. As the “point person” on your medical team, your provider 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 provider is so important

  • Your whole health picture – if you always see the same provider, 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 primary care provider 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.