Provida Specialty Services

Provida Family Medicine offers specialty services designed to meet the needs of all patients within their community. These services focus on providing care to each member of your family- from infants to seniors, Provida Family Medicine’s highly trained medical staff and providers are here to provide the best medicine available.

Chronic Care Management

What is Chronic Care Management (CCM)?

Medicare has identified chronic care management as a critical component of primary care that contributes to better care for individuals who have two or more chronic health conditions.

CCM aims to improve the quality of care and health outcomes by providing them with coordinated and continuous care.

The benefits of CCM enrollment include the following:

24/7 access to your primary care team.
Phone check-ins between office visits to keep you on track with provider orders.
Preventive care services are scheduled, many of which are covered by Medicare.
Monitoring and managing patient health and well-being
Medications will be closely monitored.
A personalized, comprehensive plan of care for all your chronic health conditions.
Care coordination by your physician and staff, including the care you may receive at other locations, such as specialists’ offices, the hospital, other healthcare facilities, or your home.

Asthma

A breathing condition that causes a patient’s airways to become inflamed. This condition more commonly affects children. Asthma can also be present in adults. Asthma may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing. It is mainly treated with the use of an inhaler.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease that is caused by obstructions blocking airflow from your lungs. COPD can lead to difficulty breathing, mucus buildup, and coughing. COPD is usually caused by prolonged exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter like smoke from a cigarette and can lead to an increased risk of heart disease or lung cancer.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when a patient’s blood sugar levels are high. This can cause unexplained weight loss, increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, and other symptoms which can be difficult to manage.

Type 1 diabetes means that the body cannot use sugar effectively. Patients with Type 2 diabetes do not process sugar as well as they should. A change in diet, exercise, and sometimes medicines such as insulin is recommended for treating diabetes.

High Cholesterol (Lipid Abnormality)

Cholesterol is a thick, wax-like substance that forms in the blood. Although necessary for building your body’s cells, too much cholesterol can lead to fatty build-ups in blood vessels, making your body’s ability to pump blood much harder. If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, risk of a heart attack, and increased risk of a stroke.

Because there are no symptoms to warn of high cholesterol, a blood test is the only way to detect its presence. We recommend that a person receive a blood test from their primary physician.

High Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in blood. They are also called lipids and help maintain energy between meals. If you eat or drink more calories than you burn off, you may have a high level of triglycerides which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Treatment options include maintaining a healthy diet, weight loss, frequent exercise, and limited alcohol consumption.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce the necessary hormones. Over time this can cause health problems like heart disease, joint pain, and obesity. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, thinning hair, painful joints or muscles, slowed heart rate, and constipation.

To diagnose hypothyroidism, a thyroid function test can be performed at Provida Family Medicine, and your provider can discuss an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you.

Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of the blood against artery walls is too high. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease and other health issues.

Some symptoms include headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but every patient is not guaranteed to experience these symptoms. Some patients with severely high blood pressure may not experience any symptoms.

The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to come in for yearly health checks where a blood pressure test can be performed, and your health can be monitored and tracked over time.

Obesity

Obesity is an excessive amount of body fat caused by: inherited factors, environmental factors, and personal diet and exercise choices. Obesity can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a chronic disease that affects a person’s blood vessels as narrow blood vessels reduce blood flow in the limbs.

Peripheral vascular disease can signal that a patient has fatty deposits and calcium building up within the walls of the arteries. As patients age, there is a higher risk that they will develop peripheral vascular disease. Other factors that may increase the risk of this illness include previous limb injuries, smoking, and diabetes. A patient may also experience leg pain, particularly when walking. Exercise and lifestyle changes to increase blood flow are recommended. In some cases, surgery or medication will also be recommended. Speaking with your provider to assess what treatment is best for you is best.

Dermatology

The health of your skin is just as important to your overall health as any other organ in your body. Because of this, the medical staff and doctors at Provida Family Medicine are trained to handle all your dermatological needs.

Different skin conditions can be itchy and irritating, as well as painful or embarrassing. We recommend that patients come in for a skin evaluation to determine the specific skin conditions that you may be experiencing and how best to treat them.

Dermatology conditions that can be treated at Provida Family Medicine include:

Abscesses

A skin abscess is a pocket filled with pus bacteria and dead skin. An abscess is similar to a pimple but can be larger and deeper in the skin.

Skin Disorders

Skin disorders are temporary or permanent skin abnormalities which can be painless or in some cases, cause the patient pain. Many times, skin disorders are simply annoying or embarrassing to have, so a skin evaluation is recommended to determine treatment options.

Rashes

Rashes are temporary outbreaks of red, bumpy, and itchy patches of skin that are most likely not caused by an underlying disease or health issue, but rather the skin coming into contact with an irritant. Sometimes blisters or welts can also occur.

Dermatitis

Like a rash, dermatitis is an itchy patch of irritated skin. Atopic dermatitis can develop in early childhood or for a patient with a family history of dermatitis.

Rashes typically appear on the arms and behind the knees, and treatments include creams to reduce itchiness and avoiding skin irritants. This type of rash is also known as eczema.

Seborrhea

A common skin condition, seborrhea is patches of red skin that form mainly on the scalp resulting in hard to get rid of dandruff. When seborrhea forms on infants, it is usually referred to as “Cradle Cap”.

Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis appears as a thick outer layer of skin made of keratin. Hyperkeratosis can be caused by pressure on the skin from everyday use or irritation. One type of hyperkeratosis is also known as a corn or callus.

Actinic Keratosis (Skin Damage)

Actinic keratosis is a thick patch of outer skin that is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun and most frequently appears on older adults. These patches commonly form on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands, forearms, and scalp. Reduced exposure to the sun is the best method of prevention.

Because these patches of thick skin can become cancerous, it is best to have them removed.

Sunburn

Along with Actinic Keratosis, frequent exposure to the sun may result in sunburn. With mild cases of sunburn, your skin turns red and may be painful to the touch or during movement. In more severe cases, your skin may swell with blisters. This will also be followed with peeling as your body sheds the sun-damaged skin cells.

Skin Allergies

Skin allergies develop when a patient has an overactive immune system and certain materials or substances irritate the skin. Skin allergies usually take the form of red and dry itchy patches. Common forms of skin allergies are eczema and hives.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a deep bacterial skin infection which occurs when bacteria enters a wound. This infection can lead to swelling, redness, tender skin, blisters, fevers, and pain. There are many risk factors and potential complications associated with cellulitis, and if left untreated may lead to a more serious infection or cause chronic swelling of the infected limb.

It is important to be diagnosed by a health professional as soon as symptoms become apparent.

Alopecia (Hair Loss)

Alopecia is the sudden loss of hair which occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, but it can also be caused by severe stress. This can result in circular bald patches or total hair loss.

Most treatments aim to address underlying conditions with cause alopecia with the use of scalp medications.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition where skin cells build up and form dry, itchy, patches. These patches typically form on the elbows, knees, and scalp, and can be brought about by stress, the cold, or infections.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many treatments available to help you manage symptoms.

Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)

Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, is a condition in which yellow or white spots form at the tips of your toe nail. As this fungal infection grows, your nails may discolor, thicken at the edges, and begin to crumble. This may cause pain and treatment should be sought out. When the skin in the areas between your toes is infected, it is often referred to as “Athlete’s Foot“.

However, even treated nail fungus often comes back, so it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to create a treatment plan to best manage your symptoms and mitigate pain.

Tinea Corporis

Tinea Corporis is more often referred to as ringworm, and is a ring-shaped rash that forms on the skin due to a fungal infection. Unlike the name, no actual worm is involved. It’s usually red and itchy, and if it does not improve on its own in two weeks, it is best to seek treatment from a healthcare professional.

Tinea Versicolor

Another common fungal infection, tinea versicolor, is an overgrowth of yeast on the skin which most commonly affects teens and young adults. The infection appears as patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the skin around the infected area, and treatments include antifungal creams and lotions.

Tinea Pedis (Foot Fungus)

Also known as Athlete’s Foot, tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the skin in the areas between your toes or on the soles of feet. Commonly occurring in patients whose feet become sweaty in tight shoes, the infection appears as a rash that causes itching and burning. Treatments mainly involve anti-fungal medication.

Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)

Tinea cruris is a fungal infection of the skin around the inner thighs, genitals, and buttocks. This infection is brought about by wearing tight-fitting clothes which trap in moisture and is commonly known as “jock itch”. Treatment includes keeping the groin area dry and clean, and antifungal medications.

Ingrown Toenails

This condition happens when the corner or side of a toenail curls and grows into the skin of the toe. This can result in pain when walking and mainly affects the big toe. Removing the toe nail may be necessary to treat an ingrown toe nail.

Skin Biopsy (In-Office)

A skin biopsy is a procedure that a doctor uses to diagnose skin conditions or remove abnormal tissue. Skin cells or skin samples are carefully removed from your body for on-site laboratory examination

Skin Tag Removal

A skin tag is a painless and noncancerous growth on the skin connected by a small, thin stalk. These skin tags are harmless but can be irritated by contact with clothing and can be removed by your doctor.

Wart and Plantar Wart Treatment

Warts are small bumps on the skin caused by strains of human papillomaviruses. Plantar warts are hard growths that appear on the heels or balls of the feet.

These growths can be painful, especially when walking, and should be removed.
Although normally painless, warts can be spread to multiple locations on the body or from person to person by contact with the wart. Treatment involves your doctor applying liquid nitrogen to the wart to kill the tissue.

Drug Prevention and Substance Abuse Evaluations

At Provida Family Medicine, we understand the toll that substance abuse can have on people and their families. Struggling with addiction can be incredibly difficult, and our staff is here to help treat those afflicted on the road to recovery and educate the community about the dangers of substance abuse and their available treatment options.

Specific areas that Provida Family Medicine addresses include:

Alcohol Use and Abuse

Alcohol abuse is daily drinking at such an extent that it interferes with or impedes normal, everyday activities. This can include a failure to fulfill school or work obligations, fulfill home responsibilities, or drinking in dangerous situations such as while driving.

Although a person may not fully depend on alcohol, treatment should still be sought out to address the root of a person’s need to drink.

Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is an excessive use of an illegal or prescription drug. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be abused with excessive use, but there are also many street drugs which can also be abused.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is a plant containing the mind-altering chemical THC.

Even though marijuana has been legalized in multiple states for recreational use, overuse is still possible. Like with alcohol, a person should limit their use of the drug as long-term usage can affect brain development and impair thinking, memory, and learning functions.

Heroin is an opioid in the form of a white or brown powder, or a black and sticky substance, which causes lung complications, liver and kidney disease, mental disorders such as depression, collapsed veins if the drug is injected, and many other detrimental symptoms.

People who inject heroin are also at a high risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C (HCV).

If you or a loved one have been affected by drug abuse, we highly encourage you to schedule a visit to Provida Family Medicine to address the complications you are facing and create a treatment plan tailored for you.

Ear, Nose, and Throat

Taking care of your ears, nose, and throat is very important to your overall health, and different health issues and complications that affect your ears, nose, and throat should be addressed.

Lung Disease

Taking care of your vital airways includes taking care of your lungs. Lung diseases such as COPD and mesothelioma can greatly impact your ability to breath properly. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by inhaling asbestos which irritates the lungs. This cancer can cause chest pain and shortness of breath and in more severe cases, can be deadly.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder which causes vertigo, which is an internal or external feeling of spinning that makes standing, walking, or balancing difficult. Vertigo can be dangerous because spells of dizziness can result in falls or impaired actions leading to injuries. Meniere’s disease can affect one or both ears.

Otitis Media

This middle ear infection can be caused by bacteria or an infection, and most commonly results in ear pain and a fever. More severe cases may result in hearing loss. If this infection does not clear on its own, patients should seek treatment from their provider.

Loss of Smell

Loss of smell can be a symptom of an underlying illness. It can either be a partial loss or a complete loss of the ability to smell. Loss of smell can also be a side effect of medication, but if your sense of smell does not return on its own, a healthcare professional should perform an evaluation.

Loss of smell is also a symptom of COVID-19. If you believe that you or a loved one have been exposed to the virus, we recommend you take a COVID-19 detection test and quarantine for at least two weeks.

Loss of Taste

Loss of smell can be a symptom of an underlying illness or dysgeusia, which is a medical condition that results in partial or full loss of taste. Loss of taste may also be the result of medication. If your ability to taste does not return naturally, you should seek an evaluation from a medical professional.

Loss of taste is also a symptom of COVID-19. If you believe that you or a loved one have been exposed to the virus, we recommend you take a COVID-19 detection test and quarantine for at least two weeks.

Sinusitis

Often referred to as a sinus infection, sinusitis is a condition in which the tissue lining and cavities around the nasal passages swell and become inflamed. This can be brought on by a cold or allergies, and usually resolves itself on its own. Chronic sinusitis can last up to eight weeks and may be the result of an infection.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include headaches, facial pain, a runny nose, and congestion. Sinusitis usually doesn’t require treatment beyond medications to relieve symptoms, but patients with chronic sinusitis may need antibiotics.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling noise that happens when you breathe and is caused by inflamed and narrow airways in the throat and lungs. Common causes of chronic wheezing are asthma and COPD.

Asthma is a common condition which causes your airways to narrow or swell making breathing difficult. It is best to seek out treatment for asthma as sudden asthma attacks can stop a person’s ability to breathe normally and can be very dangerous.

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the area of healthcare which focuses on the endocrine system, its diseases and specific hormones. Hormones are the chemicals in your body which are controlled by your endocrine glands. These glands help control many bodily functions such as growth, mood, metabolism, and more. With so many hormones controlling so many of your body’s functions, it is important to have these systems monitored by a healthcare specialist.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

For a person with type one or type two diabetes, monitoring glucose levels in the body is incredibly important to maintaining your overall health. This is done with a small sensor that is placed under the skin of the stomach or arm. This sensor measures the body’s glucose levels every few minutes and sends the information to a monitor.

This monitor may be attached to an insulin pump or a separate device and alerts the user if their glucose levels are too low or too high in order to manage their diabetes. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed type one or type two diabetes, it is best to have a medical professional place a CGM device for monitoring purposes. This can be done at Provida Family Medicine.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland does not produce needed thyroid hormones which regulates heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.

Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, sensitivity to the cold, constipation, dry skin, and weight gain. We recommend that those with hypothyroidism come to Provida Family Medicine for an evaluation and to see the treatment options available, as thyroid hormone replacement may be needed to manage the condition.

Hyperthyroidism

The reverse of hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland over produces the thyroxine hormone. This can lead to a significant increase in metabolism, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and irritability.

If you notice a sudden swelling in the neck, this may be an indicator of hyperthyroidism and you should seek treatment immediately as without treatment, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart and bone problems. A person can also develop a thyroid storm, which is when the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature raise to dangerously high levels.

Gastrointestinal Health

Often referred to as “gut health”, gastrointestinal health focuses on the gastrointestinal tract (GI) which includes the mouth, the throat, the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus. The GI tract works to make digesting food easy and comfortable, but some diseases might disrupt sections of the GI tract leading to discomfort and digestive issues.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a disease where the stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the esophagus. Experiencing acid reflux or heartburn more than two or three times a week may be an indication of GERD.

Other symptoms include burning pain in the chest after eating, which worsens when lying down. The treatment options often include lifestyle changes, medications.

It is best to visit our on-site dietician to create a treatment plan that includes the best lifestyle changes which work for you.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a condition which affects the intestines and causes abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, gas, and constipation.

IBS can be very painful, and if you are suffering with these symptoms, you should consult your Provida Family Medicine doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan, which most commonly includes a change in diet, lifestyle, and stress. Some patients may also require medication to manage their symptoms.

Mental Health

At Provida Family Medicine, we know that taking care of your mental wellness isn’t an easy task, but it is not less important to maintain than any other function of the body.

We treat the mental health of patients of all ages, children to seniors. With evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment plans, our highly trained medical staff will be with you at every step to answer questions and offer the best compassionate support.

Behavioral and Developmental Assessment

Provida Family Medicine offers all toddlers and children a behavioral health evaluation when in for a visit. These evaluations allow us to understand and monitor any outlying behavioral difficulties a toddler or child may be experiencing, and are performed by a highly-trained provider. After this evaluation, a provider can make an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan.

These evaluations can also be done at the patient’s home through the use of Telehealth technologies such as a video call.

At Provida, we work to include parents or care givers in every step of a child’s healthcare, and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns about behavioral health evaluations.

Autism

Provida Family Medicine also offers autism screening for children to determine if your child has autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

There is no blood test which can determine if a toddler or child has autism. A provider will evaluate a toddler’s developmental history and perform a physical evaluation to look for signs of autism.

If you have any questions for your primary physician at Provida Family Medicine about autism or autism screenings, please schedule an appointment today.

ADD and ADHD Screenings

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) are chronic conditions that cause a child difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

At Provida Family Medicine, your primary care partner can take steps to evaluate and diagnose your child in order to create a treatment plan to set up your child for a lifetime of success.

ADHD and ADD can cause a child to have trouble focusing, make it difficult to succeed in school, and can persist into adulthood.

Provida Family Medicine is please to announce they will begin sponsoring Clinical Trials for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia very soon.

For more information, call (847) 548-2200.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are conditions which affect children and adults. These disorders are behavioral conditions that entail a severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors. These disorders can be associated with distressing thoughts and emotions, and can affect physical, psychological, and social functions.

Anorexia causes a person to obsess about their weight and what they eat due to a distorted body image. There is also a persistent fear of being overweight which causes a person to become underweight or malnourished through starvation or too much exercise.

Bulimia is categorized by binging, which is over eating and then purging the food through vomiting as a method to avoid weight gain. This condition can also entail excessive exercising or fasting.

Medical treatment or therapy may be needed to restore normal weight. If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, please find help with a judgement free appointment at Provida Family Medicine.

Other eating orders include:

Pica, a condition in which a person is compelled to continuously digest inedible material or objects, resulting in health complications.

Rumination, a condition in which a person is compelled to repeatedly spit up undigested or partially digested food, re-chew it, and either re-swallow it or spit it out.

Binge Eating, which is a compulsion to consume large amounts of food in a single sitting.

Avoidant Eating, which is a chronic restriction of food intake.

Emotional Disorders

Emotional disorders are chronic conditions that affect men, women, and teens. These disorders also involve a significant reduction of quality of life, productivity, and interpersonal functioning.

Depression

Depression is a disorder which causes a person to experience prolonged bouts of a lack of interest in activities and a depressed mood which can impair daily life.

The chronic feelings of sadness or lack of interest can manifest in physical symptoms including changes in energy level, appetite, sleep, concentration, and self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255 or 9-1-1.

Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized as persistent, excessive, and all-consuming worry and fear about everyday situations without the actuality of any danger. Symptoms include increased heart rate, rapid or shallow breathing, and sweating. Physical symptoms can also occur such as nausea and exhaustion.

Grief

This response to loss is a normal human emotion, but when a person suffers a deep loss, usually from the death of a loved one, feelings of grief can become persistent, and without treatment can expand into other more severe emotional disorders.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post traumatic stress disorder is brought about when a person has trouble recovering after a traumatic experience or terrifying event.

This is a chronic condition which may persist from weeks to years, and memories of the event can be triggered by a number of everyday activities. These memories cause an intense emotional and physical response

Symptoms include nightmares or memories of the traumatic event, anxiety, depression, and heightened reactions.

For an evaluation and diagnosis, please schedule an appointment with a medical professional at Provida Family Medicine. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Stress

Stress is a normal response to challenging or frustrating situations, but if the feeling of stress persists past these situations, health issues may occur. Stress is a consistent feeling of pressure and being overwhelmed. Symptoms of chronic stress include pain and aches, memory and focus complication, and insomnia.

Senior Mental Health Screenings

Provida Family Medicine also focuses on the mental health and wellness of our senior patients. During this stage of your life, patients may experience changes in their behavior or mood, so to monitor these changes, our medical team can screen for any illnesses or diseases which need to be treated to maintain a high quality of life.

Alzheimer’s Disease

This disease is progressive and decreases a patient’s ability to form or retain memories and carry out daily functions.

Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms that will be experienced, and this can cause delirium, frustration, anger, depression, and psychoses,

While there is no cure, Provida Family Medicine can offer treatment plans to manage symptoms and support patients and their families.

Dementia

Confusion and memory problems are also common symptoms of dementia. This chronic disease interferes with daily functioning and can result in forgetfulness, limited social skills, and decreased cognitive abilities.

Nutrition and Dietary Counseling

Diet and nutrition are a large part to staying healthy, Provida Family Medicine has an on-site dietician and credentialed diabetic educator, Monica Gonzalez. Monica works with our patients to prevent or manage diabetes and create nutritional plans that work best for the lifestyles of our patients.

Weight Control

In a sedentary job, controlling your weight can become difficult. Patients may also have underlying medical conditions which make maintaining a healthy weight a challenge.

At Provida Family Medicine, we can help you monitor and control your weight to prevent health complications that can stem from rapid weight loss or weight gain through health evaluations, diagnoses, dietary and nutritional education, and treatment plans.

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition where a patient has excessive body fat and an increased risk of health problems as a result. The root cause of obesity is usually a patient taking in more calories than are burned through movement, exercise, and daily activities. Most treatments include lifestyle changes with diet and exercise.

Diabetic Diet

Our goal is to prevent a patient from developing diabetes, and this can be done through education and diet plans. These diets and lifestyle changes are tailored to fit each individual patient after and evaluation with our on-site dietician.

Diabetic diets can also be used as treatment plans for patients who have diabetes, and include healthy foods and exercise to reduce dangerous complications as a result of the condition.

Gynecology

Gynocology services are an incredibly important part of female wellness, sexual health, and family planning. Provida Family Medicine focuses on well woman care including breast exams and pap smears, as well as ordering pregnancy tests for our patients and can recommend local obstetrician and gynecology services.

Pap Smears

Pap smears are exams used to test for cervical cancer, which is a cancer that that occurs in the cells of the cervix. If abnormal tissue is detected in a pap smear, a Provida Family Medicine provider will refer you to a local gynecologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Pelvic Exams

Pelvic exams are used to evaluate gynecological health and looks for signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids, or cancer.

Breast Exams

A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional to detect if a woman has palpable breast cancer or other breast abnormalities. If a more in-depth exam is needed as part of an evaluation or screening, we will order a mammogram which can detect non-palpable signs of breast cancer.

Sexual Health

Provida Family Medicine offers patients sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings and treatments. These remain private between patient and doctor, and screenings are performed without judgement in a safe and comfortable environment.

STDs screened and treated for at Provida include herpes, syphilis, genital warts, gonorrhea, and chlamydia and HIV.

Menopause

As women age, a new stage in their health is menopause, which is the natural decline of reproductive hormones in the body. During this time, a woman may experience hot flashes, or vaginal dryness. In some cases, depression or anxiety can also be involved. If you have any questions or would like help managing the symptoms of menopause, please schedule an appointment at Provida Family Medicine today.

Sexual Disfunction

Sexual dysfunction in women is categorized by persistent issues with sexual response, desire, orgasm or experiencing pain during intercourse. Sexual dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors including hormonal troubles, physical or medical conditions, or psychological troubles.

These issues can be stressful for you and your partner, but treatment is available to manage the symptoms or find the root cause of the issues you are experiencing with a visit to your medical provider.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of any part of the urinary system. This includes the infection in the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Although both men and women can experience a UTI, it is more common in women, and involves pelvic pain, a higher urge to urinate, pain while urinating, and possible blood in the urine. With a kidney infection, there may also be increased back pain, nausea, vomiting, and a fever.

If you are experiencing symptoms call Provida Family Medicine for a same day appointment.

Family Planning

Whether you are planning to start a family, already have a few kids, or want to know the family planning options available to you, Provida Family Medicine is here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

All areas of reproductive health and wellness at Provida Family Medicine are also LGBT+ friendly and designed to provide the best care to our patients regardless of gender identity or sexual preference.

Birth Control

Our medical staff is trained to perform reproductive health exams and work with our patients to determine which methods of birth control are right for them. This includes providing prescriptions and information for oral contraceptives, injectable contraceptives (Depo Provera Contraceptive) and intrauterine device (IUD) removal. If an intrauterine device (IUD) or Nexplanon implant are the desired contraceptive option we can refer the patient to a qualified gynecologist.

Conception

For couples who are having trouble conceiving children, Provida Family Medicine offers infertility screenings to uncover medical causes of infertility.

Orthopedics, Rheumatology, and Pain Management

Orthopedic and rheumatology are areas of medicine that focus on and treat the musculoskeletal system. This system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Rheumatology also focuses on diagnosing rheumatic diseases, which are diseases that affect your joints, tendons, bones, and muscles.

All of the work done in this field is ultimately to reduce the pain patients experience in their bones, limbs, or joints. By scheduling an appointment at Provida Family Medicine, your healthcare provider can perform an evaluation and create a treatment plan that is best for you and your lifestyle.

If you have been injured on the job, due to a fall, or because of a motor vehicle accident, Provida Family Medicine can also monitor your recovery and treat any lingering health complications that you may be experiencing.

Chronic Pain Management

There are several rheumatic and orthopedic conditions which create persistent and long-lasting pain.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain. This can also cause fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.

Arthritis is a disease that is caused by inflamed joints. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, less range of motion, and it can become worse with age. There are different types of arthritis.

Provida Family Medicine also offers knee and shoulder joint injections which reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint and decrease pain.

Neck and Shoulders

Shoulder pain is very common and can be caused by injury or an underlying health issue. Although common, shoulder pain can be very serious, affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the shoulder joint.

Cervical Disc Disease and cervical arthritis are serious diseases in which the disc herniations occur or the spinal cord or a nerve root is compressed in the cervical spine can flare up and cause pain. This can cause difficulty with walking and coordination. Patients experiencing this pain should seek treatment in the form of imaging evaluations, medications and/or physical therapy. Referral for surgery is a last resort.

Rotator cuff issues are also common for patients. Aging or having have suffered a previous shoulder injury or tear can contribute to this. These injuries can cause pain when moving the arm or when sleeping on your shoulder and can cause long-term weakness and persistent pain in the arm and shoulder.

Back and Spine

Separate from the neck and shoulder, the back and spine can age or have specific health injuries.

Lumbar disc disease affects the spine in the lower back area in many different manners. Routine daily activities can be affected.

Back pain can also be brought on by improper or excessive exercise, poor posture, or arthritis.

Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy is pain radiating down a leg and can be associated with many of the above problems.

Chest

Patients may experience chest pain that has many causes other than heart disease. This discomfort can be experienced as short bursts of pain or persistent periods of pain. The root cause of these pains may be many. Our providers are trained in the evaluation of these concerns.

Abdominal

Abdominal pain is common and has a myriad of causes. Our providers are trained to help you sort these out.

Patients experiencing severe abdominal pain should seek emergency care as this can be a sign of potentially life threatening conditions such as an inflamed gallbladder, appendicitis, or ulcers.

Arm, Elbow, Hand, & Wrist

The joints and muscles in your arms, hands, elbows, and wrists are used a lot throughout the day, so taking care of them is incredibly important. Patients who experience persistent pain may have trouble carrying out daily tasks should seek a medical evaluation to determine a cause and treatment options.

Tennis elbow is a condition which affects the arm and elbow. This condition causes pain due to irritation of forearm muscle and tendons often associated with repetitive activity. Provida’s providers can prescribe the needed treatment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition which can cause numbness of the hand and fingers. Pinched nerves in the wrist causes pain and numbness in the hand and arm. There are several different treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hip

Many people experience hip pain throughout their lifetime. This can be due to aging, a disease or injury, and pain can be temporary or long-term. Hip conditions can also bring about difficulty walking or moving.

An evaluation to determine treatments options is highly recommended.

Leg & Knee, Foot & Ankle

Pain in legs and knees is very common and can be rooted in muscles, joints, bones, tissues, or nerves. Causes can be due to external injuries, excessive or improper physical activity, lack of use, sitting constrained area, or sitting on knees for a prolonged period.

Leg swelling can be due to a multitude of problems.

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition which effects the lower legs and feet. This condition can be caused by diabetes, alcoholism, or exposure to toxins which damage nerves and cause pain.

If you experience an injury or deal with pain in the legs, feet, knees, or ankles, we highly encourage you to make an appointment at Provida Family Medicine.

Sleep Disorders

Everyone experiences the occasional sleepless nights, but night after night of restlessness or the inability to sleep can lead to a myriad of health issues including a lowered immune system, headaches, hallucinations, and memory issues.

Sleep Apnea

This sleep disorder is potentially life threatening as is causes a person to have trouble breathing while sleeping. This can result in periods of a lack of oxygen to the brain. This is normally countered with the help of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

We may refer patients to a sleep medicine specialist apnea.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a disorder which causes problems falling and staying asleep. This can be caused by depression, anxiety, or certain medications, and over time cause health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and weight gain. If you are having persistent issues sleeping or staying asleep, schedule an appointment with Provida Family Medicine for treatment options.

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors can impact people of all ages and are caused by stress, anxiety, or living through traumatic events. Night terrors are more intense and can cause physical reactions during the night. A person experiencing persistent nightmares and night terrors should seek treatment with a healthcare professional.

Urology

Urology is the field of medicine that focuses on the male and female urinary-tract system and the male reproductive organs. This area of medicine specializes in treating urinary tract infections and diagnosing the cause of pain while urinating.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that stick together in urine. They can be painful when passing through the urinary tract, but normally don’t cause permanent damage.

If you experience severe pain and trouble passing stones, you may need surgery to remove the kidney stones.

Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is usually felt in the sides or back, and is often mistaken for back pain. Kidney pain is usually caused by kidney stones, urinary tract infection, kidney infection, or kidney cancer. If kidney pain is persistent, an appointment to diagnose the cause of the pain is encouraged as it could be a sign of a more serious health issue.

Prostate

When men reach the age of forty, it is recommended that they receive a yearly prostate exam to monitor for any prostate issues of health complications. These include problems with urinating and bladder control, and prostate inflammation should also be monitored as this can be painful and a sign of chronic prostatitis.

On-Site Laboratory

Provida Family Medicine has a convenient on-site laboratory. Quest Laboratory accepts most insurances which helps to evaluate and diagnose patients. Our office also performs EKGs and lung tests. Radiology services are easily accessible on campus.