4 Benefits of Having a Primary Physician

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When faced with an acute medical need such as cold or flu symptoms, earaches or even extreme muscle pain, most people call their family physician first. However, there are some people who go to an urgent care facility as their primary source for medical care. At Jupiter Medical Specialists, we want to be your first choice as your primary physician and we hope these four benefits will convince you the same.

  1. A Primary Physician Knows Your Medical History – When having treated a patient for years, even decades, our physicians develop a keen understanding of our patient’s medical history. Our patients and our physicians are cooperatively involved in ongoing health care management toward the shared goal of high quality medical care. This helps us make precise diagnoses and monitor you more closely for any changes in your health and wellness.
  2. Family Doctors Do More Than Just Yearly Exams – While our doctors perform yearly check-ups, they also are there to help our patients manage chronic medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. They can also treat your acute medical conditions like injuries and many infections. Research has shown that continuity of care  by physicians is associated with lower mortality rates
  3. When You Need a Specialist, They’ll Find the Best One for You – Sometimes a medical issue arises that require consultation with a specialist. When our patients are faced with a medical condition that requires a specialist, our physicians will find a specialist who fits your exact needs and will maintain constant communication about the medical condition.
  4. A Primary Physician Stays With You For Life – We treat patients over 16 years. It is not uncommon for us to see our patients for decades of their lives. Since our primary care physicians have the skills to treat a wide range of chronic and acute medical conditions, we can be your medical doctor at any point in your life. Patients who see the same physician over time have lower death rates based on a review of 22 studies across nine countries.1

How We Can Help

If you would like to establish a long-term relationship with one of our doctors, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact your nearest Jupiter Medical Specialists for help.

[1] The review, Continuity of care with doctors – a matter of life and death? A systematic review of continuity of care and mortality, is published in BMJ Open. Authors were Denis J Pereira Gray, Kate Sidaway-Lee, Eleanor White, Angus Thorne, and Philip H Evans.

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome – Spinal Cord Stimulation

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Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare form of chronic pain that typically affects an arm or leg. CRPS usually occurs after an injury, a surgery, or a stroke. There are two types. CRPS I, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RDS) occurs after an injury that did not directly involve a nerve. CRPS II, also known as causalgia, occurs after a distinct nerve injury.

Symptoms of CRPS

Signs and symptoms of CRPS typically include several of the following in the affected area:

  • Sensory:
    • Pain to light touch or temperature sensation
    • Exaggerated pain to normally tolerable pain (such as a pinprick)
  • Vasomotor:
    • Changes in temperature to the affected area, or skin color changes
  • Sudomotor/edema:
    • Edema and/or sweating changes or sweating asymmetry
  • Motor/trophic:
    • Decreased range of motion of the affected limb
    • Weakness, tremor of the affected limb
    • Muscle spasms or atrophy
    • Changes in the hair, nails, or skin of the limb

Treatment for CRPS

The foundation of treatment is physical therapy. This is essential in order to prevent the decreased range of motion, weakness, and muscle atrophy, that can lead to lasting disability.

Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs can be helpful. Often, prescription medications are required. Some example would be gabapentin and pregabalin, which are nerve pain medications. Many other medications have been used as well.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

One of the most effective treatments is spinal cord stimulation. This involves placing leads that lightly stimulate the spinal cord to block pain signals from the painful limb to the brain, where pain is processed. This process starts with a trial period, typically of 7 days, where the device is placed. This is done in the office as an out-patient procedure. If you experience pain relief, this device can be implanted, which is done at a surgical center as an out-patient procedure.

Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment, but it is not the first-line treatment. It is important to see a pain physician early so that you can try other treatments first. It’s important not to wait! As symptoms progress, people with CRPS often experience so much muscle wasting and decreased range of motion that any type of therapy is very difficult. This is why it’s important to seek treatment early.

Exciting News for the New Year!

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It’s a New Year!

Schedule your Wellness Visit today! Jupiter Medical Specialists has five convenient locations for all of your primary care needs. For more information, call (561) 972-5709.

Indiantown Road Practice

We are pleased to share that Dr. Wunder is now seeing patients at our new Indiantown Road location located at 1000 E. Indiantown Road Jupiter, FL 33458. He is available for same day sick visits!

We’re sad to say goodbye to Dr. Lyn as he embarks on a new journey. We wish him well in his new endeavor!

In the Spring 2023, Dr. Sirvaitis will be seeing patients at our Indiantown Road location.

Same Week Consultation

Dr. Cober is now offering same week surgery consultations for all general surgery needs with a specialization in gallbladder surgery.

Congratulations!

In the fall of 2022, Dr. Miskin completed over 1,000 cases on the Da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery System.

The Da Vinci Surgical System uses a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Dr. Miskin specializes in robotic hernia surgery.

Welcome

Please welcome Irving Campbell, ARNP to our primary care office in Stuart. He will be seeing patients out of this location this February 2023.

We will also be welcoming Michelle Valentine, ARNP to the Indiantown Road location this Spring 2023.

Radiation Oncology

Dr. Tennyson is currently accepting new patients for consultation for any radiation oncology needs. For more information about next day cancer care, call (561) 263-4400.

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It Feels Like A “Pain in the Neck”!

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The neck, sometimes referred to as the Cervical Spine, is a delicate and remarkable structure of interconnected vertebrae, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons – all of which work together to provide support while allowing a wide range of motion.

However, any of these anatomical structures can wear down or become injured, causing neck pain (we call it Axial Cervical Pain) and, possibly, pain that radiates down the arms (we call it Cervical Radicular Pain).

What Causes Neck Pain?

There are many different causes for neck pain:

Acute neck pain usually involves a tear to a muscle or ligament in the neck. Trauma from sudden forced movement of the neck or head and rebound in the opposite direction (whiplash) can cause pain and soreness.

Neck pain that lasts or keeps coming back over a period of at least 3 months is considered chronic.

Aging and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis (the wearing down of the joints) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces in the spine) can lead to neck pain. Over time, stress and motion can lead to spinal disc degeneration, causing a herniated disc or pinched nerve.

A facet joint can become a source of pain if its protective cartilage starts to wear down or the joint capsule gets a tear. As the joint degenerates, bone spurs grow, increasing inflammation and stiffness.

These degenerative changes to discs and facet joints in the cervical spine can cause a nerve root to become compressed which can result in cervical radiculopathy symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness to radiate down the arm.

Neck Pain Diagnosis

The doctors will diagnose your neck pain with a physical exam and medical history, they will also check your muscle strength and reflexes. To diagnose the cause of the pain, your doctor may use imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These tests can show damage and other issues in the bones and surrounding tissues in your neck.

Neck Pain Treatments

After making the correct diagnosis, treatment for neck pain varies depending on the cause. It aims to relieve pain and improve function. Some of these treatments include:

  • Medications – including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation and muscle relaxants to help the healing process.
  • Physical therapy (exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons in the neck).
  • Facet joint injections/ Medial branch nerve blocks – to help diagnose the source of pain as well as to provide relief.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (or Rhizotomy) – to ease pain for a longer period of time
  • Facet joint injections of Medial nerve blocks – to help alleviate the pain from the inflamed joints.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (or Nerve ablation) – to provide longer pain relief.
  • Epidural Steroid injections near the nerve roots – to help relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Finally, If the injury is advanced – your doctor may recommend surgery to repair compressed or damaged spinal disks or fuse some vertebrae in the spine.

Resolute Pain Solutions physicians have received extensive training in Pain Management, and always stay current with all new and up to date through many educational meetings throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, please call (866) 228-7676.

When to See a Doctor for Bronchitis

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When someone has a cold, it can quickly turn to bronchitis, which can be much more serious. Here is some information that will let you know if you need to visit a doctor should you develop the condition.

Bronchitis 101

There are two types of bronchitis, which occurs when your lungs’ airways become inflamed and create an excessive amount of mucus. Acute bronchitis is the more common form, and also referred to as a “chest cold.” It is worse than the typical cold, but not as serious as pneumonia. A chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by a chronic cough that can last up to two or three months. Symptoms often include fatigue, fever, breathing accompanied by a wheezing sound, or frequent coughing that produces mucus.

Do You Need Medical Help?

If you have a cold and a cough, that is, of course, normal. Coughing is the body’s way of eliminating mucus and phlegm. There are some instances, however, where a cough can necessitate a trip to the doctor. For example, you will need to get medical help if you are wheezing, coughing up blood, have night sweats or you have a high fever. If your cough has worsened and you notice any sort of shortness of breath or oddly colored mucus, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

Preventing Bronchitis

There are a few things you can do that can reduce the chances your cold will turn into bronchitis. For example, stop smoking and do not allow anyone else to smoke inside your home. Get plenty of rest and wash your hands often. If you need to see a doctor for bronchitis, the experts with Questcare Medical Clinic will be ready to help. Contact your nearest location online to learn more.

When to See a Doctor for Bronchitis

by Leave a Comment

When someone has a cold, it can quickly turn to bronchitis, which can be much more serious. Here is some information that will let you know if you need to visit a doctor should you develop the condition.

Bronchitis 101

There are two types of bronchitis, which occurs when your lungs’ airways become inflamed and create an excessive amount of mucus. Acute bronchitis is the more common form and referred to as a “chest cold.” It is worse than the typical cold, but not as serious as pneumonia. A chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by a chronic cough that can last up to two or three months. Symptoms often include fatigue, fever, breathing accompanied by a wheezing sound, or frequent coughing that produces mucus.

Do You Need Medical Help?

If you have a cold and a cough, that is, of course, normal. Coughing is the body’s way of eliminating mucus and phlegm. There are some instances, however, where a cough can necessitate a trip to the doctor. For example, you will need to get medical help if you are wheezing, coughing up blood, have night sweats or you have a high fever. If your cough has worsened and you notice any sort of shortness of breath or oddly colored mucus, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

Preventing Bronchitis

There are a few things you can do that can reduce the chances your cold will turn into bronchitis. For example, stop smoking and do not allow anyone else to smoke inside your home. Get plenty of rest and wash your hands often. If you need to see a doctor for bronchitis, the experts with Questcare Medical Clinic will be ready to help. Contact your nearest location online to learn more.

National Influenza Vaccination Week

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Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-9. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
  • Pregnant women
  • Babies and children younger than 5 years old
  • People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
  • Health care workers
  • Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

  • Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
  • Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.
  • Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.
  • Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.

Questcare Medical Clinics are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community.  Contact us today to get your flu shot.

National Influenza Vaccination Week

by Leave a Comment

Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-9. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
  • Pregnant women
  • Babies and children younger than 5 years old
  • People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
  • Health care workers
  • Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

  • Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
  • Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.
  • Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.
  • Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to get your flu shot!

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month

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December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year. Everyone wants to find and give a great gift. But besides searching for the perfect present for your little ones, it is just as important to keep safety in mind while you’re shopping.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020 there were 9 deaths and nearly 150,000 toy-related emergency room visits for children ages 14 and younger. Most of the injuries and deaths were associated with choking hazards, mostly because of small toy parts. Although toy safety has improved throughout the years, shoppers should still take precautions to keep children safe.

In recent years, the CPSC has implemented a stringent standards system that requires a third party to independently test toy safety in laboratories across the globe. This includes enforcing the percentage of lead and phthalates used in toys and stopping dangerous and violent toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they end up in little hands.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Inspect toys before purchasing them. Avoid toys with sharp edges, a multitude of little parts, and/or parts such as buttons that can be easily pulled off which become choking hazards.
  • Look at the age and skill level marked on the packaging. Only buy age-appropriate even if you think a child is more mature. The guidelines are placed for good reason.
  • Check the label. All toys should have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) to show it meets proper standards.
  • Avoid all toys that with ropes and cords as well as crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic. Other toys to avoid with children younger than eight years old are balloons which can choke or suffocate. This also includes deflated balloons which should be immediately discarded. High-powered magnet sets should always be kept away from small children too.
  • Be wary of electric toys. These require close supervision.
  • Give safety gear like helmets and knee pads if you are giving a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

It’s a Wrap

Upon opening gifts, immediately discard all plastic wrapping and any other toy packaging which can become dangerous playthings if not thrown away. Any toys requiring battery charging should be supervised and done by a trusted adult as chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the holidays, but the gift of safety ensures a happy and healthy holiday season. Questcare Medical Clinic wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Questcare Medical Clinics are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month

by Leave a Comment

December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year. Everyone wants to find and give a great gift. But besides searching for the perfect present for your little ones, it is just as important to keep safety in mind while you’re shopping.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020 there were 9 deaths and nearly 150,000 toy-related emergency room visits for children ages 14 and younger. Most of the injuries and deaths were associated with choking hazards, mostly because of small toy parts. Although toy safety has improved throughout the years, shoppers should still take precautions to keep children safe.

In recent years, the CPSC has implemented a stringent standards system that requires a third party to independently test toy safety in laboratories across the globe. This includes enforcing the percentage of lead and phthalates used in toys and stopping dangerous and violent toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they end up in little hands.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Inspect toys before purchasing them. Avoid toys with sharp edges, a multitude of little parts, and/or parts such as buttons that can be easily pulled off which become choking hazards.
  • Look at the age and skill level marked on the packaging. Only buy age-appropriate even if you think a child is more mature. The guidelines are placed for good reason.
  • Check the label. All toys should have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) to show it meets proper standards.
  • Avoid all toys that with ropes and cords as well as crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic. Other toys to avoid with children younger than eight years old are balloons which can choke or suffocate. This also includes deflated balloons which should be immediately discarded. High-powered magnet sets should always be kept away from small children too.
  • Be wary of electric toys. These require close supervision.
  • Give safety gear like helmets and knee pads if you are giving a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

It’s a Wrap

Upon opening gifts, immediately discard all plastic wrapping and any other toy packaging which can become dangerous playthings if not thrown away. Any toys requiring battery charging should be supervised and done by a trusted adult as chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the holidays, but the gift of safety ensures a happy and healthy holiday season. Jupiter Medical Specialists wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to schedule a consultation.