Services
In our offices, we provide patients with the following services:
In the field of Thyroid and Parathyroid disorders
Thyroid Ultrasound
This study offers painless imaging of the thyroid that can provide detailed information about the size and structure. It uses high-frequency sound waves which are not audible by the human ear. It helps diagnose a lump and differentiate between solid and cystic lesions. It may be used to guide the insertion of the needle. The examination is generally completed within 30 minutes. Preparation: No special preparation is required. You will be asked to remove any jewelry from the neck area. The patient is positioned lying face-up on a study table.
Parathyroid Glands Ultrasound
This study is performed similarly to the thyroid ultrasound and is generally requested to help with the localization of an abnormal gland or glands before the anticipated surgery
Thyroid Biopsy
This is a safe and effective procedure used to help distinguish between benign and malignant lumps. A fine needle attached to a syringe is placed a few times into a lump under sonographic guidance (or without it) and specimen is aspirated. Slides are prepared and sent to the cytology department for special staining and evaluation under a microscope. If a lump is a cyst, the fine needle aspiration can be curative. The procedure is completed generally within 15 minutes. Preparation: Patients should be fasting for at least 2-3 hours. Patients with bleeding disorders or taking medications affecting bleeding (eg warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) should be advised about a special preparation a few days prior to the procedure. All patients are asked to sign a consent form.
Thyroid Uptake
This is a painless diagnostic test which is helpful in diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. It is also used to determine if a dose of radioactive iodine is needed for thyroid ablation. It involves the administration of a very small amount of radioactive iodine orally in a capsule form and non-invasive measurements of the uptake by a special probe conducted generally 6 hours and 24 hours after dosing. Preparation: Patients will be placed on a low-iodine diet for about 1 week prior to the test. Anti-thyroid medications (eg methimazole, PTU) will be stopped at least 5 days prior to the test. On the day of the study, a urine pregnancy test will be performed in all women at risk. Prior to the administration of the dose, patients should be fasting for at least 2-3 hours.
Thyroid Ablation
A form of treatment used in patients with history of hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer involving administration of radioactive iodine I-131 orally in the form of a capsule. The purpose of the treatment is to destroy the thyroid gland or thyroid remnant left after thyroid surgery. Preparation: Patients will be placed on low-iodine diet for about 1 week prior to the treatment. On the day of the test, blood pregnancy test will be performed in a local hospital in all women at risk. Prior to the administration of the dose, patients should be fasting for at least 3 hours. After administration of the dose, patients are asked to remain in the office for 30 minutes. Under the advice of a physician, patients will observe radiation safety precautions for 4-7 days after the treatment. All patients are asked to sign a consent form.
In the field of Diabetes
Insulin pump therapy
We assist patients with comprehensive care, involving the application process, training, start up, and follow up, including troubleshooting. We work with all major insulin pump devices found on the market today.
Continuous blood glucose monitoring
This is an FDA-approved device inserted under the skin and used for monitoring of blood glucose around the clock. This device can work together with or independent of insulin pumps.
ECG
Also known as electrocardiogram, this is a basic test to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and learn about abnormalities of rhythm and heart size. It is useful in the monitoring of a diabetic heart, patients with thyroid disorders, and metabolic abnormalities.
Spirometry
This test is used to measure pulmonary function, including volume and velocity of inhaled or exhaled air. It helps in the guiding of patients with h/o asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In our practice, spirometry is an important tool to assess the effects of smoking.