We strive to create individualized treatment plans for each of our patients as each person has a unique history and unique needs. Some of our services include:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common health concern that can alter a patient’s lifestyle and quality of life.
Here at Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group, we specialize in treating patients with diabetes and helping them manage their condition to best experience a happy and healthy life. Whether you are experiencing chronic fatigue, frequent urination, or suspect you may have nerve damage, we are here to help.
We provide diagnostic testing and various treatment options to help our patients manage their blood sugar levels.
Family Medicine
Here at Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group we are proud to offer family medicine and are devoted to providing excellent comprehensive care to patients of all ages. We know how frustrating and time consuming it can be to run back and forth between different offices for your medical needs, so we are happy to be your one-stop-shop for the whole family.
Whether you are dealing with an illness, need vaccinations, or are due for a wellness examination, we are here to help you experience quality healthcare every time you visit us. Our highly trained physicians will work with you to make sure you are comfortable with each step of your examination and treatment, and are more than happy to answer your questions.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be a dangerous condition as those who have it typically do not display symptoms. While those with high blood pressure may not experience any pain or discomfort, their condition could still be life-threatening.
Here at Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group, we are proud to provide services to best identify and address this issue in our patients. We can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes and prescribe medication to aid in the management of your condition and prevent stroke, heart attack, or other health complications.
High Cholesterol
Whether you have high cholesterol due to heredity or poor lifestyle habits, having routine cholesterol checks is important. Not only does this help to establish a healthy lifestyle, but also to help prevent other health complications such as a stroke or heart attack.
Here at Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group, we are here to help you maintain your cardiovascular health through routine examinations and blood testing. We will work with you to help establish healthy lifestyle and eating habits so that you can have a healthy heart and a healthy life.
Home Sleep Test
For those with symptoms of sleep apnea, a home sleep test may be necessary to determine if that is indeed your diagnosis. While wearing a simple breathing monitor, it will track your breathing, oxygen levels, and breathing effort. This test is not to be confused with an overnight sleep study attended by a sleep technologist in a lab. Home sleep tests are simplified and capture only basic information about your breathing and are a good place for us to start when identifying the severity of your symptoms.
Home sleep tests sensors include a probe that goes over your finger to measure your oxygen levels, a mask with small tubes that go into your nostrils (similar to a nasal cannula oxygen mask), and additional sensors placed on your chest and abdomen to measure the rise and fall of your breathing. Because the test is conducted in the comfort of your own home, it is likely to be more accurate in terms of capturing your natural breathing patterns during sleep since you’ll be in your own bed and a familiar environment. Once the test is complete, we will review the results and make a diagnosis, if possible, or prescribe further sleep testing in a lab setting.
Insomnia
Do you have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, returning to sleep, or a combination thereof? If so, you may be experiencing insomnia, which is the most common sleep disorder in the United States. As many as 40 million Americans suffer from it every year. Although it can affect men and women and children of all ages, it tends to be more prevalent in women and older adults.
Acute insomnia occurs suddenly and briefly, lasting from one night to a few weeks, and is often due to a particular circumstance, such as an upcoming important or stressful event.
Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is when you have sleep trouble falling, staying, or returning to sleep at least three nights per week for at least three months straight.
Additionally, there are two types of insomnia: primary, which means it isn’t linked to any other health condition, and secondary, in which the insomnia is a result of another condition such as asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, heartburn, pain, medication, or substance use.
Men’s Health
At Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group, we provide comprehensive men’s health services while making you feel at ease and comfortable with your body and any health concerns you may have.
What are the biggest concerns regarding men’s health?
As a group, men tend to avoid discussing their health or any concerns they have with anyone, including their doctors. However, putting off physical exams and preventive screens can allow underlying conditions to progress if left untreated. As men age, there are several common conditions that men are at higher risk of developing and they include:
- Colon cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Liver disease
- Low testosterone disorders
- Prostate cancer
- Stroke
Though some conditions increase risk with age, it is important to receive regular medical care regardless of how old you are.
Microbiome Support (Gut Health)
The microbiome is a collective term for the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi found throughout our bodies. While some of these are responsible for disease, many more are vital to the proper functionality of the brain, immune system, heart, weight, digestion, and more. A large portion of these exist in our intestines, specifically in a “pocket” in the large intestine called the cecum. This “pocket” is referred to as the gut microbiome and includes over 2,000 different species of bacteria alone.
Many are surprised to know that the human body is made up of approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells, but only 30 trillion human cells! These 40 trillion bacteria weigh as much as your brain (2-5 pounds) and essentially function as an extra organ of the body by aiding in numerous bodily functions. Your gut microbiome is an integral part of your health, and without it, it would be difficult to survive.
Natural Thyroid Management
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck below the cartilage known as Adam’s apple. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones influence every single cell in your body. From how your body metabolizes fats and carbohydrates, to temperature regulation and heart rate, to the production of protein – thyroid hormones are center stage.
Two primary problems can occur with your thyroid – overproduction of thyroid hormones called hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease; and, underproduction of thyroid hormones called hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto’s disease. In most cases, thyroid problems can be well-managed when properly diagnosed and treated.
Pediatric Care
Here at Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group, we are proud to provide pediatric care to the little ones of our community! Our family medicine and medical aesthetics physicians specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating a variety of health issues in patients of all ages.
Pediatric care is important to ensure the proper development and growth in children. We are your one-stop-shop for all of your child’s health care needs. From well check ups and immunizations to sports physicals and treatment for illness, we are here to help your child experience a healthy life.
Preventative Care Services
Here at Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group we believe in the importance of preventative care and having routine screenings to maintain your overall good health. Early detection can be the key to treating women’s cancers and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Our practice offers various cancer screening options so that you can ensure your optimal health.
Breast Cancer Screenings
Clinical breast exams are conducted during each exam to search for any changes in your breasts or unusual lumps. We will ask about your family history and if any members have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Annual mammograms begin at the recommended age of 40.
It is important that you conduct self-breast exams at home so that you can notice any changes in your breast between visits.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Pap smears are important for finding any changes in your cervical cells. These tests begin at the age of 21. The HPV test can also be conducted at this time since the HPV virus can lead to cervical cancer. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, it is still important that you follow the screening recommendations for your age group.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The screening for colon cancer typically begins at the age of 45, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. This is accomplished by analyzing a stool sample or by examining the colon and rectum (colonoscopy).
Endometrial Cancer Screenings
During menopause, women should report any unexpected vaginal changes such as bleeding or spotting. There are many causes of postmenopausal bleeding that can be benign such as uterine polyps or fibroids. However, uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, can also cause abnormal changes during menopause. If you notice any changes, please report them to your doctor so that a biopsy can be conducted to determine whether there is a concern for cancer.
Primary Care
What is primary care?
Primary care is a go-to medical home for every patient. Our practice serves a wide range of health problems from injuries and illness to chronic health conditions that may require ongoing management.
Some of the services we provide include:
- Well visits and physicals
- Treatment of acute injuries and illnesses
- Managing chronic illness or conditions
- Nutritional guidance and weight loss care
- Prevention screenings and examinations
- Immunizations
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Immune system disorders
- Opioid addiction treatment
When do I need primary care services?
Even when you’re in good health, you may still need to come into our office for annual physicals. Physicals are essential to ensuring your body is functioning properly and to monitor any potential changes that may be early signs of a health concern.
In addition to physicals, we also offer regular women’s and men’s preventative health screenings and exams. Preventive care is important to keeping you healthy and lowering your risk for potential infections and diseases.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where a person stops breathing throughout sleeping often occurring repeatedly. Many people may be unaware they even have it, especially if you sleep alone. Signs you may have sleep apnea include frequent snoring and waking feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep. At Gateway Comprehensive Medical Group, we offer treatment for sleep apnea, which can ease your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
If you feel that you are suffering from any of these symptoms, or someone you share a room with has mentioned that you do any or all of the above, please call our office at (619) 264-1934 for an appointment. In many cases, a sleep study will need to be conducted before a diagnosis of sleep apnea can be made. Treatment may include the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), oral device, or in more extreme cases – surgery to remove or shrink tissue or reposition the jaw.
Telehealth
With the help of telemedicine we are able to bring our services to you, overcoming the barriers of time, distance, and even illness so that you have access to your provider when you need it most.
Telemedicine allows us to deliver a unique consultation experience to you remotely using HIPAA compliant video conferencing tools. This service allows you to connect to your provider with ease in a timely manner, and is designed with the patient in mind to be very user-friendly. Virtual consultations can be done using devices that most patients have easy access to such as a smartphone or a computer with a built-in video camera, so you won’t need to worry about having any specialized equipment.
Using our telemedicine service is simple, and our friendly staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have about utilizing this service prior to your appointment.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is something with which millions of people struggle. As you know, your weight doesn’t just contribute to your physical appearance. Your weight and the amount of fat in your body can help or hurt your body by contributing to either a healthy physique or lead to medical issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Weight loss is not just about restricting calories, which is what most people try to do. Weight loss is really about correcting your nutrition, managing your stress, and for some, working with or around chronic diseases and medical conditions.