diagnostic testing

August 9, 2021

Ask the Doctors: Diagnostic Testing at Abraham Family Medicine

Diagnostic testing is an incredibly powerful tool in the world of medicine. Before any treatment can begin, an accurate diagnosis must be confirmed. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, we perform several types of diagnostic testing in the comfort of our office to assist in caring for our patients. To further elaborate on the benefits this can provide our patients and their loved ones, our board-certified healthcare providers have taken time to answer a few questions about some of the types of diagnostic testing we offer.

Question #1: How Does In-Office Diagnostic Testing Benefit Patients?

Offering in-office diagnostic testing is often a major convenience for our patients. Doing so can save time (and additional costs) by eliminating the need for additional trips to a hospital or separate imaging center for something like an MRI or a CT scan. Additionally, this can help avoid potential complications associated with the patient’s health insurance.

Question #2: What Is The Difference Between An Echocardiogram & An Electrocardiogram (EKG)?

We use both echocardiograms and EKGs to detect and diagnose various forms of heart disease. However, the tests differ in what they specifically measure and capture. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to depict pictures of the heart and provide information on the activity and function of the heart. An EKG traces the rhythm of a patient’s heartbeats to potentially detect underlying heart conditions like arrhythmias, heart defects, and coronary artery disease. Both tests can often be used in tandem to provide a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s heart health.

Question #3: Is It Safe To Undergo An X-Ray

While it’s true that x-ray technology exposes the patient to radiation, it is perfectly safe to undergo an x-ray to detect a potentially fractured bone. X-rays only use a low level of radiation and the risk of any cell damage is extremely low. Additionally, we fit our patients with protective materials including x-ray safe aprons to limit exposure to other areas of the body not being scanned.

Our providers have the experience and knowledge to optimize all diagnostic testing to the benefit of our patients. For more information on diagnostic testing or other health and wellness topics, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

October 29, 2020

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

BAPC-logo The threat of lung cancer is incredibly serious for adults in the US. Although the disease is commonly associated with smoking, the truth is that many people who have never smoked cigarettes are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. That’s why it’s so important for people to understand their risk of lung cancer and take a proactive approach to their respiratory health. With this in mind, our healthcare providers have taken time to provide some essential information on lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the US. In fact, lung cancer accounts for nearly 25% of annual cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 228,820 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year and lung cancer will cause over 135,000 deaths. However, lung cancer rates have been steadily decreasing nationally, as cigarette smoking becomes less common. The average age of a lung cancer diagnosis is about 70.

Different people may experience different degrees of lung cancer symptoms. Although symptoms related to the lungs are most common, symptoms in other parts of the body can occur in cases where the cancer has spread. In some cases, lung cancer may result in general symptoms of not feeling well. Common lung cancer symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, breathing issues, fatigue, and sudden weight loss.

In order for a person to reduce their risk of developing lung cancer, people should never smoke cigarettes. Smokers should do their best to quit immediately. It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke (smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). It’s important to maintain a smoke-free environment at home and at the office. People with a history of smoking, people between the ages of 55-80, and those with a family history of lung cancer should undergo annual screening appointments.

Quitting can be easier said than done for long-time smokers. That’s why we recommend using the resources available to you. We recommend focusing on prevention and avoiding triggers that lead to smoking like drinking alcohol. Our healthcare providers may be able to prescribe medications meant to assist smokers trying to quit.

We hope everyone reading this takes the message to heart. Lung cancer awareness month is all about sharing information in the hopes of protecting the health and wellbeing of our patients and their loved ones. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

August 26, 2020

Prostate Cancer Statistics to be Aware of

doctor-visit-for-men With Prostate Cancer Awareness Month coming up, our healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be a great time to discuss this common health condition for men. The threat of prostate cancer is not something men can take lightly, especially as they age and their risk of developing this condition increases. In order to promote awareness and prevention of prostate cancer, our healthcare experts wanted to provide some statistics to help our patients fully understand the threat that this illness can pose.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men in the US.
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 191,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2020.
They also estimate that over 33,000 men will die from complications related to prostate cancer.
Roughly 1 in every 9 men in the US will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
About 60% of all diagnosed prostate cancer cases are age 65 or older and the average age at the time of diagnosis is 66.
Although it is one of the leading causes of death for men in the US, the survival rate for men with prostate cancer is very high relative to other forms of cancer, largely due to how slow-spreading prostate cancer is.
Over 90% of prostate cancers are detected when the disease is still only found in the prostate and nearby organs.
In these cases where the cancer is detected before it has the chance to spread, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%.
There are currently over 3 million prostate cancer survivors in the US today.
The rates at which new prostate cancer cases have been diagnosed in the US has consistently dropped over the past 20 years.

The best way for men to fight prostate cancer is to see their healthcare provider for an annual prostate exam. Here in our office, this begins by performing a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which checks the blood for proteins that are a leading indicator of prostate cancer. We will then move on to other testing if necessary. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

July 28, 2020

The Advantages of Diagnostic Testing at Abraham Family Medicine

Before medical treatment can begin, a diagnosis must be made. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, our healthcare providers use many tools to help accurately diagnose a wide variety of issues and conditions that can affect our patient’s health and wellness. This includes offering in-office diagnostic testing to help improve patient care by identifying potential health issues as quickly as possible.

couple-view-x-ray Dr. Abraham and our entire medical staff utilize diagnostic testing to confirm the occurrence of a specific disease or medical condition based on a patient’s symptoms as well as results from other medical tests. Diagnostic testing is critical to how we operate during every step of our evaluation process including diagnosing, monitoring, screening, and prognosis. To help better understand how diagnostic testing at Abraham Family Medicine can assist our patients, continue reading for information on the diagnostic tests that we are able to perform.

Aorta Ultrasound

Also known as an aortascan, an aorta ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the main blood vessel leading away from the heart known as the aorta. This test is used to help detect the presence of an aortic aneurysm.

Echocardiograms

Echocardiogram tests use images derived from sound waves to help us examine the beating and pumping of blood within the heart. These tests are used to identify abnormalities of the heart, including detecting heart defects in unborn children.

Electrocardiograms (EKGs)

EKGs are used to examine the patterns and heartbeats. Doing so allows us to detect and diagnose potential underlying heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart defects, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests are administered to measure the ability of a person’s lungs to take in and circulate oxygen throughout the body. This kind of test may be used to diagnose certain lung diseases.

Retinal Scans

We utilize retinal scanning to help rule out diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes. If left undetected and untreated, this condition can lead to blindness.

Screening Mammograms

We perform screening mammograms to detect potential breast cancers in female patients. The test allows us to produce images of each breast from multiple angles to gain a clearer picture of a patient’s breast health.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create images that depict the inside of a person’s body. Although they are most commonly used to monitor a pregnant woman’s fetus, ultrasound technology can also help diagnose various medical conditions such as gallbladder disease, certain types of cancer, and diseases of the prostate. This includes Carotid Ultrasounds that use sound waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries to detect a patient’s risk of experiencing a stroke. We also use this technology to perform abdominal and pelvic sonograms to detect abnormalities (including tumors) within internal organs like the liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Vascular Doppler Studies

Vascular Doppler Studies use similar technology as ultrasounds to monitor the flow of blood through blood vessels. This test can help diagnose conditions such as blood clots, faulty valves in leg veins, circulation issues, and other conditions that a traditional ultrasound may not be able to detect.

X-Rays

X-rays utilize electromagnetic waves to capture images of a person’s skeletal system. Our providers use x-rays most often to diagnose bone fractures, however, they can also assist us in diagnosing pneumonia or breast cancer.

When paired with the skill and knowledge that our experienced healthcare providers possess, diagnostic testing can be an integral in helping our patients achieve long-term health and wellness. For more information on diagnostic testing or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

March 3, 2020

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Happy March, everyone. Here at Abraham Family Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing our patients and their families with knowledge to help them achieve and maintain long term health and wellness. That’s why whenever we reach an important health awareness event on the calendar, we like to take a little time to discuss what patients should know about the respective health topic or concern in question.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the US. Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer that starts in the rectum or colon. Although there are different forms of this disease, adenocarcinomas make up 96% of all colon cancer cases according to the American Cancer Society. Although the causes of colorectal cancer are still being studied, many cases result from abnormal growths in the colon or hereditary gene mutations.

To help reinforce the importance of awareness, our healthcare providers wanted to provide some statistics about the prevalence of colorectal cancer for adults in the US:

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among adults in the US, behind only lung cancer.
Experts estimate that 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.
On average, 1 in every 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at some point in their lives.
The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is slightly higher in men than in women.
Up to 60% of all colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with annual screening appointments.
1 in every 4 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease.
Based on current research, the median age of younger colorectal cancer patients (under 50) is 44, and over 75% of these cases are diagnosed in their forties.

Annual screening appointments are a necessity, but there is more a person can do to reduce their risk. People can lower their risk of colorectal cancer by living a healthy lifestyle that includes regular daily exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

The good news is that with proper diligence, understanding, and an annual colonoscopy appointment, colorectal cancer is preventable and manageable. We highly recommend making a point of discussing your colon health with your healthcare provider during any annual appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

June 27, 2019

Ask the Doctors: Common Questions About Skin Cancer

We hope everyone is having a great summer. With the summer season comes hotter temperatures, more time spent outside, and an additional urgency to protect ourselves from the sun and its UV rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making skin cancer the most common type of cancer in the US. While there is no such thing as a bad time to think about protecting your skin, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be the perfect time to answer some common questions about skin cancer and precautions that can be taken to help prevent it.

Should I wear sunscreen even on days when I don’t plan to be in the sun?

Yes. Experts agree that skin damage can occur after just a few minutes in the sun if the skin is not protected. Sun exposure during minor tasks like walking the dog, checking the mail, or stepping out for fresh air can add up over time. Additionally, you can also be exposed to UV rays when indoors or in your car. We recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, especially for any extended periods of being out in the sun.

How often should I be tested for screen cancer?

Skin cancer testing is essential to help prevent skin cancer or detect it while it is in its earliest and most treatable stages. Because a change in previous growths or moles is one of the primary indicators of skin cancer, we strongly recommend for patients come in for annual skin cancer screening appointments. If you notice anything irregular, you should come in for a screening as soon as possible. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with your skin and perform regular self-checks between appointments to keep tabs on any irregular activity.

Can getting a slight tan help protect me from skin cancer?

Unfortunately not. Despite what you may have heard, there is no such thing as a safe or protective tan. Tanning is the result of the skin experiencing slight DNA damage. Therefore, even a mild or slight tan will result in damage to your skin. This include natural tans as well as tanning beds. It only takes one damaged skin cell to turn cancerous.

Thankfully, nearly 90% of all skin cancer cases are preventable. In the event that you are diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important not to panic. Our healthcare providers have extensive experience working with patients to create skin cancer treatment plans to help safely and effectively address skin cancer before it becomes more advanced and potentially dangerous. For more information on skin cancer or other health and wellness topics, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.

March 4, 2019

Kidney Health Tips for National Kidney Month

Healthy kidneys are essential to maintaining good long-term health. Unfortunately, some people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney issues may have an increased risk of developing kidney disease. In addition to creating complications of its own, people with kidney disease are much more likely than the average person to suffer from heart disease. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and do whatever you can to help keep your kidneys healthy. So, in honor of National Kidney Month this March, we wanted to offer some simple tips on how you can promote good kidney health.

Keep Your Body Hydrated

Staying hydrated can help the kidneys function properly, but you don’t have to overdo it. We recommend for adults to drink 7 – 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily (the 8 x 8 rule). Anything more than that won’t necessarily do your kidneys any good.

Eat Healthy & Exercise

Getting daily exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your bodyweight down, which is helpful for the kidneys. These healthy habits can also keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check, which is also good for your kidney health. We would recommend trying to eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day and limiting your sodium intake to below 2,300 milligrams a day. Additionally, high-protein diets and protein powders used during exercise can lead to kidney issues.

Do Not Smoke or Drink to Excess

Smoking can damage a person’s blood vessels, potentially decreasing the flow of blood to the kidneys and negatively affecting overall kidney function. Additionally, smoking can also contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney cancer. Alcohol can make it more difficult to filter your blood properly. Consuming more than two drinks per day can also increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, leading to potential kidney disease.

Ask Your Doctor About Kidney Health

We advise asking your healthcare provider about your kidneys during visits to their office, including routine check-ups and annual physical appointments. Certain diagnostic tests can be performed to test the state of your kidneys and monitor for signs of kidney disease. This is especially important for older patients and people with high blood pressure and other potential kidney disease risk factors.

The most important step you can take for promoting good kidney health is taking care of your body and communicating with your healthcare provider about what you can do to live a kidney-healthy lifestyle. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, not far from Grayson, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, and Loganville.