Deep Cuts / Lacerations

Lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin that expose the underlying fat, muscle or bone. In general cuts from a sharp object heal quicker and have a smaller scar. All lacerations cause a scar. The first step is to exclude injury to underlying structures, such as a broken bone, cut ligament or cut artery. Bleeding can usually be controlled with direct pressure. Ligaments will require surgical repair. A bone may need reduction. Early closure reduces the risk of infection....

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Cough

Cough is due to a reflex, triggered by irritation of the upper airways, that causes a spasm of the chest and diaphragm muscles. It is the first defense of the lungs against infection. Ironically, it is also responsible for rapidly spreading infection. Treatment is based on the underlying cause. Viral infections are the most common cause for acute cough in healthy children and adults. They are often accompanied with nasal congestion, a mild sore throat and fevers. The acute illness...

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Sore Throat (Acute)

  Sore throat is a common cause for an office visit. The diagnosis and treatment remains controversial and is still actively discussed in the medical literature. The problem is that symptoms overlap and limit the accuracy for even this simple diagnosis. Viral infections are the most common and are frequently preceded by nasal congestion. Throat pain is usually mild and improves with liquids; however herpangina, an enterovirus infection, can cause severe pain and blisters on the roof of the mouth....

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School Sport Physical Exam

Available without an appointment. Cost: 45 dollars Please be sure to sign in prior to arriving at the Clinic.  The price is $45. The goal is to reduce injuries related to participation in school sports activities. This is important, but our ability to achieve it is still being debated in medical journals. We can perform a heart transplant, but we still cannot be sure of the value of a sports physical. This is the nature of medicine. Researchers usually focus...

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Preoperative Evaluation

The preoperative exam is designed to identify medical problems that would adversely affect your health or the outcome of the surgery. Being in optimal health is the best way to avoid complications. Your Primary Care Physician, who is familiar with your medical problems and medications, should whenever possible, perform this exam. At this time HMC is performing preoperative exams for eye surgeries ONLY.  If you cannot access your Physician for your preoperative exam for eye surgery,  please bring a list...

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Sexual Dysfunction

HTMC provides evaluations and treatment for ED with prescriptions of Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Everyone has seen the sexual dysfunction commercials on TV. Some are direct, like Mr. Dole talking frankly and coining the term ED (erectile dysfunction). Others are more artistic and hint at the quality of the sexual experience. The reality is that it is still a difficult topic for patients to discuss with their Physicians. Research has documented how common ED is, and yet only a fraction...

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Anxiety / Depression

Anxiety and depression are common conditions that smolder along for months, compromising a person's quality of life. They often interfere with our relationships, family, friends, and work. The symptoms can peak suddenly and come to a crisis, requiring immediate treatment. There are no formal tests to establish a diagnosis, so it is important to exclude medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Approximately 1 out of 40 patients evaluated for anxiety have a thyroid disorder. This is called making a...

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Orthopedic Consultation

Fractures are a common problem for Urgent Care Physicians. After twenty years of practice I am still amazed at how many different ways we can break the same bone. Fractures are like snow flakes; they all look similar, but when you look closer they have subtle differences. Treatment is based on the results of previous patients (research) with similar fractures. Research is the foundation, but there is no substitute for experience. At HMC we have splints, crutches, x-ray, casting materials,...

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Diagnostic Medicine

An accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. However, as information about a person's medical condition is gathered, the risk and cost of obtaining the information must be considered. Often, we (the patient and Physician) make decisions with an incomplete set of data. This is where the art and science of practicing medicine meet. Arriving at a diagnosis begins with the history and physical exam. Physicians are trained to follow a specific pattern. The history begins with a chief complaint...

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Acute Injuries / Illness

The moment an injury occurs or an illness begins, our bodies begin to repair or heal the wound. It is impossible to list all of the conditions that would benefit from a clinic visit, so we have to use our knowledge, experience, and common sense. You can ask yourself some basic questions: Am I in danger? Is the pain severe or out of control? Are you getting worse? Preexisting conditions like Diabetes, prior cancer treatment, or young or old age...

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