This is a wellness exam, not in connection with any illness or injury, and will include appropriate screening tests at my discretion. Exams generally will include a detailed physical examination, EKG, body composition testing, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, spirometry testing (pulmonary function), ultrasound of the thyroid, peripheral artery circulation screening, muscle strength testing, and Carotid IMT testing. For those patients with qualifying histories we use Berkeley Heart Lab for advanced lipid profiling and genetic cardiovascular risk testing.
Carotid IMT Test
A CIMT test helps to detect and treat heart disease and strokes. This is a non-invasive procedure using our ultrasound equipment.
Additionally, we will review your medical history and risk factors using a health questionnaire and direct interview tools. You will receive a comprehensive lab panel - i.e. CBC, Comp Chemistry, (includes potassium, creatinine, glucose), lipid panel (cholesterol), TSH, cardio CRP, urinalysis and Hemoglobin A1C will be included in the exam. Additionally PSA (prostate function) for men over 40 will be included.
Bone Density Management:
A bone density exam is an excellent test to determine the actual density or thickness of your bones. It requires less than one-tenth the amount of radiation that is required by a chest x-ray. As with any medical procedure, be sure to inform your physician if you are or could be pregnant. The bone density exam is a simple, painless, noninvasive procedure. You will be asked to lie perfectly still on a table while a mechanical arm with x-ray passes over the area to be tested (for example, arms, spine, or hips). A detailed computer analysis of your results is then performed. The procedure lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. A bone density report will show the percentage of bone you have compared with peak bone mass (which usually occurs around age 35). This "Z-score" assumes that everyone has 100% bone mass at the peak bone mass years. Individually, one may have had a different total bone mass, either greater or less than the 100%; however, since bone density tests are not done during the peak bone mass years, one cannot be accurately compared to oneself, but only to a population of the age of peak bone mass. Another comparison is to members of your own age group. This comparison is helpful in someone with a higher degree of bone loss than normal to determine if another cause for the osteoporosis exists.
