Category: Disease Management

COVID-19
May 19 2020

How reliable is the COVID-19 information you’re getting online?

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

There’s a seemingly endless amount of information about COVID-19 available online, but unfortunately not all of it is accurate. In fact, some of it is purposely misleading or dangerous. To ensure that the information you’re reading and the advice you’re getting is based on scientific evidence rather than speculation or misinformation, it’s wise to carefully... Read More

telemedicine
May 5 2020

How to vet telemedicine providers

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, more people are trying telemedicine services rather than going to the doctor’s office or hospital to receive care. In fact, many primary care physicians are encouraging their patients to use virtual visits to limit the risk of being exposed to someone with the virus. You can even use telemedicine to... Read More

doctor second opinion
Apr 28 2020

Ovarian cancer diagnosis

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created one of the largest, most difficult health challenges the U.S. has encountered in decades, people are still facing the serious health problems they always have, from heart attacks and strokes and serious injuries from accidents to all kinds of cancer. One of our members shared her experience of being... Read More

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Apr 2 2020

Zantac to Be Removed From Market Due to Contamination

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you take Zantac (ranitidine) or a generic version of this medication, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that you should stop taking any form of the drug and dispose of it properly. The reason for this recommendation is that all ranitidine products are currently being investigated by the FDA related to contamination... Read More

mental health
Mar 31 2020

How to manage mental health issues if you’re self-isolating

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

All around the world, people are living with the ongoing anxiety and stress that are resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to fears about getting seriously ill or family members contracting the virus, people are faced with financial stresses from job losses and furloughs and a falling stock market. Another factor that’s affecting many... Read More

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mental health providers
Mar 24 2020

Virtual resources help connect you with mental health providers

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you’re living with depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, or other mental health issues, receiving the care and support you need from experienced mental health providers is an essential part of managing your mental wellbeing. With the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and the social distancing requirements in place to... Read More

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antidepressant
Nov 12 2019

What to consider when your doctor prescribes an antidepressant

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If your primary care physician or psychiatrist has recommended that you take an antidepressant, asking some key questions can help you better understand what to expect and help your doctor choose the medication that’s most appropriate for you. It’s also important to remember that not all antidepressant medications work well for all patients, so it... Read More

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complex health problem
Oct 29 2019

What to do when you’re diagnosed with a complex health problem

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a complex health problem such as advanced cancer or organ failure that means you’ll need a transplant or a rare condition such as sickle-cell disease or hemophilia the right support can not only have a positive effect on the outcome of your treatment it can... Read More

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Oct 22 2019

Figuring out where to turn after an unexpected diagnosis

Disease Management

For a year, Michelle hadn’t been feeling well. She saw several doctors, but no one could provide a diagnosis. When she and her young daughter were both finally diagnosed with celiac disease, she was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn. She shared how PinnacleCare helped her gain access to the care and advice both... Read More

incontinence
Aug 27 2019

Managing incontinence after prostate cancer treatment

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

One of the possible side effects of surgery or radiation to remove the prostate as part of treatment for prostate cancer is incontinence. For men who undergo radical prostatectomy, surgery that removes the entire prostate, there is a 2% to 15% risk that they may develop incontinence. In some cases, the issue is a short-term... Read More

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