My Primary Care NP

Your health needs can change from one season of life to the next. A consistent primary care provider can help you address new symptoms, manage ongoing conditions, monitor medications, and stay current with appropriate screenings and immunizations. My Primary Care NP provides adult primary care services in Bel Air, Maryland. Lana Kim, DNP, takes time to understand your health history, current concerns, medications, and personal goals so you can make informed decisions about your care. What Does Primary Care Include? Primary care is often the first place to turn for routine health needs, new symptoms, and ongoing medical concerns. It also provides continuity, allowing your provider to recognize changes in your health over time. Depending on your needs, primary care caninclude: Routine health evaluations (annual physical, sports physical, medicare wellness exam) Evaluation of new symptoms Medication reviews and refills Laboratory testing Health screenings Immunization guidance Management of chronic conditions Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and lifestyle counseling Referrals to specialists Coordination with other healthcare providers Primary care does not replace emergency or specialty care. Lana can help determine when additional testing, urgent treatment, or a specialist referral is appropriate. Which Chronic Conditions Can Be Managed? My Primary Care NP provides ongoing care for common adult health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and asthma. Diabetes Diabetes care may include reviewing blood sugar readings, A1C results, medications, nutrition, physical activity, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Managing these factors together can help reduce the risk of complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other parts of the body. Hypertension High blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms, but it can increase the risk of serious health problems over time. Lana may review home readings, discuss lifestyle changes, monitor medication effectiveness, and address possible side effects. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or both. High Cholesterol High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Care may include lipid testing, a review of cardiovascular risk factors, nutrition and activity guidance, and medication when appropriate. Thyroid Conditions Thyroid disorders can affect energy, weight, heart rate, temperature sensitivity, mood, and other aspects of your health. Lana may evaluate symptoms, order appropriate laboratory testing, monitor treatment, and refer you to an endocrinologist when specialized care is needed. Asthma Asthma management may involve reviewing symptoms, triggers, inhaler use, nighttime breathing problems, and activity limitations. Ongoing asthma care commonly includes symptom monitoring, patient education, trigger management, and medication when appropriate. How Does Primary Care Support Prevention? Primary care is not limited to treating illness. Routine visits can help identify health risks and support earlier action. Blood pressure and cholesterol screening Diabetes screening Recommended cancer screenings Immunizations Nutrition and physical activity Tobacco or alcohol use Sleep and stress Mental and emotional health Family health history Why Choose My Primary Care NP for Adult Primary Care? My Primary Care NP is built around patient-centered care, accessibility, excellence, compassion, respect, and collaboration. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your symptoms, health history, medications, lifestyle, and priorities rather than treating each concern in isolation. The practice offers a convenient setting for routine care and related services. Lana can also address appropriate mental health concerns, provide women’s health services, and discuss medical weight loss when these needs are part of your broader health plan. Establish Primary Care in Bel Air A consistent primary care relationship can make it easier to manage health concerns, understand your medications, and plan for long-term wellness. My Primary Care NP provides personalized adult primary care in Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.

Preventive care helps you address health risks before they become more difficult to manage. Routine exams create an opportunity to review your health history, identify recommended cancer screenings, discuss vaccines, and make a practical plan for protecting your long-term well-being. My Primary Care NP provides preventive care for adults in Bel Air as part of our broader range of services. Lana Kim, DNP, offers physical exams, sports physicals, and Medicare Annual Wellness Visits tailored to your age, medical history, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. What Is Preventive Care? Preventive care focuses on maintaining your health, identifying risks, and detecting certain conditions early. These appointments are separate from visits intended to diagnose a new illness or injury. Depending on your age, health history, and needs, preventive care may include: A review of your personal and family health history Blood pressure, weight, and other appropriate measurements Recommended laboratory testing Cancer screening and prevention Medication and supplement review Immunization guidance Nutrition and physical activity counseling Mental health and substance-use screening Discussion of sleep, stress, and safety Referrals for additional testing or specialty care Routine preventive care can help identify concerns before symptoms become obvious and may support earlier treatment. Why Choose My Primary Care NP for Preventive Care? My Primary Care NP provides preventive services as part of comprehensive primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your health history, medications, daily routines, and personal priorities when recommending screenings and follow-up care. The practice emphasizes accessibility, compassion, respect, excellence, and collaboration. Lana explains recommendations clearly and helps you develop a realistic prevention plan. When appropriate, she can also coordinate services related to women’s health or other areas of adult care. Plan Your Preventive Visit in Bel Air Preventive care gives you a clearer understanding of your current health and the steps you can take to protect it. My Primary Care NP provides physical exams, sports physicals, and Medicare wellness visits for adults in Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.

Living with a chronic health condition can involve prescriptions, home monitoring, laboratory tests, lifestyle changes, and appointments with multiple providers. Without a clear plan, it can be difficult to understand what your health numbers mean or whether your medications are working as intended. My Primary Care NP provides chronic disease and medication management for adults in Bel Air. Explore our practice’s full range of services, or work with Lana Kim, DNP, to develop an individualized plan to manage your condition, medications, and long-term health. What Is Chronic Disease Management? Chronic disease management is ongoing care for conditions that require regular monitoring rather than a one-time treatment. The goal is to control symptoms, reduce health risks, and help you remain active and independent. My Primary Care NP may provide ongoing support for conditions such as: Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Thyroid disorders Asthma Other long-term adult health concerns Your care plan may include office visits, home monitoring, laboratory testing, medication review, lifestyle guidance, and referrals when specialized care is needed. Regular care and following an established treatment plan can help people with chronic conditions feel better and reduce the risk of complications. Why Is Medication Management Important? Medication management helps make sure you understand what you take, why you take it, and how to use it safely. This is especially important when you have several prescriptions or receive care from more than one provider. During your visits, Lana may review: Prescription medications and dosages Vitamins and supplements Over-the-counter products Possible interactions Side effects or new symptoms Missed doses or refill difficulties Whether each medication still supports your needs Bring an updated medication list to each appointment. Include supplements, vitamins, pain relievers, and other nonprescription products because they may affect your treatment plan. How Are Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Monitored? Diabetes management may involve reviewing blood sugar readings, A1C results, blood pressure, cholesterol, medications, nutrition, and activity. These factors are connected, so they should be considered together rather than managed in isolation. High blood pressure may require home readings, lifestyle changes, and medication. Lana can review your blood pressure trends, discuss possible side effects, and determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate. Do not stop or alter a blood pressure medication without discussing the change with your health care provider. Your treatment plan may also connect with preventive care so screenings and routine health needs are not overlooked. What Can You Expect From Ongoing Care? Your first visit may include a review of your diagnoses, symptoms, medications, laboratory results, health history, and personal goals. Lana may also ask about nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, and challenges that make it difficult to follow your plan. Follow-up appointments allow her to: Track symptoms and health measurements Review laboratory or home-monitoring results Assess medication effectiveness Discuss side effects Renew or adjust prescriptions when appropriate Coordinate referrals or additional testing If you develop a new short-term illness while managing a chronic condition, sick visits are also available. Why Choose My Primary Care NP for Chronic Disease and Medication Management? My Primary Care NP provides chronic disease support as part of comprehensive primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, looks at the full picture, including your symptoms, prescriptions, health history, lifestyle, and priorities. The practice is grounded in patient-centered care, accessibility, excellence, compassion, respect, and collaboration. Lana explains your options clearly and works with you to create a realistic plan that supports your quality of life. When weight affects blood pressure, blood sugar, or other conditions, she can also discuss the practice’s medical weight loss services. Take Control of Your Health in Bel Air Consistent care can make a complicated health plan easier to understand and follow. My Primary Care NP provides chronic disease and medication management in Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.

Preparing for surgery involves more than confirming the date of your procedure. Your surgical team may request a preoperative physical exam to identify health concerns, review medications, and determine whether additional testing or coordination is needed before surgery. My Primary Care NP provides preoperative physical exams as part of our services in Bel Air, Maryland. Lana Kim, DNP, reviews your health history, performs an appropriate physical examination, and provides the requested information to your surgeon or surgical facility. What Is a Preoperative Physical Exam? A preoperative physical exam, also called a pre-op exam, is a health assessment completed before a planned procedure. It helps your care team understand your current health and identify conditions that could affect surgery, anesthesia, or recovery. The visit does not replace the evaluation performed by your surgeon or anesthesia provider. Your surgical team may request additional information or testing based on the procedure, your medical history, and the facility’s requirements. What Happens During a Pre-Op Exam? Lana will review the instructions and forms provided by your surgeon. The evaluation may include: Your planned procedure and surgery date Personal and family medical history Previous surgeries or anesthesia reactions Allergies Current symptoms Prescription medications Vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter products Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use Blood pressure and other appropriate measurements A physical examination based on your health and procedure Be prepared to discuss chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or sleep apnea. These conditions may need to be stable or more closely managed before surgery. Will I Need Testing Before Surgery? Testing depends on your age, health history, type of procedure, and the requirements supplied by your surgeon or surgical facility. Not every patient needs the same tests. Requested testing may include: A complete blood count Blood sugar testing Kidney or liver function testing Blood-clotting tests Urinalysis An electrocardiogram Chest imaging Other condition-specific testing Lana may order appropriate tests or coordinate additional evaluation when indicated. Patients with certain heart, lung, blood, sleep, or endocrine concerns may need assessment from a specialist before surgery. How Are Medications Managed Before Surgery? Your medication list is an important part of the preoperative evaluation. Some prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter products may affect blood sugar, blood pressure, bleeding, anesthesia, or recovery. Lana can review your medications and document relevant concerns, but do not stop or change a medication on your own. Follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon, prescribing provider, and anesthesia team. If you receive ongoing care for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, or another condition, preoperative planning may also involve chronic disease and medication management. Keeping chronic conditions controlled can help your surgical team plan safer care. What Should You Bring to the Appointment? Bring the information needed to complete and send your evaluation efficiently: Preoperative forms from the surgeon The surgeon’s name and contact information Surgery date and type of procedure Surgical facility information A complete medication and supplement list Recent test results or specialist records Details about previous anesthesia reactions Insurance information and identification Schedule the appointment according to your surgeon’s timeline. Preoperative evaluations are often completed within the month before surgery, but individual facilities may require a different timeframe. Why Choose My Primary Care NP for a Preoperative Physical Exam? My Primary Care NP provides preoperative evaluations within the context of your overall primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your current health, medications, chronic conditions, previous procedures, and the specific requirements supplied by your surgeon. The practice emphasizes accessible, patient-centered, and collaborative care. Lana can complete appropriate documentation, coordinate requested testing, and help address health concerns that may need attention before your procedure. Prepare for Surgery in Bel Air A timely preoperative evaluation can help your surgical team understand your health and prepare for your procedure. My Primary Care NP provides preoperative physical exams for adults in Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.

When you feel sick or experience a minor injury, waiting for a routine appointment may not be practical. A sick visit provides timely evaluation for common, non-life-threatening concerns that need attention but do not necessarily require an emergency room. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and help prevent certain conditions from becoming more serious. My Primary Care NP provides sick visits and urgent care services for adults in Bel Air, MD. Lana Kim, DNP, evaluates a wide range of acute illnesses and minor injuries while considering your overall health, current medications, allergies, and medical history. Whether you are experiencing a new illness, worsening symptoms, or a minor injury, you can receive timely, personalized care along with recommendations for follow-up or additional treatment when needed. Dr. Lana can fit you in typically within same day or next day for sick/urgent care visit. What Can Be Treated During a Sick Visit? Sick visits are intended for new or worsening health concerns that require prompt attention. Appropriate conditions may include: Colds and flu-like illnesses Cough, congestion, and sore throat Mild wheezing or respiratory symptoms Urinary tract infection symptoms Minor cuts and wounds Strains, sprains, and other minor injuries Headaches Abdominal discomfort Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Mild fever New rashes Other common adult health concerns Urgent-care-style visits are generally suitable for mild illnesses and minor injuries. Chest pain, Severe pain, deep wounds, breathing difficulty, or potentially life-threatening symptoms require emergency care. What Happens During a Sick Visit? Lana will ask when your symptoms began, whether they are improving or worsening, and how they affect your daily activities. She may also review your medications, allergies, chronic conditions, recent exposures, and any treatment you have already tried. Your visit may include: An appropriate physical examination Temperature, blood pressure, or oxygen measurements Urine or other office-based testing when available and appropriate Laboratory or imaging orders Prescription medication when medically indicated Home-care guidance Follow-up recommendations Referral to a specialist or higher level of care Antibiotics are only appropriate for certain bacterial infections. Respiratory symptoms may be caused by viruses, and treatment decisions depend on your symptoms, examination, risk factors, and testing when indicated. Get Care for an Illness or Minor Injury in Bel Air Prompt evaluation can help you understand your symptoms and begin appropriate treatment. My Primary Care NP provides sick visits for common illnesses and minor injuries in Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.

Losing weight can be frustrating when nutrition and exercise alone do not produce the progress you expected. Hormones, medications, chronic health conditions, sleep, stress, and other factors can affect your appetite, metabolism, and ability to maintain a healthy weight. Medical weight loss provides professional guidance to help you understand these factors and develop a plan that fits your health needs. My Primary Care NP offers individualized medical weight loss services for adults who want structured, compassionate support. Lana Kim, DNP, is a nurse practitioner and practice owner who considers your overall health rather than treating weight as an isolated concern. What Is Medical Weight Loss? Medical weight loss is a provider-guided approach to losing excess weight and improving your health. Unlike a commercial diet plan, it begins with a review of your medical history, current medications, lifestyle, previous weight-loss attempts, and possible weight-related conditions. Your plan may include: Realistic weight and health goals Nutrition and activity recommendations Behavioral strategies Regular progress monitoring Prescription weight-loss medication when appropriate Coordination with your primary care needs Medication is not automatically included in every plan. Lana will discuss whether medication may be appropriate based on your health history, treatment goals, potential risks, and current prescriptions. Who Can Benefit From Medical Weight Loss? Medical weight loss may be appropriate if you have struggled to lose weight independently, regained weight after previous attempts, or developed health concerns related to excess weight. Prescription medication is commonly considered for adults with a body mass index of 30 or higher. It may also be considered for adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. BMI is only one part of the evaluation. Your medical history, waist measurement, laboratory results, current symptoms, and personal goals may also influence your plan. Which Weight-Loss Medications Are Available? My Primary Care NP evaluates patients for several medical weight-loss options. Depending on your needs, your plan may include: Tirzepatide: A weekly injectable medication that acts on GIP and GLP-1 pathways involved in appetite and food intake Semaglutide: A weekly GLP-1 medication that can help regulate appetite and support reduced calorie intake Phentermine: An oral appetite suppressant intended for short-term use in appropriate patients Each medication works differently and has specific precautions.

Anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating can affect your work, relationships, physical health, and everyday routines. These concerns may also overlap with medications, chronic conditions, hormone changes, stress, or sleep disorders, making it difficult to know where to begin. My Primary Care NP offers an accessible starting point for adults experiencing common mental health concerns in Bel Air. As part of our practice’s broader range of services, Lana Kim, DNP, can provide an initial evaluation, review possible medical contributors, discuss appropriate treatment options, monitor certain medications, and refer you to a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist when needed. Mental health services at My Primary Care NP are intended for routine outpatient concerns. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a life-threatening emergency, or may harm yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. How Can a Primary Care NP Help With Mental Health Concerns? Primary care is often the first place adults discuss changes in mood, sleep, attention, or daily functioning. A primary care provider can perform an initial mental health screening and coordinate a referral to a qualified mental health professional. Maryland nurse practitioners may independently assess patients, diagnose common chronic or short-term health problems, prescribe medications within their authority, order tests, and make referrals when appropriate. Depending on your symptoms and needs, Lana may help by: Discussing when your symptoms began and how they affect daily life Using appropriate screening questionnaires Reviewing prescriptions, supplements, and substance use Evaluating physical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms Ordering laboratory testing when appropriate Discussing medication options within her scope of practice Monitoring effectiveness, side effects, and changes in symptoms Coordinating therapy, psychiatry, sleep medicine, or other specialty care My Primary Care NP does not replace psychotherapy or psychiatric specialty care. Some concerns can be supported in primary care, while complex, severe, or treatment-resistant symptoms may require specialized evaluation. Which Mental Health Concerns Can Be Discussed? Anxiety Anxiety can involve more than temporary worry. A visit may explore how often you feel anxious, how long the symptoms have been present, possible triggers, physical symptoms, sleep, and the effect on your daily life. Primary care providers can begin the evaluation and refer patients to mental health professionals when additional care is needed. Depression Depression may affect mood, motivation, energy, concentration, sleep, appetite, and interest in activities. Lana can review your symptoms, medications, physical health, and possible contributing conditions. Treatment may involve medication, psychotherapy, or both, depending on the severity of symptoms and your individual needs. Insomnia Insomnia may involve difficulty falling asleep, remaining asleep, or getting restorative sleep. Lana may ask about your sleep schedule, medications, caffeine, stress, snoring, and daytime symptoms. Keeping a sleep diary can help identify patterns, while suspected sleep apnea or another sleep disorder may require referral for additional testing. ADD and ADHD Concerns Adults with ADHD may experience persistent difficulty with organization, attention, time management, impulsivity, or completing daily tasks. An adult ADHD evaluation considers current symptoms, childhood history, functioning in different settings, sleep, mood, substance use, and other conditions that can cause similar concerns. Lana may perform the evaluation herself or refer you to a mental health specialist. What Happens During a Mental Health Visit? Your appointment begins with a private discussion about your symptoms, health history, medications, daily routines, and goals. Lana may also review sleep, stress, work, relationships, alcohol or substance use, and physical symptoms. Certain medical conditions and medications can contribute to changes in mood, energy, sleep, or concentration. When appropriate, Lana may coordinate your mental health plan with chronic disease and medication management. Medication is not automatically prescribed at the first visit. Recommendations depend on your symptoms, history, diagnosis, previous treatments, safety considerations, and whether specialized care would be more appropriate. Why Choose My Primary Care NP for Mental Health Care? My Primary Care NP approaches mental and physical health as connected parts of comprehensive primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your symptoms alongside your medications, chronic conditions, sleep, stress, and overall health.

Women’s health needs can change throughout adulthood. Routine cervical cancer screening, contraception decisions, menstrual changes, and menopause symptoms all deserve care that considers your medical history, comfort, and personal goals. At My Primary Care NP, women’s health care is integrated into the practice’s wider selection of adult services. Lana Kim, DNP, provides Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, menopause support, and hormone replacement therapy counseling for appropriate patients in Bel Air. What Women’s Health Services Are Available? Women’s health visits provide an opportunity to discuss preventive needs, reproductive health, symptoms, medications, and changes that may affect your quality of life. Depending on your needs, Lana may help with: Pap smears and cervical cancer screening Contraceptive counseling Menstrual concerns Perimenopause and menopause symptoms Hormone replacement therapy counseling Vaginal dryness or discomfort Sexual health questions Appropriate laboratory testing Referrals for gynecologic or specialty care My Primary Care NP does not replace every service provided by an OB-GYN. Lana can address appropriate primary care concerns and help determine when pelvic imaging, procedures, pregnancy-related care, or specialized gynecologic evaluation is needed. When Do You Need a Pap Smear? A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, collects cells from the cervix to look for changes that could develop into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening may involve a Pap test, testing for high-risk human papillomavirus, or both, depending on your age and circumstances. Your recommended schedule depends on factors such as: Your age Previous Pap or HPV results Whether you still have a cervix Your immune system A history of cervical precancer or cancer Other individual risk factors Current federal guidelines recommend regular cervical cancer screening for average-risk adults within specific age ranges, but people with elevated risk or previous abnormal results may need individualized follow-up. Lana can review your screening history and help coordinate follow-up when a result requires additional evaluation. Pap testing may also be included as part of your broader preventive care plan. How Does Contraceptive Counseling Work? Contraceptive counseling helps you compare birth control options based on your health, preferences, pregnancy plans, and comfort with each method. Lana may discuss options such as: Birth control pills Patches or vaginal rings Injections Barrier methods Long-acting methods placed by an appropriate provider Emergency contraception Permanent contraception referrals The right option depends on factors such as effectiveness, side effects, medical history, convenience, cost, and whether you want a reversible method. Most contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, while condoms can help reduce that risk. Some contraceptive methods may not be appropriate for patients with certain cardiovascular risks, migraine patterns, cancer histories, or medication interactions. What Symptoms Can Occur During Menopause? Menopause is the point when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. The transition leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and may begin years earlier. Symptoms may include: Irregular periods Hot flashes Night sweats Sleep disruption Mood changes Vaginal dryness Pain during sex Urinary symptoms Changes in concentration or energy Some women experience few changes, while others have symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, relationships, or everyday comfort. Because thyroid disorders, medication effects, anxiety, depression, and other conditions can sometimes produce similar symptoms, Lana may consider whether evaluation through chronic disease and medication management or mental health care is also appropriate. Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You? Hormone replacement therapy, also called menopausal hormone therapy, may help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal discomfort. Treatment may involve systemic hormones, localized vaginal treatment, or another approach based on the symptoms being addressed. Hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone and requires thorough evaluation before you begin, but it can provide meaningful symptom relief for some. Why Choose My Primary Care NP for Women’s Health? My Primary Care NP includes women’s health within comprehensive primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your reproductive health, medications, preventive needs, chronic conditions, mental well-being, and personal goals together.