Penn's Rock Primary Care

If you develop a fever or need to update your immunizations, it’s important to schedule a family medicine appointment. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the caring family medicine specialists, Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team offer complete health care for families living in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The practice accepts all insurances and offers same-day and next-day appointments for new and returning patients. To schedule an appointment for family medicine services, call the office or book online today. Family Medicine Q&A What is family medicine? Family medicine provides various medical services, including annual wellness exams, preventive screenings, lab work, and immunizations. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care offers quality family medicine services to ensure all members in your family stay healthy and happy. Instead of rushing through appointments, the team makes a committed effort to improve your health care and works hard to ensure you feel your very best. What services does family medicine provide? Penn’s Rock Primary Care is a modern practice that offers a variety of family medicine services, including: Annual wellness visits An annual wellness visit assesses your general health. Routine visits to Penn’s Rock Primary Care can alert you to underlying medical issues that require prompt treatment. They also present an opportunity to ask questions and gain insights about your overall health. Chronic care management If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, chronic care management is essential. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and routine checkups can reduce your risk of complications. Remote patient monitoring At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team provides remote patient monitoring with Athelas®. Athelas devices monitor your vital signs, giving the team unparalleled insights into your health. They use these insights to guide treatment and improve your quality of life. Collaborative health care Certain medical conditions, like heart and kidney disease, require the insight and expertise of multiple specialists. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care can coordinate treatment with your entire care team, ensuring you achieve an active and independent lifestyle. Medical marijuana To receive a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania, you must have a qualifying condition. After a physical exam and a review of your medical records, the team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care can determine if you qualify. If you do, they can fill out the necessary paperwork and approve you for a medical marijuana card. On-site labs On-site labs analyze samples of your bodily fluids, like blood, urine, or saliva. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team uses on-site labs to diagnose various issues, including nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and high cholesterol. Immunizations Immunizations train your immune system to identify and destroy pathogens like viruses and bacteria. No vaccine is entirely effective, but by receiving immunizations, you can reduce the risk of serious side effects. Why is family medicine important? Family medicine is essential because it presents an opportunity to assess your health. Many chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, don’t present obvious symptoms. Routine visits to Penn’s Rock Primary Care can alert you early on when they respond best to treatment. To learn more about family medicine services, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today.

If you have a condition, like inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy, you may qualify for medical marijuana treatment. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialist, Monika Vansant, DO, and the team strongly supports research & evidence-based therapies on new medications, and approves of the Commonwealth's efforts to broaden the scope of medical marijuana and other novel therapeutics. For patients who have qualifying conditions, as defined by the Commonwealth's registry, please go to the registry and register, as this must be done before you meet with your preferred physician. The registry contains a list of licensed prescribers in your area. Medical Marijuana Q&A What is medical marijuana? Medical marijuana can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms associated with certain medical conditions. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team supports the state's efforts to legalize medical marijuana to treat unique health problems. They understand that many individuals begin using marijuana after they’ve exhausted other traditional treatment options. What conditions can medical marijuana treat? To receive a prescription for medical marijuana in the state of Pennsylvania, you must have a qualifying condition. In Pennsylvania, qualifying conditions include: Addiction substitute therapy (opioid reduction) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Autism Cancer Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders Crohn’s disease Epilepsy Glaucoma HIV/AIDS Huntington’s disease Neuropathies Parkinson’s disease Sickle cell anemia You may also benefit from medical marijuana treatment if you have a behavioral condition, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). How do I get a prescription for medical marijuana? Getting a prescription for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania requires several steps: Step one: Register First, you have to register for the medical marijuana program at the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Step two: Undergo a physical exam First, your provider reviews your health records and asks about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Next, they conduct a physical exam and order lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis. Step three: Submit paperwork If your provider determines that you have a qualifying condition, they fill out paperwork that you can then submit to the marijuana registry. After submitting your paperwork and the required fee, the registry sends you a medical marijuana card in the mail. Once you receive the card, you can use it at any licensed medical dispensary in Pennsylvania. How is medical marijuana consumed? There are several ways to consume medical marijuana, including: Inhalation Oral ingestion Topicals Suppositories At first, you may need to consume medical marijuana in several different ways to determine what effects you find most beneficial. Some people enjoy inhalation, while others enjoy consuming edibles. Don’t be afraid to try different things. With a little bit of experimentation, you’re sure to find something that best works for you. Is medical marijuana safe? Medical marijuana is a safe treatment and usually well-tolerated, but it does present side effects. As a result, it’s important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when you’re under the influence. Common side effects of medical marijuana include: Dry eyes Dry mouth Anxiety Increased appetite Drowsiness To see if you’re a candidate for medical marijuana, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today.

If you’re a sexually active individual, it’s important to undergo routine STD testing. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialists, Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team provide on-site STD testing to adults, ensuring individuals and their partners remain healthy to enjoy a fulfilling sex life. To schedule an appointment for STD testing, call the office or book online today. STD Testing Q&A What is STD testing? STD testing analyzes your blood, urine, or saliva for the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. If you’re sexually active, regular STD testing can provide peace of mind and ensure you and your partners stay disease-free. Many STDs don’t present obvious symptoms, so you might be infected and not realize it. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care strives to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. They’re committed to your health and well-being, regardless of your lifestyle. Who can benefit from STD testing? You can make an appointment for STD testing at Penn’s Rock Primary Care if you’re: Sexually active About to begin a new relationship Involved with more than one intimate partner Experiencing symptoms of an STD You should also consider STD testing if you learn that you’re at risk for HIV or AIDS. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care offers regular HIV screening to people who have unprotected sex or inject drugs intravenously. What types of infections can STD testing identify? At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team uses STD testing to identify various sexually transmitted infections, including: Chlamydia Gonorrhea HIV/AIDS Hepatitis A, B, and C Syphilis They also offer testing for trichomoniasis, a common STD caused by a parasite. Is STD testing a part of a routine exam? STD testing is a specialty service, so it typically isn’t included as part of a routine checkup. Even so, if you’re sexually active, it’s important to schedule testing. Your sexual health is just as essential as your general health. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms and suspect an STD, please don’t be afraid to speak up. After a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms, the team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care can order STD tests that align with your needs. How is STD testing performed? Most sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed by analyzing a sample of your urine or blood. If these tests don’t provide enough information, your Penn’s Rock Primary Care provider may order additional tests, like a vaginal, cervical, or urethral swab. Is STD testing covered by health insurance? Most health insurance companies provide at least partial coverage for STD testing. If you have questions about what your policy covers, contact your insurance provider before making an appointment at Penn’s Rock Primary Care. To receive STD testing in a comfortable and discreet environment, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today.

Annual wellness visits present an effective way to check in on your current health. Regular checkups can alert you to underlying issues, allowing you to treat them before they become serious complications. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialists, Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team offer comprehensive annual wellness visits. To schedule an appointment for annual wellness visits, call the office or book online today. Annual Wellness Visits Q&A What are annual wellness visits? An annual wellness visit assesses your general health. It’s important that all adults schedule an annual wellness visit at least once a year. People ages 50 and older are more likely than younger individuals to experience acute and chronic conditions. Routine physical exams, lab work, and preventive screenings can help you age more gracefully. They can also provide you with the tools, education, and insights needed to maintain your health, mobility and independence. What are the goals of an annual wellness visit? At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team uses annual wellness visits to: Identify acute and chronic conditions early on Update necessary immunizations Identify issues that might become medical concerns in the future Monitor your diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene Annual wellness visits also present an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing. What do annual wellness visits involve? At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, annual wellness visits may include: A discussion of your lifestyle First, your provider reviews your medical records and asks questions about your lifestyle, including what types of foods you eat, how often you exercise, and if you smoke or drink alcohol. Physical exam During the physical exam, your Penn’s Rock Primary Care provider checks your vital signs blood pressure, heart rhythm, and respiratory rate. Then, they check your skin for abnormalities, gently palpate your organs to assess their size and location, test your reflexes, and examine your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Immunizations, lab tests, and preventive screenings Your Penn’s Rock Primary Care provider may also order lab tests and preventive screenings that align with your age, sex, and needs. Some of the most common tests include blood work, urinalysis, and STD testing. If necessary, your provider can also update your immunizations. What items should I bring to an annual wellness visit? The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care recommends bringing the following items to your annual wellness visit: Health insurance card Names of any medicines, supplements, or vitamins you take Results from any recent preventive screenings or lab tests A list of questions or concerns that you have If you’ve visited a specialist recently, make sure to bring their contact information as well. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team spends quality time at your annual wellness visit to learn more about your health care needs to develop a custom treatment plan that suits your unique health. To learn more about the benefits of annual wellness visits, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today.

On-site labs make it easy to diagnose underlying medical issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialists, Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team provide a variety of labs in-house to maximize convenience and quality of care. To schedule an appointment for on-site labs, call the office or book online today. On-Site Labs Q&A What are on-site labs? On-site labs are a group of tests that analyze samples of your bodily fluids, like urine, blood, or saliva. These procedures help the team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care diagnose underlying medical issues invisible to the eye. By undergoing on-site labs at least once a year, you can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. In addition, on-site labs provide a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to monitor certain conditions over time. What on-site labs are offered? The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care offers a variety of on-site labs, including: Lipid profiles A lipid profile analyzes the amount of fat in your blood. Specifically, it measures your total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. If your lipid profile is outside the normal range, the team can make diet and lifestyle recommendations to reduce your risk of chronic disease. STD testing STD testing is a group of in-house labs that diagnose sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care offers STD testing for HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) A glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test measures your average blood sugar level over the last few months. If you receive a reading of 6.7% on two separate tests, it means you have diabetes. Cultures Cultures are used to diagnose bacterial or viral infections. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care uses cultures to diagnose various conditions, including influenza (flu) A and B, mononucleosis (mono), COVID-19, and strep throat. Complete blood count (CBC) A complete blood count measures your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. CBCs provide a quick and convenient way to assess your nutritional status. They can also identify the underlying cause of symptoms like bruising, weakness, and fatigue. When will I receive the results of my on-site labs? The time it takes to receive your results depends on several factors, including the type and number of tests you had. Whenever possible, the team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care provides results within 24-48* hours, but in some cases, it may take longer. If you need to schedule some on-site labs, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today. *Individual results may vary.

If you’ve tried various diets but struggle to shed pounds, consider medically supervised weight management. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialists, Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team provide affordable medically supervised weight management services to help individuals achieve a healthy body mass index (BMI). To schedule an appointment for weight management help, call the office or book online today. Weight Management Q&A What is medically supervised weight management? Medically supervised weight management combines dietary guidance, exercise recommendations, and prescription medication to help you lose weight and keep it off in a healthy way. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of various medical issues. They use weight management to increase mobility, enhance body confidence, and encourage optimal well-being. What conditions does medically supervised weight management treat? At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team uses medically supervised weight management to treat various conditions, including: Hypertension (high blood pressure) High cholesterol Diabetes Heart disease Kidney disease Thyroid disorders Joint pain Back and neck pain You may also benefit from medically supervised weight management if you have a behavioral condition, like anxiety or depression. What does medically supervised weight management involve? At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, medically supervised weight loss focuses on three areas: Dietary guidance The foods you eat and the beverages you drink affect various aspects of your health, including your energy levels, ability to focus, and metabolism. If you have a tendency to eat junk food for meals and snacks, the team can help you make better decisions. They can even recommend a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Exercise recommendations To burn calories and prevent weight gain, you need to exercise regularly. If you struggle to maintain your ideal weight, exercise can be challenging. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care can recommend activities that align with your current level of physical fitness, like walking, cycling, or water aerobics. Prescription medication Underlying medical issues may prevent you from losing weight. If you have a thyroid disorder or a condition like diabetes, the team may also recommend prescription medication. Some weight-loss medications suppress your appetite, while others speed up your metabolism. How long does medically supervised weight management take? The time that medically supervised weight management takes depends on several factors, including your original weight and your commitment to your provider’s treatment plan. Most people lose at least a few pounds within the first several weeks*, but it may take months to achieve lasting results. To learn more about medically supervised weight management, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today. *Individual results may vary.

If you’re dependent on alcohol or opioids, it can adversely affect your career, quality of daily life and relationships. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialists Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team have years of experience practicing addiction medicine. Using a combination of medication and counseling, they can help you remain sober and improve your daily life. To schedule an appointment for substance management, call the office or book online today. Substance Management Q&A What is substance management? Substance management is a type of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It uses a combination of prescription drugs, like Suboxone®, and talk therapy to help people struggling with addiction. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, the team understands that addiction is a disease that can be treated with proper care. If you have a substance use disorder (SUD) and you’ve tried various treatments without lasting success, substance management can help. Routine checkups at Penn’s Rock Primary Care can also hold you accountable and help you stay on track. What are the benefits of substance management? Enrolling in the substance management program at Penn’s Rock Primary Care offers various benefits, including: Increased lifespan Increased retention in recovery treatment Decreased drug use Improved quality of life If you want to start a family in the future, substance management can even reduce your risk of pregnancy-related complications, like premature birth. What does substance management involve? At Penn’s Rock Primary Care, substance management focuses on two areas –– prescription medication and talk therapy. Prescription medication There are various prescription medications designed to reduce cravings caused by alcoholism and opioid dependence. After a review of your medical records, a physical exam, and a series of lab tests, the team can make recommendations that align with your needs. Talk therapy Talk therapy, or behavioral counseling, presents an opportunity to learn about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches you tips and coping mechanisms that you can use to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and make healthier decisions. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care doesn’t provide counseling, but they can refer you to a nearby behavioral specialist and coordinate care alongside them. How long do I need to participate in substance management? The time you need in substance management depends on several factors, including your age, your medical history, and the severity of your substance use disorder. Some people experience a significant improvement after several months, but for others, recovery requires years. Be patient, follow your provider’s instructions, and attend each checkup. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care makes adjustments to your substance management treatment plan as necessary. To learn more about the benefits of substance management, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today.

Over the years, your skin begins to wrinkle and lose its elasticity. The natural aging process is inevitable, but cosmetic injectables like Botox® and fillers can keep your skin looking vibrant and supple. At Penn’s Rock Primary Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the caring family medicine specialists, Monika Vansant, DO, Abigail Tyler, CRNP, and the team provide Botox and fillers to people ages 20 and older. To schedule an appointment for Botox and fillers, call the office or book online today. Botox and Fillers Q&A What are Botox® and fillers? Botox and fillers are cosmetic injectables designed to improve the appearance of your skin. They’re often mentioned together, but Botox and fillers are two different things: Botox Botox is an injectable that minimizes the appearance of wrinkles caused by frowning, smiling, or scowling. When Botox enters your skin, it blocks nerve signals from reaching muscles in your face. Over time, that process relaxes your muscles, making your skin appear younger and smoother. Fillers Fillers are similar to Botox, but instead of smoothing wrinkles, they plump loose skin. Specifically, fillers encourage the production of collagen and elastin –– natural proteins that maintain your skin. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care uses fillers to plump lips, fill cheeks, and minimize the appearance of smile lines. Is Botox only for cosmetic treatments? Botox is best known for its wrinkle-reducing capabilities, but it’s also approved for other treatments. The team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care regularly prescribes Botox to correct excessive sweating, muscle spasms and chronic pain. How do I prepare for Botox and fillers? Before you receive Botox or fillers, it’s important that you complete a physical exam. During the exam, your Penn’s Rock Primary Care provider reviews your medical records and asks if you have any underlying medical conditions or allergies. They also ask if you take any prescription medication, supplements, or vitamins that may interfere with the treatment. You’ll need to answer your provider’s questions honestly to ensure that you receive proper treatment. On the day of your injections, don’t wear any makeup. The team may also ask you to avoid taking blood-thinning medication, like aspirin, to reduce the risk of bruising. How many Botox or filler injections will I receive? The number of Botox or filler injections you need depends on several factors, including the issues addressed, your goals, and your medical history. After an exam and a discussion of what you like and wish to change about your appearance, the team at Penn’s Rock Primary Care can develop a custom treatment plan. Are Botox and fillers painful? Botox and fillers are safe and usually well-tolerated, but like any minimally invasive procedure, there are risks. Before administering the injections, your provider cleans your skin and numbs it with a topical anesthetic. However, after the anesthesia wears off, you may experience: Bruising Swelling Redness Itching Please don’t rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treatment area for several hours, as these activities can cause the Botox or filler to spread into other parts of your body and adversely affect your results. To see if you’re a candidate for Botox and fillers, call the Penn’s Rock Primary Care office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or book online today.