Prima Medicine - Fairfax

The doctors at Prima Medicine offer telemedicine consultations along with curbside testing and lab results at Prima Medicine, located in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia. You can address various health needs using telemedicine, and it’s a convenient way to see the doctor from home while avoiding unnecessary risks of contact. To learn more about the benefits of telemedicine, call the office and speak to a friendly team member or use the online booking tool today. Telemedicine Q & A What is telemedicine? Telemedicine enables physicians and other health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients using remote technology such as smartphones, tablets, and computers with an internet connection. The service can be utilized for a variety of health care needs, such as: Diagnose symptoms Prescribe medicine Referrals Follow-up visits Chronic disease management Preventative care Post-hospitalization support Assisted living support School-based support The use of telemedicine is increasingly growing within the United States health care community due to the convenience, efficiency, and the safety that it offers. What are the benefits of telemedicine? Many of your health concerns can be addressed by using telemedicine. The technology provides a variety of benefits to both patients and health care providers such as: Limited risk of exposure to potentially contagious individuals Privacy Reduced travel expenses Minimized time away from care responsibilities Covered by most insurance plans Increased number of patients can be treated Office efficiency Reduction in appointment cancellations Insurance reimbursement Improved patient health outcomes Ability to compete with the growing health care market The doctors at Prima Medicine can evaluate, diagnose, and treat many conditions using telemedicine. However, it is important to note that some health concerns require comprehensive physical examinations or diagnostic tests. After an initial telemedicine consultation, she informs you if an in-person visit is needed. What can I expect in a telemedicine consultation? When you see the doctors at Prima Medicine for a telemedicine consultation, she will ask you a series of relevant questions while evaluating your symptoms. Based on the evaluation, the doctors at Prima Medicine will diagnose you and provide a treatment plan or ask you to come in for further testing. The safety of patients is incredibly important to the doctors at Prima Medicine. Therefore, Prima Medicine currently offers curbside testing so that you can decrease your risk of contact while actively engaging in social distancing. The Fairfax office drive-through provides you with common tests such as strep tests, flu tests, urine tests, and temperature checks. You can also receive follow-ups for HbA1c related to diabetes.

Earning your green card or United States citizenship is an important time in your life, requiring specific steps to complete the application process. At Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, Haritha Yalamanchilli, MD, and her experienced medical team complete immigration physicals and fill out the paperwork needed to clear you for a visa or citizenship. Schedule an appointment with Prima Medicine by phone or online today. Immigration Physicals Q & A What are immigration physicals? An immigration physical is a comprehensive physical examination required as part of the application process to receive a visa or citizenship in the United States. Completing this step of the application process ensures you’re healthy and have the vaccinations needed to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Prima Medicine doctors are experienced in adult medical care and authorized by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete immigration physicals. They are rated as Top Doctors by Washingtonian Magazine and highly rated by patients. What should I bring with me to immigration physicals? To prepare for an immigration physical, make a list of what to bring with you to your appointment, including: Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) A passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued photo identification Vaccination records Medical insurance card (if you have one) A form of payment I f you have questions prior to your appointment, the Prima Medicine team is happy to assist you. The service you receive is top-notch with competitive fees. Call the office to discuss your appointment and pricing. What should I expect during my physical? When you arrive at Prima Medicine, friendly staff members greet you. They ask questions about your medical history, symptoms you might have, past diagnoses, prior vaccinations, and medications if you take them. Your provider completes a physical examination to evaluate your overall health and wellness. They test for communicable diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis. Prima Medicine staff complete laboratory tests right in the office for added convenience and no delays for you. Some laboratory tests may incur additional costs. If you require immunizations, your provider can administer them during your appointment. They prepare all the necessary documents for your green card or US citizenship application. What happens after an immigration physical? After an immigration physical, your provider completes Form I-693 and seals it in an envelope, which you can submit with your application. Don’t open or alter it in any way. You can keep a copy of the completed form for your personal records. Prima Medicine offers prompt service to patients with early appointment times available. To schedule an immigration physical, call Prima Medicine or book an appointment online today.

Our mission at Prima Medicine is to promote increased health through diet and lifestyle modifications. Whether it is for weight loss or to modify the course of your disease, if you incorporate small changes, you will achieve big results. Our tailored nutrition guidance may help you live a more balanced and healthful life by increasing consumption of nutritious foods and learning techniques for avoiding the pitfalls of yo-yo dieting. Nutrition Services and Weight Loss Programs There is more to dieting than weight loss Diet and Nutrition are important for weight loss, but have been shown to positively affect the course of many diseases. Out dietitians work closely with your doctor and the nutrition services are individually tailored to your specific needs. We offer Coaching for: Weight Loss management Diabetes Chronic kidney disease High cholesterol Gout Hypertension Chronic conditions. Our experienced Registered Dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy for a wide range of conditions such as, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, kidney stones and gout. You will be working with our dietician who is certified as a Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle coach. We will focus on guiding patients to make small changes in diet and lifestyle that lead to big results. How Our Program Works Prima Medicine offers an integrated approach to diet modification and Weight loss. Our Dietician works hand in hand with your doctor to see what the best course of action will be for you. Weight loss prescribed by your doctor is covered by some but not all insurances. The good news is that you can use your FSA Card. The out-of-pocket cost is an affordable $98 per session. Most appointments are 30 minutes in length. Your first session will be a detailed evaluation. Since the typical weight loss success program involves multiple sessions, you can benefit from our multi session discounted prices. Multi-session discounts are available for 8 and 16 sessions.

At Prima Medicine in South Riding and Fairfax, Virginia, preventive care is available to ensure good health and long-term wellness. Chethana Rao, MD, and her expert medical team offer comprehensive annual physicals to identify potential health problems as soon as possible. Through early intervention, Dr. Rao and her staff can proactively prevent common diseases and illnesses that can reduce your quality of life. To schedule your annual physical in Fairfax or South Riding, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online. Annual Physical Q & A Why do I need an annual physical? Annual physicals allow Dr. Rao and her team to evaluate your overall health. This ensures they identify signs of disease or other health risks in their earliest stages so treatment can begin quickly. Yearly visits also ensure that Dr. Rao and her staff can proactively monitor any existing health conditions like heart disease and arthritis, ensuring your treatments are working safely and effectively. Annual physicals are the ideal time to discuss any concerns you have about your health or new symptoms you’ve noticed. You can also get caught up on necessary vaccinations against contagious diseases and the seasonal flu virus. Dr. Rao can also provide resources and recommendations for weight loss, stress reduction, and better nutrition during your visit. What can I expect during my annual physical? Dr. Rao and her team start each visit with a review of your medical history and family history. She also discusses your existing health and listens to any new symptoms you have, devoting as much time as you need to your concerns. Following this discussion, Dr. Rao performs a physical exam, checking for signs of abnormalities in areas like your: Eyes Ears Nose Throat Lungs Heart Dr. Rao also evaluates the strength of your muscles and the flexibility of your joints. Will I need blood work? If you have a family history of conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes, Dr. Rao and her team might recommend additional screenings, including blood work. She might also request blood work to diagnose infections or unexplained pain. For some with existing health conditions like a thyroid disorder or osteoporosis, Dr. Rao will order blood tests and/or other diagnostic tests to monitor the effectiveness of the medication you are taking or to check the progression of the disease. Are wellness exams for women available? Dr. Rao and her team offer wellness exams geared to the unique needs of women. She performs routine examinations of your vagina and reproductive system. You can also receive your annual Pap smear, which can identify early signs of cervical cancer. As part of your annual physical exam, Dr. Rao and her staff can include a woman’s wellness checkup to protect your overall health. Schedule your annual physical today using the convenient online booking feature or by calling the office nearest you.

While many people pay close attention to physical ailments, it’s common for people to pay less attention to behavioral issues. If you suffer from some form of behavioral health challenge, you are among the millions of Americans today who do so. The team of doctors and nurse practitioners at Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, provide their patients with compassionate and experienced guidance on behavioral health issues, helping them get the support and care that they need. Call or go online to schedule your appointment today. Behavioral Health Q & A What is behavioral health? The term behavioral health is often used interchangeably with mental health and refers to a person’s psychological well-being. Many people take their emotional and psychological stability for granted, but others are not so lucky. People can face many psychological challenges, making it more difficult to function on a day-to-day basis. These disorders affect how a person feels, acts, thinks, and relates to other people. Often, these challenges are swept under the rug, as the person tries to deal with them on their own. However, there is no shame in seeking professional help, and fortunately, many treatments are available. What are some common behavioral health issues? Behavioral health is a term that refers to a wide range of issues. While they all manifest in different ways, they can all be very harmful to a person’s well-being and ability to function in day-to-day life. These behavioral health disorders include: Anxiety Depression Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia This is only a partial list. Many other mental health disorders exist and present challenges to those affected by them and to their family, friends, and others. What are the symptoms? As there are many types of behavioral health challenges, the symptoms can vary widely in their presentation and severity. However, this is a list of some of the common symptoms associated with behavioral health disorders: Mood swings Problems with relationships Isolation Hallucinations Substance abuse Problems with sleep Feelings of hopelessness Thoughts of suicide This is not a complete list. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a behavioral health disorder, seek medical care. A number of effective treatments are available that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. What behavioral health treatments are available? The best time to start treating a behavioral health disorder is early on. However, treatment at any time can effectively improve a person’s emotional and psychological well-being as well as outward behavioral symptoms of the disorder. Some of these treatments include: Medications Psychotherapy Group therapy Exercise Meditation Vagus nerve stimulation While some people with severe challenges might not respond well to treatment, when diagnosed and treated early, many people with behavioral health disorders make a full recovery or learn how to manage their symptoms effectively. If you are suffering, help is just a click or call away. Call or go online today to schedule your appointment with the team of compassionate doctors and nurse practitioners at Prima Medicine.

Chronic care management (CCM) can help you maintain good health while avoiding emergency room visits and hospital stays due to chronic conditions. At Prima Medicine, in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, the medical specialists work with Medsien, the industry leader in CCM systems, to manage and treat your chronic conditions in a way that’s accessible and convenient for you. Call Prima Medicine or click the online scheduling link to request your appointment today. What is chronic care management (CCM)? CCM is a system that helps you monitor and maintain your health between your regular doctor visits at Prima Medicine. If you have one or more chronic conditions, health monitoring is vitally important. Preventing problems or taking fast action in the early stages can save your life. The Prima Medicine CCM program is specially designed to help you keep track of your health and keep your doctor up to date regarding your needs at all times. What does chronic care management include? CCM at Prima Medicine gives you easily accessible tools to stay healthy and be proactive about your wellness. Your CCM program offers the following benefits: A customized care plan to improve your health Phone check-ins 1-2 times a month with Medsien (the CCM program provider) Access to a dedicated phone line for Prima Medicine CCM patients Access to a care coordinator who can alert your doctor to any medical needs Some types of chronic conditions may require additional special monitoring. If you have diabetes, for example, you may qualify for the remote patient monitoring (RPM) program. In this case, a medical device like a glucose monitor sends regular updates to your program coordinator and medical providers. CCM gives you round-the-clock access to medical care, so you’re never left waiting and worrying if you encounter a possible issue. Participating in the Prima Medicine CCM program can help you manage your chronic condition in a convenient way for you. This ultimately helps you avoid hospital stays and ER visits. How do I qualify for chronic care management? You may be eligible for the CCM program if you have one or more chronic medical conditions, such as: Diabetes Heart disease Asthma Cancer Alzheimer's or non-Alzheimer's dementia Arthritis Hypertension Many other conditions may also qualify for the CCM program at Prima Medicine. To determine if you're a good candidate for the CCM program, simply reach out to Prima Medicine to request a consultation with the friendly professionals. Does insurance cover CCM? Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and many private insurers cover CCM, so these benefits can be yours if you have a chronic condition. Interested in chronic care management or need help with your current plan? Call the Prima Medicine office nearest you to learn more, or click the online scheduling link to request your appointment today.

More than half of Americans have at least one chronic condition. At Prima Medicine, in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, the dedicated medical team partners with Medsien, specialists in chronic care management (CCM), to offer the remote patient monitoring (RPM) program. Using the most advanced technology, this program allows your providers to monitor your health using a connected device that’s tailored to your condition and medical needs — and you don’t have to leave home for this personalized care. Book your appointment online or call the office to learn more about RPM now. What is remote patient monitoring (RPM)? RPM is a program that helps people with chronic conditions protect their health remotely. With this program, you still have regular doctor visits at Prima Medicine. But between those visits, you use a special device specific to your condition to allow remote monitoring of your condition. This device securely works with your medical record to monitor health, detect changes, and alert your clinical care coordinator and doctor if you need medical attention. Many people who have one or more chronic conditions enroll in the chronic care management (CCM) program at Prima Medicine. The RPM program is complementary to the CCM program, as it gives you an additional tool for effectively managing your health between doctor visits. What does remote patient monitoring include? Prima Medicine works with Medsien, the leading provider of chronic care management and remote patient monitoring, to provide the best care for their patients with chronic diseases. Your RPM plan includes: Device specific to your condition (e.g., blood pressure or glucose monitor) A customized health improvement plan Regular phone check-ins with Medsien to ensure your device’s accuracy Access to Prima Medicine’s dedicated RPM patient phone line Access to a care coordinator who reaches out to your doctor as needed The Prima Medicine RPM program offers an effective and convenient way to manage your health. It’s almost like visiting the doctor’s office every day for a blood pressure reading, blood glucose check, or another type of medical tracking — but you don’t need to leave your home. This valuable medical information securely reaches your clinical coordinator and medical providers automatically, allowing them to take fast action to help you if a problem arises. Am I a candidate for remote patient monitoring? The remote patient monitoring program is ideal for people who have chronic conditions that require monitoring devices. There are many types of monitoring devices available for people with chronic conditions; blood glucose monitors for diabetics are among the most common. You can qualify for the Prima Medicine RPM program if you have any chronic condition that can benefit from device monitoring. If you’re unsure whether this type of program could help you, set up a consultation to learn more. You may qualify for chronic care management, remote patient monitoring, or both. Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and many private insurers cover RPM. To learn more, call the Prima Medicine office nearest you or click on the provided online link now.

Everyone knows how frustrating it is to wake up in the morning feeling tired and sleepy. For those with sleep apnea, this feeling is all too familiar. The team of doctors and nurse practitioners at Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, are knowledgeable in the diagnosis and management of sleep apnea, helping their patients get the rest that they need. Call or go online today to schedule your appointment to learn more. Sleep Apnea Q & A What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a serious condition where a sleeping person stops breathing, sometimes for a considerable amount of time, during their sleep. These breathing interruptions happen frequently throughout the night, robbing the person’s body and brain of the oxygen they need. The two kinds of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. While the reasons for the interruption of breathing are different, the effect is the same. Who is at risk of sleep apnea? While sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, there are certain risk factors that make it more likely to get sleep apnea. These include: Being overweight Being over 40 Being male Having a large neck Having a history of nasal obstruction Having large tonsils Having a large tongue Having a small jaw bone Remember, these are just risk factors. Even people who don’t classify under any of these factors can have sleep apnea, and it’s important to seek the care of a medical professional if you are experiencing sleep disturbances. What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? People with sleep apnea commonly experience some or many of the following symptoms: Dry throat upon waking Restless sleep Headaches in the morning Loud snoring Lack of energy while awake Mood changes or forgetfulness Waking up gasping or choking If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek medical help. The team at Prima Medicine are experts at properly diagnosing and caring for patients with sleep apnea. What conditions can sleep apnea cause? Aside from making you sleepy and impairing your ability to perform everyday tasks, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health conditions, such as: High blood pressure Stroke Diabetes Depression Heart failure Headaches While these are serious conditions, timely diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can eliminate the increased risk of these conditions caused by sleep apnea. How is sleep apnea treated? Fortunately, there are many ways to effectively treat sleep apnea. Simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and refraining from sleeping on your back can help. A breathing-assistance machine called a C-PAP can be worn to help maintain regular breathing throughout the night. A number of surgical options are also available, as well as dental devices. If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, call or go online today to schedule your appointment with the experts at Prima Medicine.

When the symptoms of arthritis make it difficult for you to work or keep active, the experienced medical team at Prima Medicine offer solutions. At their South Riding and Fairfax, Virginia, offices, Chethana Rao, MD, and her compassionate staff offer comprehensive care and long-term treatments for managing your arthritis. Don’t let the pain of chronic arthritis slow you down. Schedule a consultation for arthritis today online or by calling the office nearest you. Arthritis Q & A What is arthritis? Arthritis is a chronic medical condition that results when one or more of your joints become inflamed, causing persistent stiffness and pain. While there are over 100 types of arthritis, the two most common forms are osteoarthritis, a breakdown of joint cartilage due to wear and tear and aging, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the lining of your joints. Other types of arthritis include: Gout Fibromyalgia Psoriatic arthritis Arthritis can be a progressive disease that worsens over time without proper diagnosis and treatment. What are my risk factors for arthritis? Several factors increase your risk of developing arthritis. For many, arthritis develops with age as your joints begin breaking down and become less flexible. Other factors that influence the development of arthritis include: Obesity Joint injuries Family history Women are at higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, while gout affects more men. How is arthritis diagnosed? Dr. Rao and her medical team often diagnose arthritis by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: Redness Swelling Joint stiffness and pain Decreased range of joint motion To evaluate your joint strength and flexibility, Dr. Rao performs a thorough physical exam. She can also order diagnostic testing, such as blood work, to rule out underlying medical conditions that are causing joint pain or to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. What treatments are available for arthritis? Effective management of your arthritis is key to preventing a worsening of pain and disability. Dr. Rao works with her team to create a treatment plan specific to your needs. This plan can include: Medications Physical therapy Corticosteroid injections Dr. Rao also closely monitors the progression of arthritis and the effectiveness of your treatments through follow-up appointments. In some cases where joint deformities occur due to chronic arthritis, Dr. Rao might find it necessary to refer you to a specialist for surgery. Prevent chronic arthritis pain from interfering with your life. Learn more about the treatments available for chronic arthritis by calling the office nearest you or by using the online booking feature.

If you’re one of the 100 million American adults with diabetes or prediabetes, you can rely on the experience of the Prima Medicine medical team for treatment. At the South Riding and Fairfax, Virginia, offices, board-certified physician Chethana Rao, MD, and her skilled medical team offer customized treatment plans to manage your Type 2 diabetes and prevent additional health complications. To learn more about diabetes testing and treatment, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today. Diabetes Q & A What is Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the glucose, or sugar, levels in your blood. In this type of diabetes, your body doesn’t effectively use the insulin hormone it makes to control your blood sugar. Initially, your pancreas produces extra insulin to correct the situation. However, it isn’t able to keep up with the demand and ensure your blood sugar levels remain within the normal range. As a result of Type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar remains high. Over time this can lead to long-term health complications, including: Heart disease Kidney damage Vision problems Nerve damage You might also find that open wounds are slow to heal, which can lead to frequent skin infections. What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes? Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes often develop gradually. In some cases, those with the condition don’t even realize they have it until symptoms show up or a test confirms high blood sugar levels. Common symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst Weight loss Blurry vision Chronic fatigue Frequent urination Dr. Rao can run a simple blood test to measure your blood sugar levels and see if you have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, a condition where your sugar levels are elevated but not enough to classify as Type 2 diabetes. You should undergo routine screenings for diabetes if you have a family history of the disease, have excess belly fat, or are 45 or older. People over 45 are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, likely because of weight gain and a lack of exercise. What treatments are available for Type 2 diabetes? Initially, Dr. Rao recommends lifestyle changes that can reduce your blood sugar levels and keep Type 2 diabetes under control. These lifestyle changes can include: Losing weight Being more active Eating a healthy diet For many people, these improvements to daily life can keep Type 2 diabetes under control for many years, reducing or eliminating the need for medication. In cases where lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to address your diabetes, Dr. Rao creates a treatment plan that includes medications and/or insulin. You need to undergo regular in-office blood tests to monitor blood sugar levels. Dr. Rao will also recommend testing your blood sugar levels at home. Learn more about the benefits of routine screenings for Type 2 diabetes by scheduling your consultation today online or by phone.