Medicare coverage for telemedicine visits is relatively new. Traditionally Medicare has paid for such visits in a limited way. But the coronavirus, or COVID-19 pandemic, has changed all of that. Why? Many primary care physicians are using telemedicine appointments in lieu of traditional in-office visits to keep patients, doctors and their staffs safe during this time. This has been valuable to patients 65 and older who are considered to be at higher risk, especially if they have an underlying condition such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart disease or diabetes.  

Many patients wonder when they have a problem whether they should go straight to a specialist or a primary care physician. For example, if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, should you seek out a cardiologist? What about type 2 diabetes—do you need to see an endocrinologist? 

You’re trying to lose weight. But despite your best efforts, it’s not working. One problem is that you’re hungry most of the time, even shortly after eating a meal. Ignoring the hunger will make you feel miserable, while giving in can add hundreds of extra calories. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. And of course, you’re probably wondering: Why I am hungry all the time?

High blood pressure is a major problem in the United States. In fact, close to half of all Americans have it. And while the condition is one of the leading predictors of cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death in the U.S. – it’s also contributes to kidney problems, vision conditions and sexual dysfunction.

For the last 25 years, doctors have used the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test along with digital rectum exams (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. This approach, to say the least, has been controversial. 

July and August are the traditional peak of the summer travel season. With last year’s travel season hampered by COVID, this summer is proving to be very busy, with crowded airports, national parks and other tourist destinations. But with cases on the rise in certain areas of the U.S. due to the Delta variant, COVID is back on the minds of a lot of travelers. 

Anxiety feels terrible. Anti-anxiety medications, also called anxiolytics, can deliver fast relief. So why doesn’t everybody with anxiety take them? 

The short answer, from a treatment perspective: These drugs can do much more to your body than simply turn down the dial on anxious feelings. Anxiolytics have a well-known risk for addiction and potentially harmful side effects – especially as you age. 

Anxiety can be uncomfortable. Physically uncomfortable. An intense episode of anxiety can make you want to crawl out of your skin.

A single episode of anxiety can also affect your personality, bringing out undesirable traits – even if only for a short period. You might burst into tears if your pants don’t fit, or yell at your spouse when there’s family stress. 

Bottom line: Sometimes, you need immediate relief from the tension of high anxiety. You simply can’t imagine waiting until 5 pm for a yoga class, or two days for your therapist’s next available appointment. 

Anxiety affects us all. In some cases, it’s fleeting: a pit your stomach before your doctor delivers test results; sweaty palms before you deliver a presentation. Those are normal responses to stressful situations.

Anxiety may be a problem, however, if it becomes overwhelming or interferes with everyday activities. It may be a problem if it causes you to feel ill, lose your temper, or avoid certain places or people. 

For most of the last year, scientists haven’t just been focused on the main coronavirus but also newer versions of it. You’ve probably heard about a lot of different variants named for the place where they were first detected like the British or South African variants or given a more clinical designation like the B.1.617.2 strain, which was identified first in India.