April 12, 2024

Prenatal Genetic Screening

Understanding Prenatal Genetic Screening: Essential Insights for Expectant Parents

Pregnancy is a period of great expectation and preparation, and prenatal genetic screening is a valuable tool that helps expectant parents understand their developing baby’s health. This screening offers early insights into potential genetic conditions and even reveals the baby’s gender. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into what prenatal genetic screening is, why it’s important, and how it’s conducted.

What is Prenatal Genetic Screening?

Prenatal genetic screening tests analyze DNA from the mother’s blood to assess the risk of the baby having certain genetic disorders. Unlike diagnostic tests, which can confirm genetic conditions, screening tests evaluate risk levels for conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. These screenings are non-invasive and are becoming a routine part of prenatal care.

Benefits of Prenatal Genetic Screening
Early Detection: Screening provides early warnings about potential genetic disorders that could affect the baby’s health. It allows expectant parents to make informed decisions about further diagnostic testing.

Informed Decisions: With early risk assessment, parents can discuss potential outcomes and care strategies with their healthcare providers, helping them prepare for any special care their baby might need.

Peace of Mind: For many parents, genetic screening offers reassurance about their baby’s health and reduces anxiety during the pregnancy.

Understanding Risks: Screening helps in understanding the risks of genetic disorders, particularly for parents with a family history of genetic conditions or for older parents.

The Screening Process
Prenatal genetic screening involves a few simple steps:

Sample Collection: During a routine prenatal visit, a small blood sample is taken from the mother.
Laboratory Analysis: The sample is analyzed to detect fragments of fetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream. This analysis looks at the DNA to assess the risk of genetic abnormalities.Result Interpretation: Results are usually available within a week or two. If the screening indicates a higher risk of a genetic disorder, genetic counseling is offered to discuss the results and consider further diagnostic testing.

Gender Determination
A popular aspect of genetic screening is its ability to determine the baby’s gender early in the pregnancy. By detecting the presence of Y chromosomes (indicative of a male), the screening can reveal the baby’s gender with significant accuracy. This allows families to plan ahead for the nursery, clothing, and even selecting a name.

When Should You Consider Prenatal Genetic Screening?

Prenatal genetic screening is typically offered during the first or second trimester. The timing may vary depending on the specific tests:

First Trimester Screening: Conducted between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, it can include ultrasound evaluations of the baby and blood tests.
Second Trimester Screening: Known as the “quadruple test,” conducted between 15 and 20 weeks.
Each stage of screening provides different information, and your healthcare provider can guide you on what is recommended for your specific situation.

Preparing for Your Screening
Discussing your medical history, family genetics, and any previous pregnancies with your healthcare provider will help determine the scope and timing of genetic screening. It’s also a good time to discuss any concerns you might have about the process or the results.

Conclusion

Prenatal genetic screening is a powerful tool for expecting families. It provides essential information that can help manage the journey of pregnancy with more knowledge and confidence. Whether it’s preparing for potential health conditions or simply knowing the baby’s gender, genetic screening supports more informed and proactive prenatal care.

You can also find more information, by visiting trusted resources like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the Mayo Clinic’s overview of prenatal testing. These resources provide further reading on the benefits and processes of prenatal genetic screening.

By engaging in prenatal genetic screening, parents can ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge needed to welcome their new addition with confidence, backed by the best care modern medicine can offer.

December 12, 2023

Choosing the Best Obstetrician Near Me

6 Steps to Choosing the Best Obstetrician Near Me

Bringing a new life into the world is a momentous occasion, and having the right obstetrician (OB) by your side is crucial for a smooth and healthy pregnancy journey. But how does one go about selecting the best obstetrician based on their location? In this guide, we’ll explore the key considerations and steps to help you make an informed decision.

How to Choose the Best Obstetrician Near Me: A Step-by-Step Guide

Research Local Providers

1. The first step in finding the right obstetrician is to research local providers. Gather a list of OBs in your area, and take note of their credentials, experience, and patient reviews. To make this process easier, consider exploring reputable online platforms that provide insights into the reputations of healthcare professionals.

Consider Recommendations

2. Word of mouth can be a powerful tool in finding the best obstetrician. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with OB providers in your locality. Personal testimonials can offer valuable insights into the doctor’s bedside manner, communication style, and overall patient satisfaction.

Check for Obstetrical Training

3. When choosing an obstetrician, it’s crucial to ensure that the provider has completed the necessary training in obstetrics and meets the standards of proficiency in the field. You can usually find this information on the provider’s official website or by contacting their office directly.

Assessing the Lovelace Family Medicine Team

4. Lovelace Family Medicine has several providers that stand out in the field. Oscar F. Lovelace, Jr., M.D., William M “Chip” Dixon, MD, Spencer Lovelace, MD, Dean Kubacz, MD and Allie Redding, DO, are all extensively trained in obstetrics and bring a wealth of experience and expertise and are committed to delivering high-quality obstetric care.

Consider Your Specific Needs.

5. At Lovelace Family Medicine, excellence in obstetric and gynecological care extends beyond the physician’s office. Our providers, proudly deliver their exceptional services at the award-winning Newberry Hospital, specifically in the renowned New Beginnings birthing center.

What sets Newberry Hospital apart is not only its commitment to delivering top-notch healthcare but also its status as an independent hospital. This independence translates into a patient-centric approach, allowing the hospital to prioritize individualized care and maintain a strong connection with the local community.

The New Beginnings facility at Newberry Hospital exemplifies a dedication to creating a nurturing and comfortable environment for expectant mothers, reinforcing the commitment of Lovelace Family Medicine to providing comprehensive and personalized obstetric care.

Evaluate the Communication Style

6. Effective communication between you and your obstetrician is essential for a positive pregnancy experience. During your initial consultations, assess the doctor’s communication style. Are they attentive, empathetic, and willing to address your concerns? Feeling comfortable with your OB is paramount for a successful doctor-patient relationship.

Lastly, continuity of care is a cornerstone of the obstetric and gynecological services provided by the esteemed team at Lovelace Family Medicine. Beyond guiding expectant mothers through a seamless pregnancy journey, our commitment extends to the postpartum period and beyond.

The convenience of having the same provider for both obstetric and newborn care goes far beyond the initial stages of parenthood, creating a continuum of support that is invaluable for growing families. One of the primary advantages is the seamless transition of information and medical history from pregnancy to postpartum care.

The familiarity our providers have with each family’s unique circumstances allows for a more personalized and efficient approach to newborn care. Parents can build upon the trust established during prenatal visits, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience for both the child and the family.

Moreover, having a consistent healthcare provider eliminates the need for repetitive paperwork and the need to convey medical history to a new practitioner. This continuity streamlines the administrative processes, allowing families to focus more on the health and well-being of their newborn without the hassle of starting anew with each medical appointment.The shared experience of the pregnancy journey enhances the communication between the family and the healthcare team, fostering a deeper understanding of the family’s values, preferences, and specific health considerations.

Additionally, the convenience of having the same provider for newborn care and beyond offers a holistic perspective on the child’s health and development. The healthcare team can closely monitor the child’s growth, milestones, and any potential health concerns with the benefit of having comprehensive historical information. This long-term relationship enables more proactive and preventive care, allowing for early detection of any issues and prompt intervention when necessary.

In essence, the continuity of care with the same provider for both obstetric and newborn services provides families with a sense of comfort, convenience, and a trusted partnership throughout the transformative stages of welcoming and raising a new life. The consistency in care enhances the overall experience for families, creating lasting connections that extend beyond medical expertise to compassionate and personalized support for the entire family unit.

Conclusion

Choosing the “best obstetrician near me” involves careful research, consideration of personal needs, and, most importantly, building a connection with your healthcare provider. Whether you decide on a provider within Lovelace Family Medicine or explore alternative options, make it a priority to ensure your chosen obstetrician aligns with your comfort and confidence.

With these steps, you’re well on your way to securing comprehensive and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy journey.

October 31, 2023

10 Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans

10 Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage: What You Need to Know.

We are shedding light on an important topic that impacts many of our patients – Medicare Advantage plans.

While these plans have their advantages, it’s crucial to be aware of their potential drawbacks so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Some of the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage include:

Limited Network of Providers:
These plans often come with a restricted network of healthcare providers. This means that you may have to switch doctors or specialists if they are not in the plan’s network. For those with longstanding relationships with their physicians, this can be a significant downside. Lovelace Family Medicine does not accept Medicare Advantage plans.

Prior Authorization Requirements:
Some Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for certain medical services, tests, or medications. This additional step can lead to delays in getting the care you need, which may not be ideal in urgent situations.

Out-of-Pocket Costs:
While they may offer lower monthly premiums, they often come with higher out-of-pocket costs. This can include copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance, which can add up quickly if you require frequent medical services.

Geographical Restrictions:
Medicare Advantage plans are often region-specific, meaning that if you travel frequently or spend part of the year in a different state, you might not have the same coverage or access to your preferred doctors and hospitals.

Potential for Plan Changes:
Medicare Advantage plans can change their benefits, drug formularies, and provider networks from year to year. This uncertainty can make it challenging to anticipate your healthcare costs and whether your current providers will remain in-network.

Risk of Denied Services:
In some cases, Medicare Advantage plans may deny coverage for certain medical treatments or tests, even if they would be covered under Original Medicare. These denials can lead to unexpected expenses for necessary care.

Prescription Drug Formulary:
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes prescription drug coverage, it may have a specific formulary that dictates which drugs are covered. This can limit your choice of medications and require you to switch to alternatives.

Administrative Hassles:
Navigating the intricacies of Medicare Advantage plans can be more complex than Original Medicare. You may need to go through multiple layers of authorization, referrals, and documentation, leading to administrative headaches for both patients and healthcare providers.

Limited Coverage Outside the United States:
Medicare Advantage plans generally do not provide coverage for medical services received outside the United States. If you travel frequently or have international healthcare needs, this can be a significant drawback.

Loss of Flexibility:
Medicare Advantage plans often require you to follow specific rules and procedures for referrals, specialists, and other aspects of care. This can limit your flexibility and choice when it comes to your healthcare.

It’s essential to remember that not all Medicare Advantage plans are the same, and the disadvantages mentioned here may vary between plans and regions.

When considering a Medicare Advantage plan, take the time to carefully review the plan’s details, network of providers, and the specific benefits it offers. While the Advantage plans may have advantages, including additional benefits like dental and vision coverage, it’s essential to weigh these potential disadvantages carefully.

Ultimately, the choice between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage depends on your individual healthcare needs and preferences. We encourage our patients to discuss their options with a knowledgeable healthcare professional or Medicare advisor to make the best decision for their unique circumstances. Your health and well-being are our top priorities!

If you have any questions or need assistance with understanding your Medicare options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

March 18, 2020

Thank you for helping us keep our patients, staff and community safe.

Lovelace Family Medicine will continue to provide quality and compassionate care to ALL of our patients. Until further notice, You can expect the following when visiting our office:

https://lovelacefamilymedicine.com/1898-2/

March 20, 2018

Home Sweet Medical Home

You don’t need to watch many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy or Chicago Med to realize there’s no shortage of abbreviations and acronyms in health care. Terms like BP, CAT scan and STAT, especially STAT – they love that one – are significant components of the dialog. But PCMH is an abbreviation you’re not likely to hear and will probably stump even the most die hard medical drama fan.

PCMH or Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of care that is relationship based and places a great deal of emphasis on coordination and communication. That sounds nice, but what does it really mean for our patients?

The designation of being an NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) certified patient-centered medical home simply means that Lovelace Famly Medicine is considered an advanced primary care practice. We have made a commitment to:

Enhance access to primary care
Improve delivery of preventive services
Help patients make healthy lifestyle choices
Use the latest health information technology and evidence based practices
Reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations
Improve care coordination
Provide high quality chronic disease management

Continuity of care is the bedrock of family medicine and is essential for achieving the best health outcomes. Who better to coordinate your care than your primary care provider?

Lovelace Family Medicine is proud to be one of only two patient-centered medical homes in Newberry County. Click here to read more about our PCMH status.

May 2, 2017

Oh Baby! Good News.

Lovelace Family Medicine Now Offers Elective Sneak Peek 3d Ultrasound Packages.

Save

March 17, 2016

Just my luck! Skinny is the new fat.

Confessions of a well-intentioned, but misguided dieter

You know the number on the scale, you probably even know your body mass index, or BMI. But do you know your body fat percentage?

About a year ago, I took a good look into the crystal ball of my future health. Whoa – it wasn’t pretty and I certainly didn’t like what I saw waiting for me. Things like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, and such were just around the bin. I could continue to sloth around the corner or I could stop and run in the other direction. Run is what I did – well, not literally but I did make some pretty significant dietary changes.

I buckled down, determined my BMI and set about changing that number. Mission accomplished! I strutted around proudly proclaiming my normal BMI number to anyone who would listen. Well, guess what! That’s only half the battle. You don’t have to be overweight to be over fat. Seriously?!

By now, most of us are familiar with the term “body mass index”. A BMI between 25-29 puts you in the overweight category and a BMI greater than 30 deems you obese. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in Kg by height in meters squared. But does it tell the whole story? It turns out that it doesn’t.

Simply weighing yourself on a regular scale is not necessarily indicative of your health progress because weight loss doesn’t always mean fat loss. Even if your weight stays the same, your body composition (the muscle to fat ratio) may be changing. Keeping tabs on body fat percentage instead of focusing solely on weight gives us a good understanding of what is happening on the inside of our body. This is important because excess body fat, not simply excess weight, is what has the greatest impact on our overall health and well-being.

All fat is not created equal. SAT (Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue) fat sits right below the skin – otherwise known as the dreaded muffin top. VAT (Visceral Adipose Tissue) fat wraps around the organs and spells trouble for your health driving up your risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. This is where the body composition analysis comes in handy. In only six painless minutes the Dexa scanner can separate the fat from the fiction to determine your body composition as the percentage of body fat and lean muscle mass.

Let’s face it, for most of us seeing is believing. Would you consider starting a weight loss journey without knowing what you weigh? Stepping on the scales (as painful as that may be) gives us a number, a starting point, something to measure our progress. One of the reasons we love before and after pictures is because we like to see progress and the bottom line is we can’t manage what we don’t measure.

February 9, 2016

10 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Save 20 Billion Dollars

More than 10 million people with Medicare have saved over $20 billion on prescription drugs since 2010

39 million Medicare beneficiaries utilized free preventive services in 2015

The Department of Health and Human Services released today new information that shows that millions of seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare continue to save on prescription drugs and see improved benefits in 2015 as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

Nearly 10.7 million Medicare beneficiaries have received discounts over $20.8 billion on prescription drugs – an average of $1,945 per beneficiary – since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. In 2015 alone, nearly 5.2 million seniors and people with disabilities received discounts of over $5.4 billion, for an average of $1,054 per beneficiary. This is an increase in savings compared to 2014, when 5.1 million Medicare beneficiaries received discounts of $4.8 billion, for an average of $941 per beneficiary.

Medicare beneficiaries also continue to take advantage of certain recommended preventive services with no coinsurance:

An estimated 39.2 million people with Medicare (including those enrolled in Medicare Advantage) took advantage of at least one preventive service with no copays or deductibles in 2015, slightly more than in 2014.

Nearly 9 million Medicare beneficiaries (including those enrolled in Medicare Advantage) took advantage of an Annual Wellness Visit in 2015. Looking just at original Medicare, a million more people utilized an Annual Wellness Visit in 2015 than 2014 (more than 5.8 million compared to nearly 4.8 million).

“Medicare consumers are now more engaged and empowered in their own health thanks to the Affordable Care Act,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt. “Millions are now able to access more affordable prescription medicine for their chronic conditions and millions more are staying healthier by accessing preventive services, especially vital for people living with disabilities or growing older.”

Today’s announcement is part of the Administration’s broader strategy to improve the health care system by paying providers for what works, unlocking health care data, and finding new ways to coordinate and integrate care to improve quality. The Affordable Care Act provides tools – such as providing certain recommended preventive services at no cost sharing and closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole” – to make our health care system more affordable for patients and move it toward one that rewards doctors based on the quality, not the quantity of care they give patients. In January 2015, the Administration announce the ambitious goal of tying 30 percent of Medicare payments to quality and value through alternative payment models by 2016 and 50 percent of payments by 2018. More than 4,600 payers, providers, employers, patients, states, consumer groups, consumers and other partners have registered to participate in the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network, which was launched to help the entire health care system reach these goals.

Closing the prescription drug “donut hole” The Affordable Care Act makes Medicare prescription drug coverage more affordable by gradually closing the gap in coverage where beneficiaries had to pay the full cost of their prescriptions out of pocket, before catastrophic coverage for prescriptions took effect. The gap is known as the donut hole. The donut hole will be closed by 2020. Because of the health care law, in 2010, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan who reached the prescription drug donut hole received a $250 rebate. In 2011, beneficiaries in the donut hole began receiving discounts and savings on covered brand-name and generic drugs. People with Medicare Part D who are in the donut hole in 2016 will receive discounts and savings of 55 percent on the cost of brand name drugs and 42 percent on the cost of generic drugs. For state-by-state information on discounts in the donut hole, go to: https://downloads.cms.gov/files/Part%20D%20dount%20hole%20savings%20by%20state%20YTD%202015.pdf. For more information about Medicare prescription drug benefits, go to: http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/.

Medicare preventive services The Affordable Care Act added coverage of an annual wellness visit and eliminated coinsurance and the Part B deductible for certain recommended preventive services covered by Medicare, including many cancer screenings and other important benefits. By making certain preventive services available with no cost-sharing, the Affordable Care Act removes barriers to prevention, helping Americans take charge of their own health and helping individuals and their providers better prevent illness, detect problems early when treatment works best and monitor health conditions. For state-by-state information on utilization of an annual wellness visit and preventive services at no cost to Medicare beneficiaries, please visit: https://downloads.cms.gov/files/Beneficiaries%20Utilizing%20Free%20Preventive%20Services%20by%20State%20YTD%202015.pdf.

January 18, 2016

If you stumble, make it part of the dance.

By this time, many of us have lost some of that fiery determination we felt on January 1st.

Officially marked “Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day”, January 17th is the most common date people give up on their New year’s Resolution. If you’re still sticking with it, you’re ahead of the game. If you have fallen back into comfortable old habits – it doesn’t have to be over.

Just take a deep breath and hit the reset button. You don’t have to wait for a new year, a new week, or even a new day. Start over right now, right where you are.

It’s not complicated, but we often over think it. Remember, if you stumble along the way, just make it part of the dance – because dancing is fun!

December 29, 2015

Heads Up! Concussions are serious.

The recently released head trauma drama, Concussion, has physicians anticipating an increase in questions regarding the safety of contact sports.

A brief, wordless scene from the movie showing a high school team going through drills feels designed to remind us that concussion related brain trauma is not only a threat to adult professional players, but is a threat to our football playing kids too.

Not so very long ago, concussions weren’t considered to be medical attention seeking accidents. They were somewhat trivialized as “getting your clock cleaned” and treated with a “man-up” mentality. Thankfully, the evaluation and management of a concussion has significantly evolved and is now recognized as a potentially serious traumatic brain injury with long term consequences.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct or indirect bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.

It’s important to note that concussions aren’t just isolated to football but they are most common in contact sports. However, concussions can happen off the playing field too – in car or bike accidents, even minor falls.

Signs and symptoms may show right away, or may not be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.

If you suspect your child has a concussion:

Seek medical attention (Check with a family physician, who can decide how serious a brain injury is.)
Keep the child out of play (Brain injuries take time to heal. Consult with your doctor about a safe time to return to sports activities.)
Inform coaches (If a child had a recent brain injury, coaches and parents should be informed.)

If not for quick thinking coaches and an adequately prepared athletic trainer at a Mid Carolina High School football game, Brennan Barber’s story would likely have had a much different outcome. Unfortunately, not all schools have athletic trainers available at all sporting events, making it even more crucial for parents and coaches to know how to identify the signs and symptoms of a concussion as well as the appropriate medical attention to seek.

Never ignore a head injury. When there’s doubt, sit the athlete out.