Medical Services

Preventative medical services and screening

Well-Child-Care and Childhood Immunizations

Children require frequent visits in the first three years of life and annual WCC visits every year thereafter. Immunizations, lab tests or vision/hearing tests are often needed during WCC visits.

Physical Examination & Blood Pressure Screening

All adults should have blood pressure measurement and complete physical examination at least every two years even if they are feeling well and have no urgent medical concerns. Please keep your physical exams up to date. Our office may contact adults after two years to arrange for a complete physical examination if you have fallen off schedule.

Adult Immunizations

Adults need routine immunizations too! In addition to childhood vaccinations, adults require immunizations for such diseases as tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis A & B, influenza, pneumonia, shingles, human papilloma virus, etc. The staff at Valley Medical Associates is working to document all past vaccinations and provided any needed immunizations for all adults.

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smears)

Some of our patients receive routine gynecology care with an OB/GYN physician or nurse midwife, while others receive such screening in our office. Our office will try to make certain that women at risk for cervical cancer will have pap smears according to the recommended schedule whether in our office or elsewhere.

Breast Cancer Screening (Mammograms)

Women from 40 to 75 years old should have yearly mammograms to screen for breast cancer. While some women do receive orders for mammograms from their OB/GYN office, our office will keep records of annual mammogram results for all of our patients. Please remember to have a copy of your mammogram also sent to our office when you go for the test!

Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)

Adults over age 50, and some people with a family history of colon cancer, should have a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer at least once every ten years. Our doctors and physician assitants do not perform this important procedure, but will refer you to a gastroenterologist for screening. If you are up to date, we may ask to contact your gastroenterologist to retrieve the report of your colonoscopy if it is not already in our records.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Men over 50 years old, and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should discuss screening with their primary care providers.

Management of Chronic Diseases

Diabetes

Patients with diabetes are at very high risk for medical complications of this condition, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and foot infections. The entire staff of Valley Medical Associates will be working to ensure that each patient with diabetes has office visit every three to six months, regular labs tests, as well as an up-to-date diabetic eye exam, foot exam, and flu shot.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Because of the high risk for stroke and heart attack, patients with hypertension should be seen every three to six months in the office. Your doctor or physician assitant will review home BP readings when available, adjust medications as needed, and discuss lifestyle modifications.

High Cholesterol

At least yearly visits are required for patients with high cholesterol, especially those taking medications to control their cholesterol levels. Please make sure to keep up to date with these visits. We may contact patients to arrange follow up if you have fallen off schedule.

Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Patients with heart disease and CHF require close follow-up and monitoring of their cholesterol levels and blood pressures. Please make sure to keep up to date with these visits. We may contact patients to arrange follow up if you have fallen off schedule.

Asthma and Emphysema (also called Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease or COPD)

Patients with chronic lung diseases should be seen at least once per year. The doctor or physician assitant will review pulmonary symptoms and medications to ensure optimal control.

Behavioral Health Screening

In accordance with our practice philosophy of providing the highest quality, comprehensive medical care to our patients, we have implemented annual behavioral health screenings for our pediatric patients.

Once per year (typically just before your child’s annual visit) we will contact you to obtain your e-mail address. A link to a secure, age-appropriate screening tool will be e-mailed to you. We ask that you complete this screening online prior to your child’s visit. We will receive the evaluation and discuss any findings with you at your appointment.

*If you do not have an e-mail address, a form can be mailed to you.