Charlotte Edition

The À La Carte Direct Primary Care (DPC) model is new alternative payment model for improving access to high-functioning healthcare without a monthly membership fee or high annual commitments. No third-party billing. No interference or restrictions from health insurance companies. The defining element of DPC is an enduring and trusting relationship between a patient and his or her primary care …

By Heidi Smith, Contributor Obesity is a preventable medical disease that is becoming more prevalent worldwide. It has the potential to shorten lifespans and is associated with a host of other potentially serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Obese individuals also may suffer from psychosocial effects, including …

By Dr. Isin Mustafa, DPM, MSHS, DABPM, FACPM Bunions or hallux valgus (medical term) is a “bump” on the side of the big toe. Many people have bunions or know someone with a bunion, but did you know that the root cause of a bunion is located in the middle of the foot. The bunion is caused from an unstable …

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Other than skin cancer, it’s the most common cancer in American men. The majority of cases (6 in 10) are diagnosed at age 65 or older, with the average age at diagnosis around age 66. Although rare, it can occur in …

By Dr. Aneley Yegezu Hundae, M.D., FACC While there are several types of heart failure, the primary concern is that the heart cannot pump blood and oxygen efficiently throughout the body. Due to this overcompensation, the heart becomes enlarged. The muscle mass of the heart thickens, and the heart tries to beat as fast as possible to keep up with …

By Lindsay Bullman, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Urinary incontinence is a common occurrence in women. It can be caused by vaginal childbirth, changes due to menopause, or even by being overweight. There are two types of urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence is when urine escapes due to physical activities such as running or jumping, or it can be provoked by a …

By Dr. Mary Koshy Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting American women. Breast cancer is when cells in the breast grow out of control, and there are several different types of breast cancer. Breast cancer screenings are essential because breast cancer can spread throughout the body through blood and lymph vessels. For most women, …

By Afton Patterson Physical therapy is a service provided by a professional physical therapist (PT) who is licensed by the state in which he/she works. They are trained to assess a patient’s condition and help them regain their maximum functional mobility as well as independence. Treatment is highly personalized and specific to each individual’s ability. Sometimes it isn’t practical or …

By Dr. Noël Crosby, Au.D. An audiologist is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing and balance. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They educate their patients on the effects of noise on their hearing and help them to find the proper treatment, fitting them with protective hearing devices, hearing aids, …

By James W. Mallonee Did you know that when you die your permanent property (where you call home) receives a step-up in basis in an effort to avoid capital gains taxes. This avoidance prevents the decedent’s estate and its beneficiaries from being taxed as a gift or income. This is also true for stocks and bonds and other property which …