MR. GORDON M HUGHES MD
NPI 1003895681
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Elkhart, IN

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. When administered into a vein, it's often through an IV. This procedure usually lasts 1 hour or less. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, but it's generally painless.

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously visited our clinic. It involves a comprehensive review of your health and any ongoing treatments. The consultation lasts between 30-39 minutes, allowing enough time to discuss any concerns.

This procedure involves inserting a small needle into a vein, typically in your arm, to collect a blood sample. It's a quick and simple process to help diagnose or monitor health conditions. You may feel a small prick, but discomfort is minimal.

C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that checks for signs of inflammation or infection in the body. High levels of CRP often suggest that there's inflammation or a bacterial infection. This test helps in monitoring and managing conditions like arthritis and heart disease.

The Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. If they settle faster than normal, it may indicate inflammation in the body. This test is non-automated, meaning it's manually performed by a lab technician.

A comprehensive group of blood chemicals test, also known as a comprehensive metabolic panel, is a blood test that measures your sugar level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. This helps to check your body's overall health.

A Complete Blood Cell Count is a common test that measures various components of the blood, including red cells (carry oxygen), white cells (fight infection), and platelets (help blood clot). An automated test ensures accuracy. The differential count provides detailed information about white cell types.

Triamcinolone acetonide is a medication used to reduce inflammation in the body. It's given as a 10 mg injection for conditions like allergies, arthritis, or skin problems. The injection helps to decrease swelling, redness, and itching.

Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs are administered into a vein, usually in the arm. Each additional hour of chemotherapy allows for more of the medication to enter your bloodstream to fight against the cancer cells.

This procedure involves introducing a new medication or substance into your bloodstream via a vein. It's typically done using a small needle. The substance can help treat various conditions or assist in diagnostic procedures. It's generally safe and monitored by professionals.

This procedure involves administering medication directly under the skin or into a muscle. A small needle is used to inject the drug, allowing it to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It's a common method for delivering a variety of medications.

A gamma interferon tuberculosis test is a blood test used to diagnose tuberculosis, a serious lung disease. The test measures your immune system's response to TB bacteria. It's a safe, straightforward procedure that can help ensure your health.

Diphenhydramine HCL injection is a medicine given to alleviate symptoms of allergies, colds, or hay fever. It can also help with motion sickness and certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Up to 50 mg may be administered depending on your condition.

This is a routine visit for patients who have already been seen by the healthcare provider. During this approximately 20-29 minute appointment, your health status will be evaluated and any necessary treatments or tests will be discussed. It's a chance to address any health concerns you may have.

This procedure involves using a needle to remove (aspiration) or introduce (injection) fluid into a large joint like the knee or hip. It can help diagnose conditions, relieve discomfort, or deliver medication directly to the joint.

The Rheumatoid Factor Level test is a blood test that helps detect the presence of Rheumatoid Factor (RF), a protein produced by your immune system. High RF levels often indicate autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The test involves a simple blood draw and lab analysis.

A Vitamin D-3 level test measures the amount of Vitamin D-3, a crucial nutrient, in your body. This test helps identify if your levels are too low or too high. Low levels may lead to bone weakness, while high levels could harm your kidneys. It's a simple blood test.

A blood uric acid level test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product that your body produces when it breaks down purines, substances found in your body and in certain foods. High levels may lead to gout or kidney stones.

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast is an imaging procedure. A special dye, called contrast, is used to make certain areas more visible. This can help identify issues such as infections, tumors, or other abnormalities. The procedure is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes.

This procedure measures the level of specific antibodies in your body to assess if you have an autoimmune disorder. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces. In autoimmune disorders, these antibodies mistakenly attack your own cells. This test helps identify such conditions.

A CT scan of the chest with contrast is an imaging procedure. A special dye (contrast) is used to highlight specific areas in your body, providing clearer pictures of your chest. This helps in diagnosing conditions related to your lungs, heart, and other chest structures.

Screening 3D breast mammography is a procedure that uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of the breast. This allows for early detection of any unusual changes or growths. It's a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes.

Screening mammography is a preventative measure that uses low-dose X-rays to take images of the chest area. It's a key tool in early detection of abnormalities, helping to identify issues before they become symptomatic. It is recommended annually for certain age groups.

This procedure measures the level of certain antibodies in your blood. These antibodies can be higher in people with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition causing joint inflammation. The test helps in diagnosing or monitoring the disease.

A screening test for autoimmune disorders is a medical check-up that helps identify if your body's immune system is attacking its own cells. It involves a simple blood draw and analyzes various markers to detect potential issues. This test aids in early detection and effective treatment.

The measurement of DNA antibody, native or double stranded, is a blood test that helps detect autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. It identifies if your body is producing antibodies against its own DNA, which can indicate an overactive immune response.

Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems involves a thorough evaluation of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. It's a process where professionals study patterns over time to identify potential issues like anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

This is a first-time office or outpatient visit lasting between 45-59 minutes. The healthcare provider evaluates your health, discusses your medical history, and may suggest further tests or treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions and understand your health better.

An MRI scan of the abdomen before and after contrast provides detailed images of your abdominal organs. Initially, images are taken without a contrast agent. Then, a safe dye is administered, usually via an IV, to highlight certain areas, giving a clearer picture to help diagnose various conditions.

This service provides brief, intensive counseling (4-10 minutes) to support you in quitting smoking or tobacco use. It involves discussing the risks of tobacco use, benefits of quitting, and strategies to help you stop. It's a critical step towards a healthier lifestyle.

An X-ray of the knee, 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the knee from three different angles. This helps medical professionals to diagnose and monitor conditions like arthritis, fractures, or infections. The process is quick and painless.

A complete ultrasound scan behind the abdominal cavity is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures and organs located at the back of your abdomen. It helps in diagnosing health conditions and monitoring ongoing treatments.

A DXA bone density measurement is a simple, quick, and non-invasive procedure that assesses the strength of your bones. This test uses X-rays to measure the amount of minerals, mainly calcium, in the hip, pelvis, and spine. It helps in early detection of osteoporosis or other bone diseases.

The total Creatine Kinase (CK) level test is a blood test that helps assess the health of your heart. It measures an enzyme called CK that's released into the bloodstream when heart or other muscle tissue is damaged. High levels may indicate a heart attack or muscle disorder.

An iron level test measures the amount of iron in your blood. Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. This test helps identify iron deficiencies or excesses, which can lead to conditions like anemia or hemochromatosis.

A transferrin level test measures the amount of transferrin, a protein that carries iron, in your blood. This can help determine if your body has an iron deficiency or overload. It's a simple blood test and can provide valuable information about your overall health.

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. Using 12 leads attached to your skin, it generates a tracing of your heart rhythm. It helps detect any heart problems by showing the timing and strength of electrical signals passing through each part of your heart.

A chest X-ray, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Two different angles are used to get a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, heart problems, or lung cancer.

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures fats and fatty substances, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. These substances are used by your body as a source of energy. High levels can lead to health issues, including heart disease.

An MRI scan of the brain, both before and after contrast, helps visualize different brain structures. Initially, images are taken without a contrast agent. Then, a safe dye is injected which helps highlight certain areas, providing clearer, more detailed images.

A low-dose CT scan of the chest is a quick, painless procedure that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of your lungs. It's a key tool for early detection of lung cancer, especially for those at high risk.

A Ferritin level test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in your blood. It helps determine how much iron your body is storing. If levels are low, it may indicate iron deficiency, while high levels could signify conditions like iron overload.