JOHN W BENSON MD
NPI 1205816287
Family Medicine in Mankato, MN

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.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It's used to monitor how well diabetes is being controlled. High levels may indicate that your diabetes treatment plan needs adjustment.

A complete blood cell count (CBC) is an automated test that measures different components of the blood, including red cells, white cells, and platelets. It helps assess overall health, detect disorders like anemia or infection, and monitor medical treatments.

An annual wellness visit is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This plan helps prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors. It's a subsequent visit, meaning it follows an initial assessment.

A TSH blood test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone in your body. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates how your thyroid works. It's a simple procedure where a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm for analysis.

A clotting time blood test helps determine how quickly your blood forms clots, a process crucial to stop bleeding. During the test, a small blood sample is taken from your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to see how long it takes for a clot to form.

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.

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.

Prostate cancer screening involves a simple blood test known as the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. This test measures the level of PSA in your blood. Higher than normal levels can be an early indication of prostate issues, including cancer. It's a key tool in early detection.

A blood creatinine level test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that your body produces when it uses energy. High levels may indicate that your kidneys aren't working properly. This test is often used to monitor kidney health.

A magnesium level test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of magnesium in your body. Magnesium is a crucial mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and heart function properly. The test can help detect health conditions like kidney disease or malnutrition.

The Parathormone level test measures the amount of parathyroid hormone in your blood. This hormone controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are vital for bone health. Abnormal levels may indicate issues like kidney disease or parathyroid gland disorders.

A creatinine level test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. This substance is a waste product from normal muscle use. Higher levels can indicate possible kidney dysfunction or muscle injury. This test helps monitor kidney health.

The Total Protein Level in urine test measures the amount of protein present in your urine. This helps to check kidney health as high levels may indicate a problem. It's a simple, non-invasive procedure involving a urine sample.

This procedure involves the use of specially stained slides to examine tissue samples. The initial process involves obtaining a small tissue sample from your body. This sample is then placed on a slide and stained with special dyes to highlight different structures and elements. The stained slide is then examined under a microscope to help diagnose any potential health issues.

The Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate is a test that helps detect inflammation in the body. It's automated, meaning a machine does the work. This test measures how fast red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube in an hour. A faster rate may indicate inflammation.

A liver enzyme (SGPT) level test is a blood test that checks the health of your liver. SGPT is an enzyme found in your liver cells. If your liver is damaged or inflamed, SGPT can leak into your bloodstream, raising the enzyme level. This test helps identify liver diseases early.

A manual urinalysis test with automated microscopic examination is a lab process that checks your urine for health indicators. It involves a machine scanning your sample to identify any abnormal elements, which can assist in diagnosing various conditions.

The urine microalbumin level test measures the amount of a protein called albumin in your urine. This test helps to detect early signs of kidney damage. High levels of albumin may suggest your kidneys aren't functioning properly. It's a simple, non-invasive test that involves providing a urine sample.

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.

Special stained specimen slides are used to analyze tissue in detail. In this process, extra procedures may be needed for a more thorough examination. These involve applying special stains to the tissue on slides, enhancing specific elements for closer study.

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 phosphate level test measures the amount of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate is a chemical that contains the mineral phosphorus, crucial for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth. Imbalances may indicate kidney disease or other health issues.

A Liver Enzyme (SGOT) Level test is a simple blood test used to measure the amount of certain enzymes in your blood. These enzymes are normally found in liver cells. If the liver is damaged or diseased, these enzymes can leak into your bloodstream, indicating potential liver issues.

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.

This is a lab test where a small sample of your blood is studied under a microscope. The goal is to count the number of white blood cells, which are crucial for your body's immune response. The count can help identify potential health issues.

This service involves coloring specimen slides in a special way to help identify organisms. The colors make different parts of the organism stand out. Afterward, a detailed interpretation and report on the findings are provided.

A Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) level test is a blood test that checks the amount of Vitamin B-12 in your body. This vitamin is vital for nerve function and the creation of red blood cells. Low or high levels could indicate a potential health issue.

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 liver function blood test panel helps check the health of your liver. It measures various proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. If these levels are too high or too low, it could signal a liver problem. It's a simple, non-invasive test that involves drawing blood.

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 bacterial culture for aerobic isolates is a lab test that helps identify bacteria that thrive in oxygen-rich environments. A sample from the suspected infection site is collected, then placed in a special medium that promotes bacterial growth. After a set period, the lab identifies any bacteria present, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Iron binding capacity is a blood test that measures how well your body can bind and transport iron. This helps your healthcare provider assess if your body has too little or too much iron, which can indicate certain health conditions.

A bacterial urine culture is a laboratory test that checks for bacteria in your urine. It helps identify the type of bacteria causing an infection, enabling the selection of the most effective treatment. The test involves collecting a urine sample in a sterile container.

A pathology examination of tissue, moderately low complexity, involves studying a small sample of your body tissue under a microscope. It helps to identify any abnormal cells or diseases. It's a routine procedure, not complex, and provides crucial insights for your diagnosis.

Chronic care management services involve a healthcare professional directing clinical staff in managing your chronic conditions. This includes the first 20 minutes per month of services like medication management, care coordination, and health monitoring to help improve your health and quality of life.

The administration of the influenza virus vaccine, also known as the flu shot, is a simple procedure to protect against the flu. A healthcare provider injects a small dose of the vaccine into your arm. This stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, which will help your body fight off the flu if exposed.

The Influenza Vaccine Split Virus, preservative-free, is a flu shot to protect against the influenza virus. It is made from parts of inactivated flu viruses and doesn't contain preservatives, reducing potential side effects. It helps your body develop immunity to the flu.

The Albumin Level test measures the amount of albumin, a vital protein made by the liver, in your blood. This protein helps keep fluid in your bloodstream so it doesn't leak into other tissues. It's also vital for tissue growth and healing. Low or high levels can indicate certain health issues.

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.

The Thyroxine (thyroid chemical), free test is a blood test that measures the level of free T4 in your body. T4 is a hormone produced by your thyroid gland and is essential for growth and metabolism. If your T4 levels are too high or too low, it could indicate a thyroid disorder.

This service involves a follow-up appointment for existing patients, lasting between 40 to 54 minutes. During this time, your healthcare provider will assess your current health status, discuss any changes or concerns, review your treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.

"Destruction of precancer skin growth" is a procedure that eliminates a single precancerous skin growth. This is done to prevent it from developing into skin cancer. The growth may be removed using various methods such as cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, or topical medications.

PSA measurement is a simple blood test that checks for a specific protein produced by your body. High levels could indicate a health issue that needs further investigation. It's often used to monitor general wellness and is part of routine health screening.

An annual wellness visit is a yearly appointment with your doctor to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This plan helps prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors. It's an opportunity to discuss your health status and goals and get a plan tailored for you.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that records your heart's electrical activity. Using 12 leads attached to your body, it captures data to help identify heart conditions. A doctor interprets the results and provides a report.

Rheumatoid factor analysis is a blood test utilized to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation. It detects the presence of rheumatoid factor, an antibody often found in those with the condition.

Impacted ear wax removal by washing, also known as ear irrigation, involves using a pressurized flow of water to break up and dislodge the ear wax. This safe procedure helps restore normal hearing and relieve discomfort caused by the blockage.

Transitional care management services focus on coordinating and managing your care after you leave the hospital. For moderate complexity problems, this involves managing your medications, arranging further treatments, and ensuring you have the necessary follow-ups.