SUNEETHA CHALLAGUNDLA MD
NPI 1285836098
Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology in San Antonio, TX

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.

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.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a medication given via injection. It is a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as allergies, skin conditions, arthritis, and more.

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.

Palonosetron HCL is an injection used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It works by blocking a natural substance (serotonin) in the body that can cause vomiting. This helps improve your comfort during cancer treatment.

Granisetron hydrochloride is an anti-nausea medication given by injection. It helps prevent nausea and vomiting often caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Its dosage is measured in micrograms (mcg).

Gammaglobulin measurement is a blood test that checks the levels of certain proteins (gammaglobulins) that the body uses to fight infections. High or low levels can indicate various health conditions. It's a simple, quick procedure with minimal discomfort.

A Lactate Dehydrogenase level test measures the amount of this enzyme in your body. It's often done when tissue damage is suspected, as high levels can indicate issues like heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, or blood disorders. This test helps in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.

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.

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.

Measurement of immunoglobulin light chains is a blood test that helps to detect and monitor certain disorders related to your immune system. It measures the levels of specific proteins, known as light chains, produced by your immune cells.

Follow-up hospital inpatient care involves daily check-ups while you're admitted in the hospital. Typically, a healthcare provider spends about 25 minutes each day reviewing your condition, adjusting treatment if needed, and answering any questions you might have.

This procedure involves injecting fluids or medication directly into your vein. It's used for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis. An additional sequential infusion may be given within an hour if needed. This helps to ensure the medicine is distributed effectively in your body.

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 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 is a blood test that measures the level of CA 15-3, a protein often higher in individuals with certain types of cancer. It helps monitor response to treatment and check for cancer recurrence. It's not a standalone diagnostic test but used alongside other evaluations.

Pegfilgrastim is a medication given via injection to stimulate the production of white blood cells. It's used to prevent infections after chemotherapy. This specific dose is 0.5 mg, and it's not a biosimilar, meaning it's the original, not a copy.

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.

Reticulated (young) platelet measurement is a blood test that helps determine the number of new platelets your body is producing. It's useful for diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting platelet production, like anemia or chemotherapy effects.

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.

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.

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.

A Folic Acid Level, Serum test measures the amount of folic acid, a type of B vitamin, in your blood. This vitamin is important for cell growth and development. It's crucial for your body to function well. If your levels are low, it may indicate a deficiency, which can lead to health issues.

Zoledronic acid is a medication given via injection to strengthen bones. It's often used in patients with osteoporosis or certain types of cancer. The injection helps reduce the risk of fractures and other bone complications.

A quantitative D-dimer test measures the amount of D-dimer, a protein fragment, in your blood. This test helps detect abnormal blood clotting. D-dimer levels can rise in conditions where clots are forming and breaking down, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. The 50 mg injection is administered into a vein by a healthcare professional. Side effects may occur.

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.

This procedure involves giving anti-cancer drugs, which don't contain hormones, into the muscle or under the skin. These drugs help to stop the growth of cancer cells. The process is usually quick and done by a healthcare professional.

The Beta-2 microglobulin level test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. It's often used to check kidney function or monitor certain cancers. High levels may indicate a health issue. The test involves a simple blood draw.

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 procedure where a medical professional inserts a small tube into your vein to deliver medication, nutrients, or fluids directly into your bloodstream. This can be for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis. The process typically takes less than an hour.

Flow cytometry is a technique used to examine microscopic particles, like cells or DNA. It employs a beam of light to detect and measure physical and chemical characteristics of these particles. The 'first marker' refers to a specific characteristic or feature used to identify a particular cell or particle.

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.

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.

This procedure involves delivering medication, fluids, or nutrients directly into your vein. This is done to treat, prevent, or diagnose various conditions. Each additional hour refers to the extended time you may need to receive these substances for optimal results.

An automated red blood cell count is a laboratory test that counts the number of red blood cells in your blood. This test also includes additional calculations to measure the size, volume, and hemoglobin concentration of these cells. It helps to identify any abnormalities in your blood.

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 drug or substance into your vein, typically via an IV drip. It lasts for an hour or less. This method allows the substance to quickly reach your bloodstream, ensuring rapid and effective treatment.

Initial hospital inpatient care is a service where a healthcare provider spends about 50 minutes per day overseeing your care while you're admitted in the hospital. This includes reviewing your health status, planning your treatment, and ensuring your safety and comfort.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) protein level is a blood test often used in cancer care. It measures the amount of CEA protein in your blood, which can increase in cases of certain types of cancer. It's used to monitor treatment progress and check for cancer recurrence.

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.

Irrigation of an implanted venous access drug delivery device is a procedure to clean or unblock the device. This device is implanted under your skin to allow easy, frequent, and long-term access to your veins for medication delivery. The process involves flushing the device with a sterile solution to ensure it works properly.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a type of cancer treatment. It uses advanced technology to manipulate photon beams of radiation to conform to the shape of a tumor. IMRT allows for the radiation dose to conform more precisely to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor by modulating—or controlling—the intensity of the radiation beam. This can result in better tumor control and less harm to healthy tissue.

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.

An infusion into a vein is a method of delivering medication, nutrients, or fluids directly into your bloodstream. If it's concurrent with another infusion, it means two different solutions are given at the same time. This can be for treatment, prevention, or diagnostic purposes.

This procedure involves using high-energy radiation to target and treat disease. It covers 3 or more distinct areas, using custom blocks to protect healthy tissue. Tangential ports, wedges, and rotational beams help direct the radiation. An electron beam of 11-19 million electron volts (mev) is used for deep-seated conditions.

CA 19-9 is a type of protein found on the surface of some cancer cells. An immunologic analysis is a lab test that measures the level of CA 19-9 in your blood. High levels may suggest the presence of certain types of cancer, but further testing is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

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.

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.

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.

An infusion of normal saline solution, 1000 cc, is a common medical procedure. It involves introducing a saltwater solution into your bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) line. This helps to hydrate your body, correct electrolyte imbalances, and deliver medications if needed.

A stool analysis for blood is a non-invasive procedure used to check for the presence of hidden blood in your stool. This can be an early sign of colon tumors. The test involves collecting a small sample of stool at home and sending it to a lab for analysis.

This service involves an initial office or outpatient visit for a new patient. The healthcare professional will spend 30-44 minutes understanding your health history, current issues, and discussing possible treatment plans. It's a comprehensive evaluation to start your healthcare journey.

Unclassified drugs are medications that don't fit into an existing category or class due to their unique properties or uses. They may be used for various conditions and their effects may differ widely. Always ask your healthcare provider for more information about these drugs.

Fluorodeoxyglucose F-18 FDG is a radioactive drug used in PET scans. It helps doctors see how your tissues and organs are functioning. The drug is given in a specific dose, up to 45 millicuries, depending on your body size and the type of scan.

An infusion of a normal saline solution is a common medical procedure. Sterile saline (salt water) is administered into your bloodstream via a drip. This helps to maintain fluid balance in your body, especially when you're unable to drink enough liquids.

This procedure involves injecting a new medication or substance directly into your vein using a method called the 'push' technique. It's a quick way to deliver medication into your bloodstream for fast-acting relief or treatment.

An on-body injector is a device used to deliver medication under the skin. It's applied to a clean area of skin, usually the abdomen or back of the arm. The device is activated to inject the medication slowly, ensuring a steady absorption. It's a painless, safe, and effective way to administer certain types of medication.

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.

Drawing blood is a simple procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein, usually in your arm, to collect a small sample. This sample helps in diagnosing any medical issues you may have. You might feel a small prick, but overall, it's a quick and safe process.

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day typically involves a 35-minute check-up by your healthcare provider. This service includes monitoring your health progress, adjusting your treatment plan if needed, and answering any questions you may have about your condition or care.

A Nuclear Medicine Study with a CT Scan is a diagnostic procedure. It uses a small amount of radioactive substance and a CT scan to create detailed images of your body. These images help doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat various conditions.

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection is a medication given to treat various conditions like allergies, skin conditions, arthritis, or breathing disorders. It works by reducing inflammation and the body's immune response. The dose, up to 100 mg, depends on your condition.

A nuclear medicine study from skull base to mid-thigh with a CT scan involves using a small amount of radioactive material and CT imaging to examine body tissues and organs. This helps detect any abnormalities by providing detailed images of the body's internal structure.