KATHERINE FREEMAN FNP-C
NPI 1346655834
Nurse Practitioner - Family in Myrtle Beach, SC

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.

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.

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.

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.

An annual depression screening is a short, routine evaluation to check for signs of depression. It involves answering a series of questions about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The process takes about 15 minutes and helps detect depression early for better management.

A urinalysis is a simple, non-invasive test that checks the urine for various elements such as sugar, protein, and signs of infection. It can help detect many common conditions, including kidney disease and diabetes. The manual test involves a lab technician examining a urine sample.

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, inactivated, is a shot given to protect against the flu. It contains killed virus particles that help your body build immunity to the flu. It's recommended annually to keep your protection up-to-date. It's safe for ages 6 months and up.

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 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 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.

This test uses a method called immunoassay to identify severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and influenza. It works by detecting specific proteins (antigens) in a sample, like a nasal swab. It's a powerful tool in diagnosing these viral infections.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Inhalation treatment, also known as nebulizer therapy, helps clear airway obstructions and reduce sputum production. It involves breathing in medication through a device, turning it into a mist. This can open up the airways, making breathing easier and helping to cough out mucus.

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 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.

Impacted ear wax removal is a safe procedure to clear blockages in the ear canal caused by hardened ear wax. A healthcare professional uses specialized tools or a gentle irrigation method to loosen and remove the wax, improving hearing and alleviating discomfort.

Albuterol and ipratropium bromide are medications used to help you breathe more easily. They work by relaxing your airways and increasing airflow to your lungs. These FDA-approved drugs are administered through a device called DME (Durable Medical Equipment) which ensures accurate dosage.

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.

The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV20) is a shot given to protect against 20 types of bacteria that can cause serious infections like pneumonia and meningitis. It's administered through a muscle, usually in the arm. It's important for overall health.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause severe infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The vaccine is given as an injection, typically in the arm. It's recommended for infants, older adults, and those with certain health conditions.

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.

This is a heart ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram. It uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, showing how blood flows through it. The color depicts the blood flow's speed and direction. It also checks the heart's valves to ensure they're working properly.

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.

This is a service where a doctor or authorized practitioner certifies that you require Medicare-covered home health services. They will communicate with the home health agency and review reports on your health status to ensure you receive appropriate care. This does not involve an in-person visit.

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.

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.

An ultrasound of the head and neck blood flow is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels. It helps detect abnormalities like blockages or clots, ensuring optimal blood flow.

An automated urinalysis test is a routine examination that checks your urine for various substances. It can help identify potential health issues such as kidney problems or diabetes. The test uses a machine to analyze a small urine sample, providing quick and accurate results.

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.

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.

An ultrasound scan of the head and neck soft tissue is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissues in these areas. It helps identify any abnormalities or issues, such as tumors, cysts, or infections. It's painless and doesn't involve radiation.

An immunoassay test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus is a diagnostic tool. It uses your body's immune response to detect the presence of the virus. It involves taking a sample, usually from your nose or throat, which is then analyzed in a lab for signs of the virus.

A stool analysis for blood, or fecal hemoglobin determination by immunoassay, is a test that checks for hidden blood in your stool. This test helps identify potential issues in your digestive system. It involves collecting a small stool sample which is then analyzed in a lab for the presence of blood.

An Initial Preventive Physical Examination, also known as a "Welcome to Medicare" visit, is a one-time, face-to-face visit during your first 12 months of Medicare enrollment. It includes a review of your health, as well as education and counseling about preventive services and further screenings.