RUSSELL B BRANUM MD
NPI 1629065685
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Fort Smith, AR

Rituximab is a medication given via injection. It's used to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The 10 mg dosage refers to the amount of the drug in the injection. It works by targeting and destroying specific cells, helping your body's immune system.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

An X-ray of the hand, 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the bones in your hand. Two different angles are captured to provide a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting your hand.

An X-ray of the foot, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and tissues in your foot. This helps to identify fractures, infections, or other abnormalities. Multiple views ensure a comprehensive examination.

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 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.

A tuberculosis test checks if you've been exposed to TB, a lung disease. It's usually a skin test where a small amount of fluid is injected under your skin. Enumeration of T-cells is a blood test that counts your T-cells, crucial for immune response.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The measurement of single-stranded DNA antibodies is a blood test. It is conducted to detect autoantibodies that might be present in your body, which can indicate certain autoimmune disorders. This test helps in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.

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.

Testing for the presence of drugs involves collecting a sample, usually urine, which is then analyzed for specific substances. The process is monitored directly to ensure accuracy and integrity. This test helps to confirm if drugs are present in your system.

This procedure involves the use of an immunoassay, a highly sensitive technique, to detect and measure substances in your body. It involves multiple steps and is commonly used in diagnosing and monitoring various 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 immunoassay technique is a laboratory method used to detect and measure specific substances in the body. This is done by using antibodies that can recognize and bind to these substances. The results can help in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions.

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.

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.

This procedure involves using ultrasound technology to accurately locate a large joint, usually the knee or shoulder. A needle is then inserted to either extract fluid (aspiration) or inject medication. The ultrasound helps ensure precision and safety.

An X-ray of the knee with 1-2 views is a quick, painless test that produces images of the knee bones. It helps identify fractures, infections, or changes in the knee joint. During the procedure, you'll be asked to stay still while the X-ray machine captures the images.

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.

An X-ray of the shoulder, with a minimum of 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of your shoulder bones. This helps in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The procedure is quick and painless.

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.

This procedure involves introducing a medication or substance directly into your vein using a syringe. It's a quick and efficient way to deliver treatment throughout your body. You might feel a small prick when the needle enters. It's generally safe and effective.

An X-ray of the upper spine with 6 or more views involves capturing multiple images of your neck and upper back. This non-invasive procedure helps doctors visualize the bones and joints, aiding in diagnosing conditions such as arthritis, fractures, or spinal deformities.

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.

An X-ray of the lower and sacral spine involves capturing images of your lower back and tailbone area. It helps in identifying issues like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. At least four different angles or 'views' are taken to get a comprehensive picture.

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.

An X-ray of both hips with 3-4 views is a safe imaging procedure. It involves capturing multiple pictures of your hip joints from different angles. This helps in diagnosing conditions like arthritis or fractures. You'll need to stay still during the process for clear images.

The measurement of complement (immune system proteins) and antigen is a blood test. It helps to assess how your immune system is functioning. Complement proteins play a role in your body's immune response, and antigens trigger this response. This test helps in diagnosing and monitoring certain diseases.

Methylprednisolone acetate is a medication given through an injection. It's a type of corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat various conditions like arthritis, allergies, and skin diseases. This dose is 40 mg.

An X-ray of the middle spine, or thoracic spine, involves capturing two different images of the area. This non-invasive procedure uses small amounts of radiation to visualize the bones and tissues in your back, helping to identify any abnormalities or injuries.

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.