KIMBERLY K HELLER MD
NPI 1629068697
Family Medicine in San Antonio, TX

Glutamyltransferase (GGT) level is a blood test that helps check your liver's health. High GGT levels may indicate liver disease or damage. The test involves a simple blood draw and results help your doctor understand your liver's condition better.

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 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 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 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.

An annual alcohol misuse screening is a 15-minute check-up to assess your drinking habits. It helps identify if you're consuming alcohol in a way that could harm your health. This is not a judgment, but a tool to promote your wellbeing.

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.

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 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 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.

A basic group blood test measures the levels of certain chemicals in your blood, including calcium. This helps assess your overall health and detect potential problems. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood from your arm, which is then analyzed in a lab.

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 procedure involves a detailed evaluation of your health to identify potential risks. It includes analyzing your medical history, lifestyle habits, and family health history. The results are interpreted to provide a personalized plan to improve your health and prevent future issues.

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 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 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.

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.

Urine microalbumin analysis is a test that measures the amount of a protein called albumin in your urine. This protein is usually present in very small amounts, but higher levels can indicate kidney issues. The test is non-invasive and involves a simple urine sample.

A telephone medical discussion with a physician is a brief, 5-10 minute call where you can discuss your health concerns. It's a convenient way to receive medical advice without needing to visit a clinic. It's important to prepare questions in advance to make the most of this time.

A DXA bone density measurement is a non-invasive scan that helps assess the strength of your bones, specifically in the hip, pelvis, and spine areas. It can detect early signs of osteoporosis and evaluate fracture risk. This test uses low-dose X-rays for accurate results.

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.

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.

Advance care planning is a process where you discuss your healthcare preferences with your doctor. This conversation, lasting up to 30 minutes, helps ensure your wishes are respected if you're unable to communicate them in the future. It's about your care, your way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A detection test by immunoassay for Group A Strep is a quick procedure to identify a bacterial infection in your throat. It involves taking a throat swab and applying it to a test strip, which changes color if Strep bacteria are present.

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.

An ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your arteries. It helps in checking blood flow, identifying blockages, or detecting other abnormalities in your arteries.

This is a service where you have a phone conversation with your doctor for 11-20 minutes. It's used for discussing health concerns, reviewing test results, or managing ongoing conditions. It's a convenient way to receive medical advice without an in-person visit.