HECTOR R MENA MD
NPI 1801817572
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Baton Rouge, LA

This injection contains two medications, betamethasone acetate and betamethasone sodium phosphate. It is used to reduce inflammation and pain. It's given by a healthcare professional, often directly into the area causing discomfort.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

A screening test for autoimmune disorders is a medical check-up that helps identify if your body's immune system is attacking its own cells. It involves a simple blood draw and analyzes various markers to detect potential issues. This test aids in early detection and effective treatment.

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.

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 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.

This procedure involves inserting a thin needle into a small joint to remove (aspirate) or inject fluid. It can help diagnose conditions, relieve discomfort, or administer medication directly into the joint. It's generally safe with minimal discomfort.

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.

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.