Thyroid ultrasound exams

are simple and painless. It uses harmless sound wave technology (no radiation exposure) to generate images of the thyroid and surrounding structures. During the ultrasound, the patient lies flat with the neck slightly extended. Gel is placed to enable the sound waves to travel from the ultrasound probe through the skin to create real-time images. Information gathered during the ultrasound procedure includes the size of the thyroid, detection of any inflammation in the thyroid, and the blood-flow through the thyroid. Thyroid nodules and cysts are measured and detailed descriptions of their characteristics are recorded. For thyroid cancer patients, we perform a review of the surrounding lymph nodes to help determine if the cancer has spread to these lymph nodes. Ultrasound follow-up has replaced nuclear medicine imaging for thyroid cancer recurrence.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

is used to evaluate thyroid nodules and neck lymph nodes. A fine needle is inserted, under ultrasound guidance, into the targeted nodule and a small sample of cells is obtained. Ultrasound guidance allows visualization of the needle tip to assure that the specimen is obtained from the targeted nodule. The needle used for fine needle aspiration is much thinner that that used for routine blood draws. Therefore, local anesthesia is not routinely required for the majority of biopsies. FNA does not require any special preparation (no fasting) or restrictions (can immediately return to their normal activities) after the procedure and typically has no ill effects.

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

is a system which includes a tiny sensor inserted under the skin by our clinic nurse to measure interstitial sugar levels for a 72 hour period. The iPro Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) provides clinical insights, not revealed with A1C or fingersticks alone, which help your Endocrinologist uncover problems and make important therapy adjustments.

Insulin pump therapy

also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), is a method for providing insulin to people with diabetes without the need for multiple daily injections (MDI). Insulin pump therapy allows greater freedom, flexibility, and control. Insulin is delivered continuously 24 hours a day through a small needle or cannula inserted into your subcutaneous tissue. Like your pancreas, the insulin pump releases small amounts of rapid-acting insulin to keep blood glucose levels steady between meals and during sleep. This is called the basal rate. Then, at meal or snack time, you can tell the pump to deliver the amount of insulin needed to match the grams of carbohydrate in the food that is eaten, just like a healthy pancreas. This is called a bolus.

Nerve conduction

studies are very helpful to diagnose certain diseases of the nerves of the body. During the testing, sensors and electrodes are applied to the skin. A low level of electrical current is applied to help stimulate the nerves. The response of the nerves is then recorded and evaluated. This helps to distinguish nerve dysfunction due to compression (carpal tunnel, disc disease) from metabolic causes such as diabetes.

Medical social workers

have a graduate degree in the field, and work with patients and their families in need of psychosocial help. Medical social workers assess the psychosocial functioning of patients and families and intervene as necessary. Interventions may include connecting patients and families to necessary resources and supports in the community; providing psychotherapy, supportive counseling or helping a patient to expand and strengthen their network of social supports. Medical social workers typically work on an interdisciplinary team with professionals of other disciplines (such as medicine, nursing, physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy, etc.).