UT Health San Antonio, along with University Health, is leading the way in the new Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trial. Minority participation is key in order to ensure a diverse representation in the trial. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that Hispanics and non-Hispanic Black individuals have significantly higher odds of catching coronavirus. Those groups have almost five…
For the fifth consecutive year, UT Health Physicians has been nationally recognized for our dedication to providing excellent primary care. All six of our primary care locations have been awarded the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The patient-centered medical home model is considered the best model of primary care because it…, Committed to a higher standard of care, UT Health Physicians is committed to a higher standard of care, said Jessica Blower, M.D., UT Health Westover Hills medical director. “From caring for our patients’ sudden illnesses and injuries to managing their lifelong medical needs, we consider all aspects that could potentially impact their health, including lifestyle, medical history, social barriers, transportation barriers, financial…, Complete care coordination, A key component of the patient-centered medical home model is care coordination, which ensures that primary and specialty care clinicians effectively share information and manage patient referrals to minimize cost, confusion, and inappropriate care. “We are leaders in care coordination because, beyond our primary care offices, we are connected to a wealth of medical specialists,” said Kaparaboyna…, Persistence through a pandemic, UT Health staff member conducts temperature check on a visitor A UT Health staff member conducts visitor temperature checks. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to patient care in 2020, so the team at UT Health Physicians streamlined services to continue to provide a high level of care, Dr. Cancino said. “To maintain our patient-centered medical home status during this pandemic,…
Sexual function is an important aspect of men’s health. Although often less discussed than other medical issues, erectile dysfunction is extremely common and can negatively impact intimate relationships and a man’s psychological health. Alexander Rozanski, MD , a urologist at UT Health San Antonio, is helping to educate men about the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and provide them with modern,…, Symptoms and risk factors of erectile dysfunction, Erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It affects approximately one in five American men 20 years or older and more than half of men over the age of 40. ED can negatively impact one’s quality of life and is often associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, low…, Modern treatment options for erectile dysfunction, Treatment options for ED include oral medications, injections, penile implants, vacuum erection devices and urethral suppositories. The side effects, success rates and satisfaction rates vary with each of these treatments. “ED is an exceedingly common problem, and, fortunately, we now have a number of treatment options available to help men who experience this condition,” Dr. Rozanski said. “One…, Appointments and education, Men who are experiencing the negative effects of erectile dysfunction are encouraged to speak with a doctor. There are many effective treatment options available including medications, devices and surgery. New patient appointments are available at UT Health Physicians. Call now to make an appointment (210-450-9600). Learn more about erectile dysfunction here . To watch a Men's Health Discussion…
Dr. Robert Leverence, chief medical officer of UT Health Physicians, discusses how Bexar County is taking safety measures during the current COVID-19 surge. “Our goal is to stop the need for a potential field hospital, and a lot of measures are being taken. For instance, we’re creating more bed capacity in hospitals by no longer doing elective surgeries,” Dr. Leverence said. Meanwhile, field…
The quality of social interactions in the life of someone who battles mental illness can vastly affect their state of wellbeing. Dr. David Roberts , director of UT Health San Antonio Transitional Care Clinic , shared some key signs to look out for, tips on how to start a conversation and the importance of creating a well-being response plan when helping someone who battles mental illness. , Someone may be at risk of suicide if:, They are experiencing depression. Have a history of attempting suicide Had people in their lives that have attempted or committed suicide Use drugs or alcohol at a higher risk than they normally do They are prone to impulsive behavior and are experiencing any recent loss or disappointment A person at risk of suicide could also make statements about not seeing a future for themselves. Such as, "I…, Start the conversation:, “Say something like, ‘last week I heard you say, my life is useless’. Using that concrete example is helpful and shows them you're paying attention,” said Dr. Roberts. “One of the most important things we can do is be comfortable bringing up the question of suicide. People thinking about suicide, often feel ashamed, alone, alienated and like they can't talk with other people about it.” “One thing…, Create a Response Plan:, “Research shows friends and family members can be helpful by creating a suicide safety plan. We’ve actually started thinking about it as a form of mental health first aid. In the same way that you don’t have to be a doctor to do CPR, you don’t have to be a doctor to do first aid for someone feeling suicidal,” explained Dr. Roberts. He suggests making a crisis response plan. It’s a list that shows…, Make an appointment, If you would like to make an appointment, call 210-450-6450, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Counselors are available 24 hours a day in both English and Spanish via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 .
Urinary incontinence, also known as bladder leakage, can have a significant negative impact on all aspects of a man’s life, ranging from mental health to social and physical functioning. That’s why Alexander Rozanski, MD, a urologist at UT Health San Antonio, is working to help men understand their treatment options and take action to restore normalcy and renew confidence., , Why it happens and who it affects, Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI), also known as bladder leakage, affects as many as 50% of men immediately following surgery for prostate cancer. Most improve within the initial weeks or months, but between 9%-16% of men will have persistent SUI one year after surgery. SUI can also be a result of neurologic disorders, enlarged prostate surgery, pelvic radiation therapy or pelvic trauma. “…, , Treatment options, The urologists at UT Health Physicians are extensively trained in treating male urinary incontinence. The treatment each patient receives is tailored to address their unique symptoms, concerns and goals. “We are diligent about scheduling patients quickly so that we can perform their evaluation and determine the best treatment options for helping them return to their normal lifestyle as soon as…, Call 210-450-9600 to make an appointment. ,
UT Health Physicians would like to wish you happy holidays. Thank you for continuing to trust us with all your health care needs. In observance of the holidays, we will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 24 through Tuesday, Dec. 29. We will still be here to answer your calls to 210-450-9000 .
Dr. Robert Leverence, chief medical officer at UT Health San Antonio, discussed the latest on COVID-19 vaccine news including the timetable for the vaccine, how the vaccine will be distributed, the types of side effects the vaccine may have and when the vaccine could be made available for the community. , Watch the video, UT Health San Antonio is partnering with the state of Texas and the CDC to receive and administer COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine is currently not available to the general public. We are following priority grouping for vaccine administration recommended by the CDC and the State. When the vaccine becomes available for UT Health patients, notices will be sent by MyChart with additional communication…
Parenting is always challenging, but parenting in a pandemic is on a completely different level. Dr. Theresa Barton, a pediatric infectious disease doctor with UT Health San Antonio, and her colleagues discuss key questions during a virtual live stream with KSAT news. Find answers to topics such as: When should young children be tested for coronavirus? How can you make remote learning as…, Watch the livestream with KSAT here.
Bamlanivimab is not easy to pronounce, but it’s a new therapy that helps prevent dangerous outcomes and hospitalizations for high-risk patients with COVID-19. And it has finally arrived in Texas. Jan Patterson, MD, said that "patients who are treated early could potentially be kept out of the hospital, especially the high-risk patients with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and immuno-…