EXCEL WELLNESS DIRECT PROGRAM
“Early Detection Saves Lives”
The Importance of Annual Wellness Exams
Most people live day to day and usually don’t think about the big picture when it comes to their own health. If it isn’t broken, why fix it … right? WRONG! Your health is your most valuable asset. Visiting your doctor annually and getting a routine wellness exam is extremely important for maintaining that healthy body of yours. Our physicians can discuss potential illnesses or health concerns before they become serious and can also offer you healthy lifestyle tips. Wellness exams can also provide the assurance that you are healthy and doing well.
Even though health care officials stress the importance of wellness exams, some people are still unfamiliar with what is involved, so we want to present the facts.
Our Wellness Direct Program is not just a screening or fitness program, but a comprehensive medical assessment. Using high-tech multi-modality diagnostic imaging and laboratory services for the early detection of underlying medical conditions, your Wellness Direct physician is able to uncover problems that other physicians could not. Referrals are made as needed to a panel of board certified specialists for the maintenance and treatment of any detected medical conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the three leading causes of death are cancer, heart disease and stroke. Through early detection, most of these causes can be prevented or cured.
If you are over age 40, have a family history of any of the following criteria, or are personally experiencing any of them, you should consider participating in our Wellness Direct Program.
• Change in weight and/or appetite
• Cancer
• Fatigue
• Fever and/or night sweats
• Rash, Moles, Unexplained itching
• Lumps
• Headaches and/or blacking out
• Numbness and/or tremors
• Diabetes
• Excessive Overweight
• Smoking
• Anemia, bruising and/or bleeding
• Flushing
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Change in sleep and/or memory
• Urinary problems
• Abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation
• Bowel Obstruction •Kidney Disease •Heart disease/stroke
• High cholesterol
• Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath,
• High/low blood pressure
• Lung Disease
• Cough, sputum, wheezing, asthma
• Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis,
Osteoporosis, Spinal Disorders and/or
sever limb trauma •Work/Live in a high stress environment •Existing chronic conditions
Before the Exam
• Bring a list of any medications you take regularly with dosages. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Outline any drug or food allergies.
• Expect to update any family history that is new or pertains to your health. Be prepared to discuss the following:
◊ Exercise habits
◊ Diet and nutrition
◊ Lifestyle habits, including smoking, drug and alcohol use, hobbies
◊ Occupation
◊ Past/Present Residency Information including places you have visited
◊ Recent Vaccination history (vaccinations received within one year from date of assessment)
During the Exam
During an annual wellness exam, our physician may request certain blood and diagnostic tests to help better assess your health status. Lab work will be used to establish a baseline of your kidney and liver function, plus cholesterol and blood sugar levels. There are also lab tests available to determine your vitamin and mineral levels as well as the
hormonal levels in women and men. Specific lab tests for the detection of certain cancers may also be ordered.
Specialty laboratory services are available for the following conditions:
❖ Thyroid Abnormalities
❖ Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis
❖ Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
❖ Weight Abnormalities
❖ HIV/RPR Screenings
LAB TESTS:
A panel of 14 blood tests which serves as an initial broad screening tool to assess your liver function, kidney function, sugar level, electrolyte and protein in your blood.
Evaluates the three major types of cells in the blood; red blood cells, white blood, cells, and platelets.
Measures lipid-fats and fatty substances used as a source of energy in your body. This test determines the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Those with high cholesterol are at risk for heart disease. Cholesterol levels are managed by eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats along with medication.
Measures several different components of urine such as electrolytes, enzymes glucose, glycohemoglobin, hormones, minerals, and proteins.
Used is early detection of prostate cancer. (FOR MEN ONLY)
Used in detecting ovarian cancer. (FOR WOMEN ONLY)
Evaluates antinuclear antibodies (ANA). A test for antibodies (ANA) is common in people who are suspected of having an autoimmune or connective tissue disorder.
Used to help evaluate thyroid gland function and to help diagnose thyroid disorders.
Low levels of vitamin D can contribute to increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, impaired cognition in older adults, asthma and cancer. Adequate levels are very important for healthy bones.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING TESTS:
Considered the “Gold Standard” for early detection and prevention of cancer and cancer related diseases. PET/ CT is highly recommended to individuals with that concern in mind. See the Cancer Panel attachment for more information.
Measures the heart’s ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical
environment and provides invaluable information to guard against heart attack.
T Coronary CTA-Used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body to identify
Used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body to identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta, both in the chest and abdomen, or in other major blood vessels. It is also used to detect narrowing in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.
Evaluates blockages to blood flow (such as clots) narrowing of vessels (which may be
caused by plaque) or tumours and congenital malformation.
Multifaceted test to look at the veins. This exam is performed to evaluate varicose veins for blood clots. Also used to diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The most serious complication of DVT is that the clot could dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Severe cases of PE can
lead to collapse, abnormally low blood pressure, and sudden death.)
Performed to view the heart, airway and blood vessels for any abnormalities.
Measures and records electrical activity of the heart in exquisite detail.
Interpretation may suggest a wide range of heart conditions which can vary from minor to life threatening.
Often used to diagnose osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone
loss. It can also assess an individual’s risk for developing fractures.
Helps identify people whose weight increases and their risk for several conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Detects tumors, cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the bone from a tumor that started in a different organ, such as the breast or prostate, fractures, infections and some abnormalities related to leukemia and lymphoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most major insurance plans do not provide coverage for prevention and wellness because physicians can only order diagnostic tests if you are experiencing symptoms.
Some supplemental plans, such as Aflac or other individual indemnity policies may have specific coverage or reimbursement clauses.
We can provide you with a detailed receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company, and you may be reimbursed. If covered, many plans will apply the evaluation costs towards your deductible.
The goal of the Wellness Direct Program is to identify individuals with significant disease through the use of all available technology before a problem occurs. In all cases, we appreciate and expect payment in full for our services at the time they are rendered, and in return, we pledge to provide you with exceptional attention and medical care as we place you on a life-long path of health and wellness.
There is a fee for the initial consultation and is due at the time of the appointment. Additional pricing is based upon the diagnostic imaging and laboratory services established for each panel. Our Wellness Direct Program offers several different
panels:
► Cancer Panel
► Heart Disease/Stroke Panel
► Bone/Rheumatic Panel
► Comprehensive Health Panel
► Diabetes Panel
Please contact one of our Wellness Care Coordinators for further information.
After your initial assessment with our medical staff has been completed, a comprehensive plan for your wellness will be compiled and you will be referred to our financial consultant to discuss payment options.
Insurance does not cover these services, therefore we require pre-payment or payment arrangements to be established. Some of the available payment options are:
- Payment Plans – can be made by cash, check or VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
- Care Credit – a health care account with six months of free credit
- HSA (Health Savings Account) – allows you to pay for qualified medical expenses tax free and include many additional features.
- More detailed information will be provided to you during your consultation with our
financial consultant.
All consultations, evaluations, diagnostic and laboratory testing are done at our facility located in Southwest Houston at:
Excel Diagnostics and Nuclear Oncology Center 9701 Richmond Avenue, Suite 122
Houston, TX 77042
Usually, all examination and testing is conducted within one day. However, some tests might be performed on the multiple days depending on the tests protocol and guidelines. Results are given at the follow up consultation verbally and on your complimentary
USB Flash Drive.