What is HIPAA?

 

Most likely if you have been to the doctor’s office recently you have heard of a term called HIPAA.  You many have even signed documentation in regards to HIPAA. What is HIPAA and how does it help you as a patient? HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  The main goal of HIPAA is to make it easier for people to keep health insurance, protect the confidentiality and security of healthcare information and help the healthcare industry control administrative costs.

How can your physician’s office help keep your health information safe and private?   Have you noticed that in most doctors’ offices, patients are only called back to exam rooms by their first name.  This is to help with patient privacy.  When using an electronic medical records program, safety measures are put in place as far as who can access your medical records.  EMR systems are encrypted at high levels to ensure that they cannot be tampered with.  Strict measures are also taken when communicating with patients over the phone, to ensure that we are speaking directly with the patient to prevent your private information from being given to anyone else.  We value our patient's privacy.

What is Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?

Phototherapy in layman terms means treatment with light. It is a type of treatment that has been used for many years to treat chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. Narrowband UVB (311-312 nm) light is the most common type of phototherapy.  This wavelength of light is the most beneficial portion of natural sunlight.  You might be thinking, why not just go into direct sunlight?  The problem with going out into direct sunlight is that even though you will be getting UVB light, you will also be getting UVA rays that cause skin cancers and aging of the skin.  Phototherapy works to decrease itching that is common in psoriasis and eczema patients.  It also helps decrease inflammation and increases the body’s natural Vitamin D production.  In vitiligo patients, phototherapy helps to stimulate melanocytes.  Treatments are generally done two to three times a week until you reach a maintenance dosage.  These treatments are safe for children and pregnant women. Topical prescription medications can also be used while doing these treatments.

Aileen’s Journey to Clearer and Healthier Skin- Update #1

    If you did not see the original post, Aileen has struggled with acne for many years and has recently started a new regimen of products, topical medications, and chemical peels. We will be following her journey over the following months to document her progress.

    Original post can be found at:

 https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7955753548351885840#editor/target=post;postID=131548528439691635;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=6;src=postname

Aileen’s current regimen includes:

·         LHA Cleanser by SkinCeuticals

·         LHA Solution (toner) by SkinCeuticals

·         Ultrasheer moisturizer by SkinMedica

·         Vitamin C&E Complex by SkinMedica

·         TNS Recovery Complex by SkinMedica

·         Retinol 0.5% by SkinMedica

·         Theraderm SPF 43 Sunscreen by Therapon

·         Topical prescription acne medications

Aileen has also had 1 Vitalize chemical peel performed by Florida Skin Centers Aesthetician, Shanah.

    Chemical Peels help to exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover. This is turn helps with acne as this helps pores to remain clear and unblocked. It will also help to decrease appearance of scarring, even out skin tone, smooth fine line and wrinkles.

 You will notice that even after just 2 month of changing Aileen’s daily regimen and 1 chemical peel, she has experienced significant improvements.

                      Before treatment                After 2 months of products and 1
                                                                   Vitalize Chemical Peel

                         Before treatment                After 2 months of products and 1
                                                                   Vitalize Chemical Peel

                      Before treatment                After 2 months of products and 1
                                                                   Vitalize Chemical Peel

Check back next month to follow Aileen's progress!

A Plant to Minimize Bruising

Arnica Montana is a yellow plant endemic to central Europe. It has been used for centuries to treat bruising and swelling.  Arnica comes in topical and oral forms and is often used after procedures to minimize bruising and inflammation. It can also be taken a week prior to Botox, Restylane or Laser treatments to minimize bruising after the procedure. Most arnica supplements can be found at vitamin and natural food stores.