Direct primary care, or DPC, is a membership-based model that lets physicians spend more time with each patient instead of rushing through short, volume-driven visits. For adults managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, that extra time often makes the biggest difference: your physician can dig into the details of your health history, coordinate with specialists, and follow up closely rather than treating each visit as an isolated event. An internal medicine direct primary care practice focuses entirely on adult and geriatric health, allowing for deeper expertise in the conditions adults face most often, from preventive screenings to the ongoing management of multiple chronic illnesses. How Direct Primary Care Works Instead of billing insurance for ... Continue Reading
Pap Smear
Pap Smear and Primary Care: Essential Cervical Cancer Screening for Women’s Health Preventive Women’s Health Care at Norvinia Health Regular preventive care is one of the most important steps women can take to protect their long-term health. A key part of preventive care is cervical cancer screening, commonly known as a Pap smear (Pap test). This simple screening test can detect abnormal cervical cells early, allowing treatment before cancer develops. At Norvinia Health, Dr. Mamta Ojha provides comprehensive primary care focused on prevention, early detection, and personalized healthcare. Our approach includes helping women stay up to date with recommended screenings, including Pap smears, HPV testing, and other important preventive health services. What Is a Pap Smear? A Pap smear ... Continue Reading
Can a UTI Cause Memory Issues or Dementia Symptoms?
As younger adults, when we think of a urinary tract infection, we might think of minor discomfort or having to go more frequently. But in older adults, UTIs can cause serious problems, including kidney failure. The medical community has also found a surprising link between UTIs and sudden memory loss in seniors. It’s something the primary care and geriatric care communities are taking very seriously. Urinary tract infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in older adults, so it’s essential to communicate with patients and caregivers to improve diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that confusion and memory loss related to a UTI don’t mean permanent dementia. Prompt attention can bring fast relief and improved quality of life. Why Do UTIs Affect The Brain In Older ... Continue Reading
Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine? What You Need to Know
If you’re over 50 and haven’t experienced shingles, consider yourself lucky. For many of our patients, it’s one of the most uncomfortable experiences they’ve encountered, with an unbearably itchy rash and potential lingering nerve pain. Aside from the pain, one of the reasons so many patients dread shingles is that it’s unpredictable and can interfere with your daily life in significant and disruptive ways. Fortunately, we now have a safe and effective vaccine to prevent shingles; however, many patients aren’t yet aware of its benefits. What Is Shingles? Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox (varicella) virus in your body. Many of us had chickenpox as kids before the development of varicella vaccines. However, you may not be aware that the virus remains ... Continue Reading
Bites and Rashes: What’s Normal—and When to Call the Doctor
It’s summer in Virginia, so bring on the humidity–and the bugs. Mosquitoes are ubiquitous, and ticks seem to be more prevalent than usual. Poison ivy and its itchy siblings are everywhere, and sometimes, we start itching for no good reason. Bug bites and rashes come with the season and are sometimes the price we pay for having fun. However, there are steps we can take to prevent them. It’s also good to know what’s typical when it comes to the bumps and rashes of summer and when it’s a good idea to see a doctor. What Are The Most Common Summer Skin Issues? Despite our best efforts with insect repellent and citronella candles, it’s hard to get through the summer without a mosquito bite or two. They’re usually harmless but can become infected if scratched. We should also be aware of ... Continue Reading
How Do I Know If I Have Gout?
When we think about gout, we might think about Henry VIII with his loaded table and lavish lifestyle. For centuries, gout was considered a status symbol since it meant you could afford rich foods. Today, gout is decidedly undesirable and unpleasant. While it’s true that gout is related to your diet, it’s also a form of arthritis. Let’s look at the symptoms and causes of gout and how we can prevent flare-ups. What Is Gout? Gout is a type of arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. The buildup leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Your big toe is usually the canary in the coal mine, the most likely location for gout to start, but it can affect other joints, too. People get gout in their ankles, knees, elbows and wrists. We ... Continue Reading