Hypertension

As family physicians, we are familiar and experienced with all aspects of hypertension.

• We actively screen and promote strategies for the early detection of hypertension and the prevention of its complications.   

• Through extended visits and continuity of care, we obtain relevant history, exam findings, laboratory studies, and cardiovascular tests to understand all aspects of your diagnosis.   

• We explore the social and psychological determinants of hypertension for our patients. 

• Through evidence-based counseling and shared decision making, we make a personalized treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle and medication management.

• We offer in-office EKG for the evaluation of acute cardiac concerns, monitoring of complications of chronic heart disease, and for pre-operative exams.

• We collaborate with cardiologists, sleep specialists, nephrologists, and other specialists as needed, to ensure the fullest understanding of your hypertension.   

• For convenience and cost-savings, we prescribe and dispense several common blood pressure medications on-site.  

Diabetes

As family physicians, we are familiar and have experience with the chronic management of diabetes.

• Diabetes care is enhanced in context of direct primary care with a personal and direct doctor-patient relationship.

• We believe that family care provides a unique opportunity to identify and intervene early for those at-risk  for diabetes, including individuals with pre-diabetes, obesity, inactivity, history of gestational diabetes, polycystic disease (PCOS), and a family history of diabetes.

• The development of a relationship of trust provides groundwork for individualized counseling on lifestyle and pharmacotherapy. 

• Our model of enhanced access to care allows for prompt assessment of new or worsening symptoms of concern.

• Continuity of care with extended visits affords the opportunity to deliver preventive strategies for complications of diabetes including cardiovascular events, kidney disease, retinal damage, neuropathy, and ulcers.  

• We are dedicated to advocacy for our patients to help individuals overcome the obstacles inherent in the current health care system, where specialty or hospital care is needed.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that can develop due to genetics or environmental factors. Some children develop asthma following a severe respiratory infection, often experienced early in life. COPD is often caused by exposure to smoking, and our office works diligently to improve quality of life through lifestyle and medical management for all of our patients.

Many people have asthma or COPD symptoms that are triggered by exposure to specific allergens or chemical irritants. These include:

• Stress

• Exercise

• Pollen

• Certain foods

• Illness or infection

• Smoke or smoking

Asthma and COPD sufferers can also be extra sensitive to changes in the weather, especially cold days, smokiness, and heavy pollution. 

At Santa Cruz Direct Primary Care, we are able to manage and diagnose asthma and COPD with the help of in-office spirometry that measures lung volumes and airflow to get a better understanding of the extent of asthma or COPD involvement for patients. We will also coordinate and assist with referral to specialty care if needed to ensure your asthma or COPD is well managed. 

We may prescribe oral or inhaled medications to help you overcome major attacks. Nebulizer treatments are available for in-office acute management of flares with asthma or COPD. We will teach you how to use these medications and under what kind of circumstances. The goal of asthma and COPD treatment is to allow you to do all the activities you desire while experiencing very few exacerbations of asthma or COPD.