One Stop Medical Center Provides Online Registration

Posted on by

When patients seek the office procedures, they often face frustration related to lengthy check-in processes involving necessary but substantial paperwork. To ease this burden, One Stop Medical Center recently unveiled an online registrationforms in its website, that allows patients to conveniently prepare for their visits and office procedures in advance, using either their computers or their mobile devices.

There are many advantages to use the secure online registration. By using the online registration, the patients are required to review all information before they sign off. Therefore, the patients are completely informed after online registration. It will save time on the day of consultation and/or procedures. By registering in the privacy of patients ‘own homes or offices, the patients will not be distracted by other activity within doctor’s office on the day of visit. The patients are able to give more accurate information because they may also have access to medical information (prior surgeries, medications, names of doctors) that they may not recall on the day of visit. Moreover, Doctors are able to review patients’ history and to call them if there are any medical or social concerns before their office visits.

When a patient registers online for an office procedure, we can expedite their visit to make it much more convenient and easy. In fact, once they arrive, it’s basically just a matter of verifying who they are in order to see the physician, since we already have most of the information needed in our system.

What Patients are Saying

Posted on by

We hear compliments from our patients every day. These are some things that our patients in Minneapolis and St Paul areas have said.

  • “Wow, this is not what I expected. Such a nice office and procedure room”.
  • “Beautiful facility! Warm and welcoming environment.”
  • “I am impressed by your websites. They are so informative.”
  • “Excellent website! Very informative and it answered all of my questions.”
  • “I haven’t seen any clinic in Minnesota to be so transparent in prices.”
  • “No hidden fees! The prices from the website were accurate and affordable.”
  • “Your procedure clinic is truly low cost and high quality, it is amazing.”
  • “I am impressed by the many cutting edge technologies in the clinic.”
  • “Dr. Shu and his staff are extremely courteous and friendly!”
  • “Scheduling appointments is easy! They work around my schedule and are very flexible.”
  • “The front desk is always happy, friendly, and approachable.”
  • “Your whole system is so patient friendly, convenient and efficient.”
  • “Dr. Shu is very personable and professional, I felt so welcome.”
  • “Dr. Shu is truly an expert in office procedures.”

Why is Colonoscopy so Important in Minnesota?

Posted on by

According to reports from the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US. 1 in 17 people in Minnesota will develop colorectal cancer. Deaths from colorectal cancer rank third after lung and prostate cancer for men and third after lung and breast cancer for women.

Research shows that regular colon cancer screening saves lives. Colonoscopy is one of the most effective exams for preventing colorectal cancer or for early diagnosis. Researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine last year that the death rate from colorectal cancer was cut by 53 percent in those who had the colonoscopy exam and whose doctors removed precancerous growths, known as adenomatous polyps.

Removing precancerous polyps can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer since colon cancers usually develop from adenomatous polyps. Just like any cancer, the earlier it is found, the easier it is treated.

Although more people in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas have regular colonoscopy screening exams, many qualified people in Minnesota haven’t had any colonoscopy tests yet. One Stop Medical Center offers convenient and affordable colonoscopy in its Edina office. Our patient friendly formula makes bowel preparation much easier.

The Cost of Colonoscopy in Minnesota

Posted on by

People in Minnesota often wonder what the cost of colonoscopy is before they schedule the procedure. With higher health insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, more patients feel a financial burden to have routine medical exams such as colonoscopy, and they are looking for the affordable options.

Traditionally, colonoscopy is performed in a hospital setting. In the past decade, more colonoscopies are performed in an ambulatory setting, which is less expensive than having the procedure done in a hospital setting. The patients usually receive two bills; one for the physician fee and one for the facility fee. The most afforable colonoscopy is usually performed in a clinic, where the physician fee is charged without the facility fee.

One Stop Medical Center provides the affordable routine colonoscopy Edina, MN. We charge the physician fee only (estimated $1100) and we also offer a 20% discount to self-pay patients. We are unable to guarantee the exact dollar amount of your individual procedure. Biopsy and/or polyp removal will increase the cost of colonoscopy.

This price includes the sedation used during colonoscopy, but it does not include the biopsy or polypectomy (polyp removal) or fees from the pathologist (physician who examines biopsied specimen).

Most health insurance plans cover over colonoscopy exams. Because coverage varies, you should check with your insurer to determine your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

What is the Upper Age Limit for Colon cancer screening in Minnesota?

Posted on by

According to colon cancer screening guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), if people older than age 75 who have been getting regular colon cancer screening since age 50 and who have had consistently normal results without polyps (adenomas) or colon cancer can stop getting routine screening, but people in the increased risk level of colon cancer may continue colon cancer screening beyond 75 years old. Other professional organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology do not specify an upper age limit for colonoscopy screening.

Interestedly, there is new research data that suggests very low chance to get colon cancer if the first colonoscopy at 50 is normal. This data indicates the importance of first colonoscopy at 50. I predict that colon cancer screening guidelines may change in the future.

One Stop Medical Center offer colonoscopy in Edina, MN with very affordable price and convenience. The exam time of colonoscopy lasts about 20-30 minutes, the patients are typically in and out in an hour.

At What Age Should We Have a Colonoscopy in Minnesota?

Posted on by

After years public education from the family physicians, health insurance companies, and media exposure, more people in Minnesota know that average risk patients should have their first colonoscopy at 50 year old. Actually, the age at which we should have our first colonoscopy varies according to the level of risk for developing colon cancer. Recommended ages for a colonoscopy are based on risk levels from the national professional organizations. Our risk of colon cancer helps determine when to get a colonoscopy.

You are at average risk if you have no other risk factors besides age. Most people in Minnesota belong to this group. This group of people should have colonoscopy at age 50.

You have an increased risk if you have the immediate family members who have had colon cancer. This group of people should have a colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years earlier than the age of that family member when diagnosed.

You are at high risk if you have a family history of certain colorectal cancer syndromes such as Familial adenomatous polyposis or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis. The recommended age for a colonoscopy for people in this category could be very young, as young as 20s years.

The above recommended ages for a colonoscopy are the general guideline for discussions with your doctor about your particular situation. Each case is different, and there is no set of recommendations right for every individual in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas.

Biological implications After Vasectomy|Minneapolis & St Paul

Posted on by

The patients who had the vasectomy in Minnesota often ask where the sperms go after vasectomy. Here is the explanation for biological implication after vasectomy.

After a vasectomy, the path that sperm travels is interrupted because the vas tube running from testes to the penis is no longer connected. Sperm that is produced is broken down by the body. The epididymis’s membranes absorb the liquid created, while solids substances are further broken down by macrophages and absorbed into the bloodstream. With the increase of stagnant sperm, the membranes of the epididymis increase in size to absorb more liquid. The immune system increases the amount of macrophages to handle an increase of solid waste.

The testes are still very much alive and functioning; a group of cells with the special function, called Leydig cells, continue to produce a class of androgen hormones, including testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which continue to be absorbed into blood. These functional cells in the testes are not affected by vasectomy. Leydig cells are named after the German anatomist Franz Leydig, who discovered them in 1850.

Vasectomies are, for all intents and purposes, permanent. Reversal vasectomy in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas are costly, have a considerably lower success rate, and often do not restore the sperm count and/or motility to pre-vasectomy levels.

Confirmed, properly performed vasectomies ensure life-long sterility with almost no chance of making a woman pregnant. No scalpel vasectomy in Minnesota is a simple, safe office procedure done under the local anesthesia. It does not, however, prevent the transmission of STDs.

Easy Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Minnesota

Posted on by

Colorectal cancer is the most preventable major cancer in Minnesota. Colonoscopy is the most effective way to exam the lining of the rectum and colon and removes small polyps before they turn cancerous. It is recommended for the average risk people starting at age 50 and every 10 years after that.

Although more and more people had the colonoscopy in the past decade, many people in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas are still behind their schedule based the guideline. The bowel preparation is still the No. 1 barrier to getting a colonoscopy. If patients don’t properly do the bowel preparation, doctors will easily miss the precancerous growth in their colon. An easier prep could improve the colonoscopy screening rates and potentially save lives.

Golytely was the original bowel prep solution which contained MiraLAX (polyethlene glycol or PEG). It requires drinking a full gallon of plain-tasting liquid to induce diarrhea. The GoLytely solution also can have side effects, such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Now Gatorade emerged as part of new patient friendly formula for the bowel prep in Minnesota, as it significantly improves the solution taste. Moreover, people who drank a mixture of 64 ounces of Gatorade with MiraLAX experienced less bloating and cramping compared to those who prepped using Golytely. Gatorade helps maintain electrolyte balance.

We have used the Gatorade based formula in One Stop Medical Center over the past 5 years, our patients were able to finish it at the rate of almost 100%, and the quality of bowel preparation is much better. Please call us at 952-922-2151 if you have any questions on the colonoscopy bowel prep.

Hemorrhoid Treatment History Part 1 | Minneapolis

Posted on by

As early as 2250 BC hemorrhoids have been recorded in literature to some extent. It would probably be safe to say that it is one of the oldest ailments known to people. The Egyptians were the first people who medically recorded the remedies for hemorrhoids. In 1700 BC Egyptian papyrus advised to use a poultice of dried acacia leaves with a linen bandage to heal protrusions and inflammations of venous tissue.

A well-known Greek physician named Hippocrates wrote about hemorrhoids in his book, On Hemorrhoids, describing it as bile or phlegm which is determined to be the veins in the rectum. He treated the anal protusions very crudely advocating pulling the tissue off with the finger tips, or pulling the veins upward, while someone puts a hot iron to the hemorrhoid and burns it off. The first recorded endoscopy (use of speculum to inspect the rectum) can also be credited to Hippocrates. In 400 BC, the Hippocratic also discussed a treatment similar to modern rubber band ligation: “And hemorrhoids in like manner you may treat by transfixing them with a needle and tying them with very thick and woolen thread, for application, and do not forment until they drop off, and always leave one behind; and when the patient recovers, let him be put on a course of Hellebore”.

Even the bible has records of hemorrhoids in the earliest times from the Old Testament Book of Samuel 5:9 Philistines, “punished with emerods” and Samuel 5:12, “People who moved the Ark to Ekron were punished with emerods”.

One of the earliest known hemorrhoid treatments was with the aloe vera plant. Dioscorides, a Roman physician started using that to treat inflamed hemorrhoids. Celsus (25 BC – AD 14) described ligation and excision procedures, and discussed the possible complications. Then approximately 130-200 AD a Roman physician named Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Galen) prescribed ointment, laxatives, and leeches for hemorrhoids treatment. Galen advocated severing the connection of the arteries to veins, claiming that it reduced both pain and the spread of gangrene. The Susruta Samhita, (4th – 5th century AD), similar to the words of Hippocrates, but emphasizes wound cleanliness. During the same time period in India, the use of clamp and cautery was used to get rid of hemorrhoids and control bleeding.

Between the 5th and 10th Century, Byzantine physicians used thread to ligate the base of the hemorrhoid and then followed by its amputation.

Vasectomy in Minneapolis

Posted on by

With so many options available in terms of birth control for women, many men in Minnesota inquire regarding the availability of other options for male birth control excluding the usual abstinence, condoms, withdrawal before ejaculation, and vasectomy. We would predict that with the fast development of modern medical science in 21th century, just as women do, men will soon be able to simply take a pill to control the release of their sperm.

There are actually much medical research being done in this field; such a market has a high demand. A number of research groups across the globe have tried different alternatives to male birth control. These include injected plugs, heat methods, pharmaceuticals, hormonal therapy, and obstruction of the vas deferens. Despite promising developments, these treatments are experimental , and not approved by FDA. Reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG) got more attention recently; phase III clinical trials are underway in India. RISUG works by injecting the polymer into the vas deferens, the polymer prevents the sperm from fertilizing an egg.

Many people in Minneapolis and St Paul areas are still misinformed about vasectomy; it is not as painful and inconveniencing as one may believe. Modern developments in vasectomy have reached a point where a vasectomy can be done in a doctor’s office in less than 20 minutes, using only local anesthesia. The procedure is incredibly simple and pain free- it involves making a small incision in the scrotum, where the vas deferens are severed and prevented from joining back together. Discomfort afterwards is minimal and patients can quickly return to their everyday lives. The patient who gets a “no-scalpel” vasectomy typically feel no change in libido, as vasectomies cause no physical change in sensation, testosterone levels, blood flow to the penis, amount of semen, or satisfaction of an orgasm. The only difference is that the semen has no sperm in it.

Simply put, no scalpel vasectomy is a safe, simple, and convenient method of male birth control with few drawbacks.