What is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists
are today’s
leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of all ailments below the knee. With
more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other
healthcare provider, Podiatrists are the top experts in foot and ankle
surgery
. They attend four years at a postgraduate podiatric medical school
and a minimum 3-year foot and ankle surgical residency program approved by the
Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Upon
graduation from medical school they are given the title of Doctor of Podiatric
Medicine (DPM).
Podiatrists are also the leading experts in diabetes care and regularly collaborate on multidisciplinary teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
What does a Podiatrist treat?
If it’s below the knee, they treat it. A Podiatrist will manage orthopedic conditions such as heel pain , bunions , hammertoes , sports related injuries, tendonitis , fractures , and arthritis . Dermatologic conditions such as corns and calluses , ingrown toenails , warts , and ulcers /wounds. Neurologic conditions such as neuropathy ( numbness , tingling , burning ), fibromyalgia , tarsal tunnel syndrome , and neuromas .
Medicare data verifies that foot and ankle surgeons (DPMs) are the specialists of choice for:
83% of hammertoe surgery
67% of metatarsal surgery
77% of bunionectomy surgery
47% of rearfoot surgery
At MediCenter Specialties we also offer in-office digital weightbearing xrays , diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound , custom orthotics and bracing , and therapeutic footwear .
To learn more about Dr Jeffrey L. Carlson, DPM click on the following link
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#jeffreycarlson
To learn more MediCenter Podiatry, click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/podiatry
For more questions or to make an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Carlson, call 907-283-9110.
The MediCenter Medical Group welcomes Doctor Alfred Lonser, Interventional Pain Management Physician to the Kenai Peninsula. Board-certified in Anesthesia and Pain Management, Dr. Lonser’s expertise broadens the MediCenter’s offerings to a full-time, full spectrum Pain Management Program.
Dr. Alfred
Lonser, MD earned his Medical Degree from Loma Linda University in 1998. He continued his medical training at the
University of Virginia in the surgery residency program before transitioning
into Anesthesia. After successfully
completing the residency and board requirements, Dr. Lonser and his family
moved to Anchorage in 2002, where he worked as an anesthesiologist for
Providence Hospital for 5 years. The
extensive need for high-quality pain management specialists prompted him to
further his training. He left Alaska for
2 years to complete a pain management fellowship at UCLA before returning to
Anchorage where he joined AA Spine & Pain Clinic. He currently works in Anchorage, Fairbanks
and now Kenai helping patients across the state meet their pain management
needs.
"The Kenai has always had a need for qualified, gold-standard Pain Management Specialists," said Mr. Joseph Hurley, CEO of the MediCenter Medical Group. Dr. Lonser provides “Expertise in spinal cord stimulator implantation, intrathecal pump implantation and vertebroplasty, as well as standard injection treatments including epidural, facet, and selective nerve blocks.”
“MediCenter’s philosophy is to provide our patients with fresh ideas and accessibility to pain management care. Dr. Lonser is compassionate and skilled. You may have seen other Pain Management Specialists in the past, but don’t give up. You now have the best options locally,” states Joseph Hurley.
MediCenter continues to integrate the best care modalities and providers into our practice. Our comprehensive practice includes medication management, interventional injection therapy, massage therapy, physical therapy, behavior health services, and addiction counseling, along with collaborative care through our Primary Care, Chiropractic and Rolfing partners.
Dr. Lonser is practicing at MediCenter Specialties Clinic, accepts all insurances and is welcoming new patients. Appointments can be made at 100 Trading Bay Rd. Suite 8, Kenai, Alaska 99611 or by calling 907-283-9110.
For more information: https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#AlfredLonser
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/pain-management
-MediCenter Press Team
What is a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
Commonly referred to as Podiatrist. Podiatrists
are today’s
leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of all ailments below the knee. With
more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other
healthcare provider, Podiatrists are the top experts in foot and ankle
surgery
. They attend four years at a postgraduate podiatric medical school
and a minimum 3-year foot and ankle surgical residency program approved by the
Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Upon
graduation from medical school they are given the title of Doctor of Podiatric
Medicine (DPM).
Podiatrists are also the leading experts in diabetes care and regularly collaborate on multidisciplinary teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
What does a Podiatrist treat?
If it’s below the knee, they treat it. A Podiatrist will manage orthopedic conditions such as heel pain , bunions , hammertoes , sports related injuries, tendonitis , fractures , and arthritis . Dermatologic conditions such as corns and calluses , ingrown toenails , warts , and ulcers /wounds. Neurologic conditions such as neuropathy ( numbness , tingling , burning ), fibromyalgia , tarsal tunnel syndrome , and neuromas .
Medicare data verifies that foot and ankle surgeons (DPMs) are the specialists of choice for:
83% of hammertoe surgery
67% of metatarsal surgery
77% of bunionectomy surgery
47% of rearfoot surgery
At MediCenter Specialties we also offer in-office digital weightbearing xrays , diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound , custom orthotics and bracing , and therapeutic footwear .
To learn more about Dr Jeffrey L. Carlson, DPM click on the following link
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#jeffreycarlson
To learn more MediCenter Podiatry, click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/podiatry
For more questions or to make an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Carlson, call 907-283-9110.
FREE Diabetic Screening Event for the Month of November.
KEEP THE DATE 11/17/2018
November 17th from 10:00am - 2:00pm
MediCenter North and Jared Wallace
PA-C, Certified Diabetic Educator will be hosting a FREE Diabetic Screening Event.
What does this mean?
MediCenter North will be offering:
- Free Provider Time from a Certified Diabetic Educator!
- Free Diabetic screening with counseling.
- Free a1c lab Testing
- Free education on labs
- Free blood pressure
- Free BMI test
- Free Dietary advice from aCertified Diabetic Educator
- Free Diabetic prevention counseling with diet and exercise
Free diabetes prevention awareness!
This Diabetic Health care exhibition will be a great opportunity for the general public to upgrade their knowledge on Diabetes and complications with diabetes.
To learn more, contact us at 907-283-9116
To learn more about Jared Wallace, PA-C, CDE click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#JaredWallace
FREE Diabetic Screening Event for the Month of November.
KEEP THE DATE 11/17/2018
November 17th from 10:00am - 2:00pm
MediCenter North and Jared Wallace
PA-C, Certified Diabetic Educator will be hosting a FREE Diabetic Screening Event.
What does this mean?
MediCenter North will be offering:
- Free Provider Time from a Certified Diabetic Educator!
- Free Diabetic screening with counseling.
- Free a1c lab Testing
- Free education on labs
- Free blood pressure
- Free BMI test
- Free Dietary advice from aCertified Diabetic Educator
- Free Diabetic prevention counseling with diet and exercise
Free diabetes prevention awareness!
This Diabetic Health care exhibition will be a great opportunity for the general public to upgrade their knowledge on Diabetes and complications with diabetes.
To learn more, contact us at 907-283-9116
To learn more about Jared Wallace, PA-C, CDE click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#JaredWallace
Why should you leave Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy to trained Gastroenterologists?
Per the ACG, a gastroenterologist must first complete a three-year internal medicine residency and is then eligible to apply for additional specialized training (fellowship) in Gastroenterology. This fellowship is generally 3 years long so by the time gastroenterologists have completed their training, they have had 6 years of additional specialized education following medical school. A gastroenterology fellowship is one of the most competitive and difficult fellowships to obtain when completing an internal medicine residency. In 2017, only 465 fellows graduated in the entire US as gastroenterologists. Gastroenterology fellowship training is an intense, rigorous program where future Gastroenterologists learn directly from nationally recognized experts in the field and develop a detailed understanding of gastrointestinal diseases. They learn how to evaluate patients with gastrointestinal complaints, treat a broad range of conditions, and provide recommendations to maintain health and prevent disease. They learn to care for patients in the office as well as in the hospital. Gastroenterologists also receive dedicated training in endoscopy (upper endoscopy and colonoscopy) by expert instructors.
Dr. Bill Kim has done tens of thousands of upper endoscopies and colonoscopies. While some general internists and surgeons also perform endoscopies, they have not had the intense three year fellowship training of a gastroenterologist.
Dr .Bill Kim is the first and only gastroenterologist on the Kenai Peninsula. Screening colonoscopies are for both colon cancer detection and colon cancer prevention . Most colon cancers and almost no polyps are associated with any symptoms or signs. Most colon cancers are curable when detected during a colonoscopy, especially if caught early. However, colonoscopy allows Dr. Kim to remove precancerous polyps and by doing so, help prevent the risk of colon cancer in the future. It’s important to know the performance of the physician conducting the colonoscopy, which is measured by the Adenoma Detection Rate (or ADR). The Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) is the most important quality standard for screening colonoscopies. It is a calculation of the percentage of first-time screening colonoscopies in patients 50 years of age and older during which a precancerous polyp (adenoma) is found. If a physician performs 10 screening colonoscopies, and finds an adenoma in three patients, his ADR is 30%. The current national goal for ADR is 30% for male patients and 20% for female patients. Physicians with higher ADRs prevent more cancers. Dr. Bill Kim’s ADR is more than twice the national goal.
To Learn More:Dr. Kim is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology.To learn more about Dr Bill Kim, MD click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#DrBillKimTo learn what MediCenter Gastroenterology treats, click below https://www.kenaidoctor.com/gastroenterologySchedule a consultation by calling us at 907-283-9110
Gastroenterology
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) defines a Gastroenterologist as “a physician with dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver”. Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function as well as diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. It involves a detailed understanding of the normal action (physiology) of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of material through the stomach and intestine (motility), the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver.
Gastroenterology is often abbreviated as GI and gastroenterologist as GI docs. It includes common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. In essence, all normal activity and disease of the digestive tract are part of the study of Gastroenterology as defined by ACG
Gastroenterologists have specific training.
Per the ACG, a gastroenterologist must first complete a three-year internal medicine residency and is then eligible to apply for additional specialized training (fellowship) in Gastroenterology. This fellowship is generally 3 years long so by the time gastroenterologists have completed their training, they have had 6 years of additional specialized education following medical school. A gastroenterology fellowship is one of the most competitive and difficult fellowships to obtain when completing an internal medicine residency. In 2017, only 465 fellows graduated in the entire US as gastroenterologists. Gastroenterology fellowship training is an intense, rigorous program where future Gastroenterologists learn directly from nationally recognized experts in the field and develop a detailed understanding of gastrointestinal diseases. They learn how to evaluate patients with gastrointestinal complaints, treat a broad range of conditions, and provide recommendations to maintain health and prevent disease. They learn to care for patients in the office as well as in the hospital. Gastroenterologists also receive dedicated training in endoscopy (upper endoscopy and colonoscopy) by expert instructors.
Do I need a GI procedure?
Dr. Bill Kim has done tens of thousands of upper endoscopies and colonoscopies. While some general internists and surgeons also perform endoscopies, they have not had the intense three year fellowship training of a gastroenterologist.
Dr .Bill Kim is the first and only gastroenterologist on the Kenai Peninsula. Screening colonoscopies are for both colon cancer detection and colon cancer prevention . Most colon cancers and almost no polyps are associated with any symptoms or signs. Most colon cancers are curable when detected during a colonoscopy, especially if caught early. However, colonoscopy allows Dr. Kim to remove precancerous polyps and by doing so, help prevent the risk of colon cancer in the future. It’s important to know the performance of the physician conducting the colonoscopy, which is measured by the Adenoma Detection Rate (or ADR). The Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) is the most important quality standard for screening colonoscopies. It is a calculation of the percentage of first-time screening colonoscopies in patients 50 years of age and older during which a precancerous polyp (adenoma) is found. If a physician performs 10 screening colonoscopies, and finds an adenoma in three patients, his ADR is 30%. The current national goal for ADR is 30% for male patients and 20% for female patients. Physicians with higher ADRs prevent more cancers. Dr. Bill Kim’s ADR is more than twice the national goal.
How do I make an appointment?
If you are new to the clinic, your referring physician can simply fax a completed procedure request form to (907) 335-1956. If you have already been seen in the clinic within the past three years or are a new patient, you may schedule a return appointment by calling (907) 283-9110.
What insurance plans are accepted?
We accept most PPO insurance plans including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna along with Medicaid, VA, and various other plans.
To Learn More:Dr. Kim is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology.To learn more about Dr Bill Kim, MD click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#DrBillKimTo learn what MediCenter Gastroenterology treats, click below https://www.kenaidoctor.com/gastroenterologySchedule a consultation by calling us at 907-283-9110
Tanecia Webster AG- ACNP
We are excited to announce MediCenter’s newest provider! Tanecia is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, she specializes in internal medicine, emergency medicine and cardiovascular disease. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she was a Registered Nurse specializing in both emergency medicine and cardiovascular intensive care, including cardiovascular thoracic surgery and transplant. Some of her interests in primary care provider include women’s health, pediatrics and urgent care.
Tanecia, was born and raised here on the Kenai Peninsula.
Prior to completing school she spent 10 years as a traveling nurse in Indiana,
California and Nevada. She graduated from University of Texas at Arlington with
a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing. She then went on to receive her
Masters of Science degree in nursing from University of Nevada Reno shortly
after.
When Tanecia is not working, she enjoys spending quality
family time with her husband and kids. She enjoys fishing, paddle boarding and
kayaking at their lake house.
You can schedule a visit by calling 283-9118.
What is a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
Commonly referred to as Podiatrist. Podiatrists
are today’s
leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of all ailments below the knee. With
more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other
healthcare provider, Podiatrists are the top experts in foot and ankle
surgery
. They attend four years at a postgraduate podiatric medical school
and a minimum 3-year foot and ankle surgical residency program approved by the
Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Upon
graduation from medical school they are given the title of Doctor of Podiatric
Medicine (DPM).
Podiatrists are also the leading experts in diabetes care and regularly collaborate on multidisciplinary teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
What does a Podiatrist treat?
If it’s below the knee, they treat it. A Podiatrist will manage orthopedic conditions such as heel pain , bunions , hammertoes , sports related injuries, tendonitis , fractures , and arthritis . Dermatologic conditions such as corns and calluses , ingrown toenails , warts , and ulcers /wounds. Neurologic conditions such as neuropathy ( numbness , tingling , burning ), fibromyalgia , tarsal tunnel syndrome , and neuromas .
Medicare data verifies that foot and ankle surgeons (DPMs) are the specialists of choice for:
83% of hammertoe surgery
67% of metatarsal surgery
77% of bunionectomy surgery
47% of rearfoot surgery
At MediCenter Specialties we also offer in-office digital weightbearing xrays , diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound , custom orthotics and bracing , and therapeutic footwear .
To learn more about Dr Jeffrey L. Carlson, DPM click on the following link
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/our-providers#jeffreycarlson
To learn more MediCenter Podiatry, click on the following link https://www.kenaidoctor.com/podiatry
For more questions or to make an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Carlson, call 907-283-9110.
Typical Urgent Care Clinics can see all patients as a walk-in or called in-advance for all non-life or limb threatening acute or sudden onset conditions, such as a broken bone, infections, illness that get worse, or even chronic illness that is uncontrolled. A typical illness is a sinus or ear infection to a broken wrist, leg, or finger.
Urgent care clinics help fill a vital gap when you become sick or injured, but your regular doctor is not available and you can’t wait for an appointment. Our Urgent Care bridges that gap when your own family practice provider or a provider in that group can see you same day. Not only can your same MediCenter provider most likely see you same day, but if another provider treats you, your records are readily available to your primary care provider same day. This is rare in a typical healthcare system in Alaska. Many times your primary care provider is booked or unknowingly missed you have been seen somewhere else.
Remember, Emergency room or Emergency Department (ER/ED) visits are necessary for true emergencies, such as chest pain and severe injuries life or limb threatening. Minor injuries such as bone breaks and acute or sudden illnesses will be examined by our urgent care physicians. If greater care is needed, our staff will direct patients to the proper healthcare provider, or, if it is a true emergency, we will transfer patients directly to a hospital emergency room for further treatment.
Our Kenai/Nikiski Urgent Care Clinic are open 9:00am - 6:30pm and Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm.
The MediCenter location in Kenai at 10543 Kenai Spur Hwy, Kenai, AK 99611 is open to new patients.
Urgent Care/ Family Practice Locations can be viewed by clicking on the following links below:
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/kenai
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/north
https://www.kenaidoctor.com/mim
You can call to schedule an appointment at 283-9118.
Dial 911 immediately for any Medical Problem that Appears to be Life-Threatening.