News & Updates

Recently we have become aware of the Galleri Multi-Detection test. This is an interesting technology that measures fractured DNA secreted disproportionately from normal cell turnover in cancer developing cells.

It is not covered by insurance and presently is very new in use. The retail cost of this test is just under $1,000. 

We have developed an account in order to draw and order these tests for the appropriate candidates. We would advise discussing this with the doctor if this interests you.  

Exclusion criteria.

Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are:

• Pregnant,
• 21 years old or younger, or
• Undergoing active cancer treatment. 

The test has a very high negative predictive value (if negative very low odds of cancer present).  If a result is abnormal the odds of finding cancer with further evaluation varies depending upon tissue type from 1 in 5 to 3/4 of positive test response. 

Influenza Season

Soon it will be time to begin flu vaccination. From the survey recently conducted we will be planning some high dose vaccine for those 65 and older who wish to take advantage of our office vaccine service. Most of the vaccine purchased will be preservative free quadrivalent vaccine normal dose.

Here is a link to the global influenza data. This program is also incorporating COVID information.

My how times have changed. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the CDC has decided 5 days away from friends and work is enough when infected with COVID. . Further, apparently a mask will protect your friends from you for the remaining 10 days of viral shedding. 

A new strain is emerging and it likely is acquiring more "gain in function".  According to analysis, "Omicron subvariant BA.2.75, a descendent of Omiron sub-variant BA.2, is phylogenetically different from its currently predominant descendent BA.5". It has mutations that enhance cell membrane fusion (the step needed to get into cells for replication) and is better at entering the lung alveoli. This last part is concerning to me because, if true, and this strain becomes this winter's "new seasonal bug, those infected will have more direct lung involvement/pneumonia. The analysis points out that this strain is likely to get past vaccination protection BUT remains susceptible to antiviral therapy. We will have to monitor this story. 

With Dr. Marconi's joining me in practice we wish to welcome our new members. We are very happy you have chosen us for your medical home. 

In order to assist you in optimizing your time and our resources, I wanted to clarify which points of contact you should use for reaching out to us. 

• If you know you need/want an urgent appointment call the office and ask for the receptionist.239-362-3005. State your request. If there is need to clarify urgency, the receptionist may refer you to the clinical staff to assist. 
• The portal (messaging through your chart) is monitored by the team and can be used to request nonurgent services like prescription refills, nonurgent appointment requests or nonurgent medical clarifications.
• We would appreciate if you would not text the physician during office hours. This is distracting and the doctor can only take care of one patient at at time- appointments being the priority.
• For Non Premier members, if you need your doctor after hours, call the office and respond to the prompt that links you to your doctor's phone/voicemail. Premier members have the physician's cell for direct contact for such situations. Any member can upgrade to premier status at their annual contract date.
• The physicians review your reports/labs etc. throughout the workday and often after hours. We will forward report copies with comments through the portal. We see notification if you read our messages and further are reminded after several days if you don't open a communication. Urgent communications will be performed by phone from the clinical staff. We strive to have all data addressed by the end of the week.
• We have a protocol in place to annually audit your chart to assure you are current in health screening and labs. A portal letter will go out once a year around the time of your annual membership date keeping you updated.
• When your doctor is on vacation the other physician will be available for care issues.

If you are purchasing Pure Encapsulation supplements you can order product directly and have it shipped to your home. The cost of product is the same this way or if you get it at the office. Shipping is waved after a certain dollar amount when ordering. 

There are other links on our website for ordering other physician vetted products/resources on our main website as well.  I-Remedy is a source for a wide array of products including many over counter products, wound care supplies, braces and support stockings, etc.

Pharmanex is the supplement division of NuSkin which makes many excellent products for optimizing health and skin/beauty products. The NuSkin LifePak Nano is the "Best in Class" total nutrition supplement that is scanner guaranteed. To get the best price from Nuskin/Pharmanex we have a distributer ID that we can provide you when ordering.