Additional Services
Preventive Medicine
Associates in Family Medicine believes strongly that good health begins with good preventive care — that it’s better to prevent illness and injury whenever possible, rather than focusing on curing them or treating their symptoms. We recommend the following preventive care for families.
Infants/Children
All vaccinations, as recommended by American Academy of Family Practice
Well child exams at age 2 mos., 4 mos., 6 mos., 9 mos., 12 mos., 15 mos., 18 mos. and 2 years
Well child exams yearly until age 5
Well child exams every 2 years after age 5
Women
Ages 18-24:
• Annual exam, which may include pap smear
• Screening for infectious disease
Ages 25-50:
• Annual exam, which may include pap smear
• Assessment of disease risks
• Preventive care, which may include lab work or mammography
Men
Up to age 35:
• Physical exam every 3-5 years
• Assessment of disease risks and preventive care
Ages 36-50:
• Physical exam every 2-3 years
• Baseline blood work
All adults
Over age 50:
• Annual physical exam
• Screening for colon cancer per current recommendations
• Bone density test for women by age 65
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men by age 65 if history of smoking
• Immunizations for pneumonia, influenza and tetanus
• Assessment of disease risks
• Preventive care, which may include lab work or mammography
Acupuncture
Practiced for more than five thousand years, the clinical science of acupuncture can safely and effectively help the body heal itself. An acupuncturist places very thin needles at various points on the body to help alleviate pain (both chronic and acute) and address various illnesses, including many ailments that have not responded to other health care modalities.
Eric Richards provides acupuncture therapy in our Horsetooth Office. Call 970-204-0300 to schedule an appointment.
Adolescent Care
As part of our comprehensive pediatric care, all AFM locations provide care for adolescents. We take every opportunity to interact with adolescent patients to address appropriate lifestyle choices, review and update immunizations, and to discuss safety issues such as proper use of seat belts and bike helmets. Athletic physicals are required by local school districts for junior high and high school students and this is a great opportunity to review these crucial wellness areas.
Colposcopy and LEEP Procedures
AFM physicians provide comprehensive medical services for women, including those intended to evaluate and treat abnormal pap smears. Colposcopy and LEEP utilize a special microscope to look closely at the cervix to help determine the cause of an abnormal pap smear. During Colposcopy, small biopsies are often taken of the cervix to effectively diagnose any abnormality. LEEP is a procedure during which the end of the cervix, which sometimes contains precancerous abnormalities, is surgically removed, effectively treating the precancerous condition.
Complementary Medicine
As part of our commitment to care for the comprehensive needs of today’s families, AFM is proud to offer access to complementary medicine:
Acupuncture
Practiced for more than five thousand years, the clinical science of acupuncture can safely and effectively help the body heal itself. An acupuncturist places very thin needles at various points on the body to help alleviate pain (both chronic and acute) and address various illnesses, including many ailments that have not responded to other health care modalities.
Massage therapy
Available by referral, massage therapy can address chronic and acute pain, muscle soreness and is a powerful part of an overall wellness regimen.
For an appointment or more information, call our Horsetooth Office at 970- 204-0300.
Dermatology
Family physicians have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Treatment for common lesions like warts and actinic keratoses (precancerous skin lesions) is available in all offices and many of these treatments are covered by insurance. Our providers perform minor skin surgeries including skin biopsies or removal of abnormal appearing moles. A careful complete skin exam should be performed annually to look for potentially serious lesions such as melanomas. AFM providers can also perform minor cosmetic procedures including removal of skin tags or other benign skin lesions. Many of these procedures, however, are not covered by insurance.
Gastroenterology
Symptoms arising from the gastrointestinal system are common causes for office visits. Vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea and constipation are common conditions that are evaluated using a combination of history, physical examination, lab testing and further diagnostic testing when appropriate. Dr. Bradley Abrahamson also provides endoscopic (scope) evaluations at PVH including colonoscopy, and EGD (Evaluation of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine). An appointment with your regular physician can help determine if these procedures are necessary.
Gynecology
Our providers provide comprehensive medical services for women including routine annual exams with pap smears, consultations regarding birth control options, and evaluation and treatment of menopausal symptoms including hormone replacement therapy. We also treat conditions such as vaginal and bladder infections, making same-day office appointments available at all of our locations.
Imaging Studies
- Digital Mammography: State-of-the art fully digital mammography is available at the Horsetooth Office. Call 970-204-0300 to schedule.
- DEXA: Bone density testing used for diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis is available at the Horsetooth Office. Call 970-204-0300 to schedule.
- Digital X-rays: Digital x-rays including chest x-rays and extremities are available at the Urgent Care Office and the Lemay Office. The images are integrated with the PVHS-based computer system and can be made available to local physician specialists for consultations.
IUD and Implanon (birth control methods for women)
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
An IUD is a t-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus and acts to prevent either ovulation or implantation. It is a very reliable form of birth control (over 99% effective). It is commonly used for women after having a baby, but can be inserted at any time. The IUD comes in two forms:
Paraguard IUD: Also known as the “copper IUD”. It is effective for 10 years and has no hormones. It is a good choice for women who want a longer period of contraception or prefer or need to avoid hormonal therapy.
Mirena IUD: This IUD releases a progesterone hormone that can lead to lightening or disappearance of menstrual cycles. It is a good choice for women who have very heavy or painful menstrual cycles. It is effective for 5 years.
Implanon
Implanon is a thin, flexible plastic rod that is inserted under the skin in the upper arm. It slowly releases a progesterone hormone and is effective for 3 years. This is a good choice for women who want a very easy, reliable form of contraception.
Lactation Consulting
Our providers strongly believe that breast feeding is beneficial in promoting proper bonding between moms and their babies, mother’s milk also provides the best nutritional source for infants. Sometimes breastfeeding can present challenges, so our lactation consultants are here to help new moms with problems as they arise. Call 970- 221-5255 to schedule an appointment.
Mammography
State-of-the-art fully digital mammography is available at the Horsetooth Office. Call 970-204-0300 to schedule this important breast cancer screening test.
Obstetrical Care (Pregnancy Care)
Did you know that family physicians from Associates in Family Medicine perform hundreds of deliveries at Poudre Valley Hospital every year? We specialize in providing personalized care for the entire pregnancy, from the first prenatal visit to the delivery in the hospital. Unlike many expectant mothers, the majority of our OB patients are able to have the same physician present at delivery who has been doing the prenatal visit. To continue this trusting relationship, our physicians can also provide comprehensive pediatric care to your newborn.
Urine pregnancy tests are available in all offices. We advise scheduling a consultation as soon as you become aware that you are pregnant so that the physician can provide advice regarding medications, exercise, prenatal vitamins, diet etc. If you are taking any medications you should call immediately to determine if these should be continued during pregnancy.
Orthopedic Care
Sprains, strains and fractures (broken bones) are common in our active patient population in the Fort Collins area. Our providers are trained to evaluate these injuries and our facilities at the Lemay and Horsetooth Offices are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging equipment to assist in making the proper diagnosis. Many common fractures are treated by our physicians, who will determine if consultation with an orthopedic specialist is needed for more complex injuries.
Family physicians are also well trained to evaluate and treat chronic orthopedic problems such as arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and back pain. From initial clinical evaluation to arranging appropriate diagnostic studies and treatments, our providers can help improve quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.
Osteopathy
A DO, or Doctor of Osteopathy, is a physician with all of the typical prescribing and practicing privileges of MDs, but with additional training in the musculoskeletal system. A DO learns hands-on treatment of the joints, muscles, nerves, and connective tissue throughout their medical school training. This hands-on treatment is called Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) or Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Manual manipulation to the body, particularly the spine, is utilized to promote better function and decrease pain. Some osteopathic techniques are similar to what other practitioners provide (such as chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage), but many are specific to osteopathic physicians. DOs are also taught a holistic philosophy—the existence of a mind, body, spirit connection, and that the body has the capacity to heal itself. DOs are taught to treat “the whole person” and to avoid simply addressing symptoms.
Both of AFM’s experienced excellent Osteopathic physicians are board certified Family Physicians providing typical full spectrum family medical care who also perform Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy. Please call 204-0300 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Colleen McCreery or Dr. JD Wideman
Screening Colonoscopy
With the advent of screening colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for colon cancer screening, colon cancer is now a potentially preventable disease. Colonoscopy consists of viewing the entire length of the inside of a clean, prepared colon with a special camera. Colon polyps, or growths on the colon which are often pre-cancerous or potentially pre-cancerous, are removed using a variety of instruments. Dr. Bradley Abrahamson performs colonoscopies at the Surgery Center of Fort Collins. The procedure is performed under moderate anesthesia under Dr. Abrahamson’s supervision and the equipment at the Surgery Center is state of the art. Dr. Abrahamson has performed over 3000 colonoscopies and quality is high when compared with national standards. Upper endoscopy or EGD can also be performed when needed for certain symptoms.
Current guidelines recommend a screening colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50 for average risk individuals. Talk to your primary care physician at AFM to see if you are a candidate for a screening colonoscopy.
Senior Care
AFM welcomes seniors and the special health concerns that accompany aging. Senior services include in-house osteoporosis screening, hypertension monitoring, diabetic care, cardiac stress testing and several providers who specialize in care for seniors. We accept Medicare assignment and will bill Medicare and your supplemental insurance on your behalf.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of male birth control and is done in the office setting. During this procedure that is done using a local anesthetic, the vas deferens from each testicle is clamped, cut or sealed. This prevents sperm from entering the semen during ejaculation. Following the procedure it takes several months for all the remaining sperm to be removed from the system so that another form of birth control must be used until a semen sample has been tested and shows a zero sperm count. Please call any of the office locations to schedule a consult with a physician if you are interested in this procedure.
Women’s Care
We offer complete women’s care, including obstetrics and gynecology, at all locations. Additional services such as in-house digital mammography and osteoporosis testing are available at the Horsetooth Office and can be scheduled by calling 970-204-0300. If your preference is a female provider, we offer at least one or two female providers at each location.
Workplace Care
AFM Urgent Care is the preferred healthcare choice of many community employers. Immediate, cost-effective care can be delivered 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, excluding major holidays.
If you present with a work-related injury, we will contact your employer on your behalf and handle the necessary paperwork and communications to ensure that you get the work injury care you need in a timely fashion.
For routine workplace physicals, any of our locations are equipped to meet employers’ needs. Contact us for information.