Procedures
Procedures are performed usually following a diagnosis to treat a health problem. The list below is not all-inclusive. If your situation warrants it, there may be other small procedures that our practitioners can administer to you. If your situation is an emergency however, please call 911. Also please note that the list below does not include medications or prescriptions as neither are actual procedures. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
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Vaccine Administration
There are many vaccines available at GPMA. Vaccines are usually administered by a medical assistant, and often don't require appointments. Some vaccines need to be ordered. Please call our officeto confirm that we have the vaccine you want in stock. Below is a list and description of vaccines we usually have in stock. Please note that some vaccines, such as the Hepatitis vaccines come in a series and may require you to come to our office more than once. Also, it is always best to check with your doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you to have a vaccine administered.
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Pneumovax
Pneumovax is a vaccine used to prevent infections such as pneumonia and sepsis. It is usually administered only to adults and should only be administered once. It is recommended for patients over 65 years of age, or for those with special risks such as serious breathing, heart, or kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, or immune deficiency.
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Gardasil
Gardasil is a vaccine for female patients that protects against four types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infections can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is recommended that Gardasil is administered to girls before they become sexually active. The vaccine requires 3 separate injections over six months. The second injection should be 2 months after the first, and the third shot should be four months after the second. Gardasil does not prevent infection from all types of HPV, however, so it is important to continue with routine pap smears.
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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A requires two injections approximately six months apart. You become protected within 2-4 weeks from the initial protection, but you will need a booster in approximately 6 months. Once you have a received the second dose, you are protected for a minimum of 10 years and may even be protected for life.
People who should get the vaccine include but are not exclusive to children over the age of one, people with chronic liver disease, and people who are in or may travel to places where outbreaks are present. The Hep A vaccine is the most common vaccine recommended for traveling.
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a 3-dose series. The first and second dose should be approximately 1 month apart. The third dose is considered the booster dose and can be administered between 4 to 12 months after the second dose. At GPMA, we recommend the third shot be administered around 6 months after the second. Protection lasts for varying times: previous studies stated a minimum of 5 years, but recent studies show at least 25 years of protection.
Hepatitis B is contracted through sexual contact, blood, or from mother to child during childbirth. Ask your doctor whether the Hep B vaccine is appropriate for you. Many people born in the United States were already vaccinated as children, so you may be asked to take a blood test to confirm that you are not vaccinated before a vaccine is administered to you.
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Tetanus (TD or TDaP)
We provide two types of tetanus vaccines at GPMA. "TD" protects against diptheria as well as tetanus. "TDaP" includes protection for pertussis as well. These vaccines are generally recommended for all adults, but especially those who have recently received a puncture wound. Boosters are recommended every ten years. Tetanus shots are a bit notorious for causing some soreness in the arm it is administered to. This is normal and will pass in a few days.
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MMR
The MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Due to the highly contagious nature of all three diseases, the MMR vaccine is greatly recommended. Most people born in the United States have been vaccinated as children, so you may be asked for a blood test confirmation before the vaccine is administered to you. Please call us to confirm we have the MMR vaccine in stock as it is a vaccine that rapidly expires in storage.
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Zostavax
Zostavax is a vaccine for shingles. It is for adults who are at least 60 years of age. Ask your doctor whether this vaccine is right for you.
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Flu Shots
Flu shots are administered yearly as the influenza virus changes every year. Priority is given to high-risk individuals such as the elderly or those with diseases that make them vulnerable. Flu shots usually become available in September or October, and we recommend getting the vaccination between October and January--the period commonly known as the "flu season".
Length: just a few minutes!
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Other Injections
There are injections that are not vaccines. These include but are not exclusive to PPD tests and B-12 shots.
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B-12 Shots
The B-12 Vitamin helps the brain and nervous system to function normally and is also important to cell metabolism, energy production, and the formation of blood. It is supplemental and usually administered to the elderly. Many patients have claimed that they get a boost of energy from this injection.
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PPD tests
PPD tests are actually a diagnostic procedure. You can learn more about PPD tests by clicking here.
Length: just a few minutes!
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Nebulizers
Nebulizers are devices that pump medicine in the form of vapor directly into a patient's airways. They are only used in serious cases of respiratory disease. They can be prescribed as well, but we have machines on location at GPMA for patients who have or are suffering from severe attacks. You will be asked to wear a mask over your nose and mouth through which the machine pumps liquid mist. Breathe deeply. Treatments with nebulizers can vary. Wear the mask for as long or often as your doctor directs you to.
Length: varies
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Removal of Minor Skin Lesions
The practitioners at GPMA are available to help with the removal of minor skin lesions. Every individual and every situation has its own needs, so call us to set up an appointment so that we can help you specifically with yours.
Length: 5-15 minutes
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Suture Removal
If you need stitches, you have an emergency situation on hand and you need to call 911. After you have been treated at a hospital or after surgery, however, sometimes you will be asked to return to your PCP to have your sutures removed. This is a very simple procedure that the practitioners at GPMA can perform for you. Be sure to tell us when your surgeon told you you should have your sutures removed, and schedule an appointment accordingly.
Length: 5-15 minutes
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