Multi-faceted Medical Challenge
“I make sure everyone is on the same team.” ~Dr. Schuster
Chronic Disease is one of the most common medical problems afflicting people. According the Center for Disease Control (CDC) sixty percent of Americans live with a chronic disease. With a relatively high incidence and low recovery rate, chronic diseases take a serious toll on the well-being of people. Chronic disease is multi-faceted medical challenge that involves medical care along with lifestyle changes like eating well and being physically active.
Managing a Chronic Disease
When a patient is faced with a chronic disease, a lifetime of medical problems usually accompanies the disease. At Schuster Family Medicine, DPC patients see Dr. Schuster to treat the chronic disease, but also because he oversees the totality of care for his patients. Most patients who suffer from a chronic disease have multiple specialists providing care. For example, a patient with diabetes likely sees an endocrinologist, cardiologist, and nephrologist for treatment. By coordinating care among the specialists Dr. Schuster ensures that the “team” is working together on behalf of his patient. As the team leader, Dr. Schuster is the one spending the most time with his patient, looking at the person as a whole making sure the proper care is achieved. Patients should think of Dr. Schuster as their account manager. He will oversee the care while emphasizing the osteopathic philosophy that the body is a whole unit and should be treated as such.
Common Chronic Diseases
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Nerve Damage and Pain
- Neck and Back Pain
- Kidney Disease and Renal Failure
- Heart Disease
Treating a Chronic Disease
Dr. Schuster customizes treatment for each of his patients. He looks at the chronic disease and its impact on the whole body, looking beyond just the symptoms to the cause of the health issue. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and quitting smoking provide great opportunities for patients to lessen the symptoms of their disease. Dr. Schuster guides his patients as they embark on making these important lifestyle changes. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is used to help patients as well as the necessary prescription medications, injections, and rehab or physical therapy. If a patient needs to see a specialist, Dr. Schuster can provide the referral and communicate with the medical provider on behalf of his patient.
In Good Hands
Patients complain that what they need is someone to be sure that all their medical care is coordinated and not working against itself. Multiple doctors, a variety of medications and treatments to manage a chronic disease is overwhelming. Dr. Schuster is the answer to these concerns. He will head up your team. “They’re not on opposing teams playing their own offense and defense and I make sure of that.”
