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Author name: Primary Care Diagnostics

Doctor optimizing patient care thanks to TM flow practices

Leveraging Non-Invasive Diagnostics to Optimize Patient Care: The Advantages of the TM Flow System for Physicians

ABI Testing, ANS Systems, TM Flow System

As the healthcare landscape progresses, non-invasive diagnostic tools play an increasingly important role in delivering optimal patient care. By reducing discomfort and risk, these tools allow physicians to obtain critical diagnostic data safely. The TM Flow System is an advanced non-invasive diagnostic tool that offers numerous benefits to both physicians and patients. This article delves into how the TM Flow System improves patient care and bolsters clinical decision-making.

TM Flow System Overview

The TM Flow System is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that evaluates the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and provides essential insights into a patient’s health. The system comprises three key tests:

  1. Sudomotor function testing: Measures sweat gland function, yielding insights into small fiber neuropathies associated with various health conditions.
  2. ABI testing: Performs the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test to assess a patient’s risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
  3. ANS assessment: Examines the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, offering vital information on overall autonomic function. This assessment includes the cardiovagal or cardiac autonomic neuropathy test, which further enhances its diagnostic capabilities.

These thorough assessments enable the detection of numerous health conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, and dysautonomia.

Advantages of the TM Flow System for Physicians

A. Enhanced Patient Care

The TM Flow System offers several benefits that contribute to improved patient care:

  • Early detection of conditions: Detailed information about a patient’s ANS, sudomotor, ABI, and cardiovagal test results allows physicians to identify potential health issues early on, enabling timely intervention and management.
  • Comprehensive health evaluation: The system offers a holistic view of the patient’s health, empowering physicians to make informed decisions and customize care.
  • Non-invasive and painless testing: The TM Flow System eliminates the need for needles, probes, or invasive procedures, ensuring a comfortable experience while maintaining accuracy and reliability.

B. Strengthened Clinical Decision-Making

The TM Flow System supports improved clinical decision-making by:

  • Providing comprehensive test results that enable physicians to make informed decisions about patient care.
  • Offering clear, easy-to-understand reports that minimize misinterpretation or confusion.
  • Delivering objective, quantifiable data for evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

C. Increased Practice Efficiency

The TM Flow System offers benefits in terms of efficiency:

  • Rapid test administration in as little as 15 minutes, allowing physicians to obtain essential diagnostic information without disrupting workflow.
  • Minimal training required, ensuring ease of use for healthcare professionals.
  • The TM Flow System generates a PDF report that can be easily uploaded into the EMR, simplifying the process of incorporating test results into patient records.

Conclusion

The TM Flow System offers numerous benefits to physicians, including enhanced patient care, strengthened clinical decision-making, and increased practice efficiency. By providing comprehensive, non-invasive assessments of ANS function, sudomotor function, and PAD risk, this innovative diagnostic tool enables healthcare professionals to detect and manage various health conditions more effectively. As the healthcare industry continues to advance, integrating non-invasive diagnostic tools like the TM Flow System will be essential in delivering the best possible care to patients.

Physician at work on laptop

The Importance of Early Detection of Small Fiber Neuropathy

TM Flow System

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a common and often underdiagnosed condition affecting the small nerve fibers responsible for pain, temperature, and autonomic function. Early detection and diagnosis of SFN can lead to better patient outcomes and help healthcare providers develop tailored treatment plans. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of early detection of SFN and how the TM Flow System can revolutionize the way physicians diagnose and manage this condition in their practice.

Small Fiber Neuropathy

SFN is a disorder that affects the small unmyelinated and thinly myelinated sensory and autonomic fibers. It can manifest as burning pain, tingling, numbness, and autonomic symptoms like abnormal sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular instability. SFN can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and idiopathic origins. Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial for optimal patient outcomes and to prevent irreversible nerve damage.

The Limitations of Traditional Diagnostic Methods

Traditionally, diagnosing SFN has relied on clinical evaluation, nerve conduction studies, and skin biopsy. However, these methods can be invasive, time-consuming, and not always accurate, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. Furthermore, traditional diagnostic methods may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s autonomic and vascular function, which is essential for effective treatment planning.

The TM Flow System

The TM Flow System is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that performs three billable tests to assess autonomic function, vascular function, and sudomotor function. This user-friendly medical test can be completed in just 7-10 minutes, providing physicians with a comprehensive and easy-to-interpret report. The TM Flow System enables physicians to perform and bill for three CPT codes, resulting in an average Medicare reimbursement of $285 per test.

How TM Flow System Transforms SFN Detection and Management

  1. Early detection of SFN: The TM Flow System allows for the early detection of SFN by assessing sudomotor function using sympathetic skin response. Identifying SFN in its early stages is crucial to prevent further nerve damage and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
  2. Comprehensive assessment: The TM Flow System provides a holistic evaluation of the patient’s autonomic and vascular function, allowing physicians to determine the extent of SFN and its potential causes.
  3. Non-invasive testing: Unlike traditional diagnostic methods, the TM Flow System is non-invasive, making it a more comfortable experience for patients and easier to implement in your practice.
  4. Time-efficient: The TM Flow System can be performed in-office in just 7-10 minutes, streamlining the diagnostic process and allowing for quicker intervention.
  5. Revenue generation: The TM Flow System not only enhances patient care but also generates revenue for your practice by allowing you to bill for three CPT codes.

Early detection and diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy are crucial to improving patient outcomes and developing tailored treatment plans. The TM Flow System is a non-invasive, comprehensive, and time-efficient diagnostic tool that can transform your practice, allowing you to better diagnose and manage SFN. By incorporating the TM Flow System into your practice, you can elevate patient care while also generating additional revenue. Don’t wait any longer to take advantage of this cutting-edge diagnostic technology – contact Primary Care Diagnostics to learn more about the TM Flow System and its benefits for your practice.

Contact us for more information about the TM Flow System.

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Female doctor taking notes after VAT ENG test

VAT ENG Testing for Fall Prevention

VAT ENG testing

Vestibular testing is an important components of a comprehensive fall prevention plan. This is especially true for older adults, who are more likely to suffer from injuries due to falls. To ensure that older adults have access to the best care possible, it is important for physicians to understand the benefits of vestibular and ocular motor, and VAT ENG testing. 

What is VAT ENG Testing? 

The VAT quickly and comfortably monitors a patient’s head and eye motions to record what is happening in the vestibular portion of the inner ear. Testing with the VAT often identifies problems not found with other vestibular tests, because the VAT tests natural, faster motions and unlike other conventional vestibular tests, evaluates both the horizontal and vertical canals. Because the VAT is sensitive to changes of the VOR and is easy to perform, it is often the first screening test a patient receives who complain of dizziness or balance problems. Patients do not object to repeat testing which makes the VAT the ideal test to monitor ototoxic medication and vestibular rehabilitation.

VAT ENG testing is a comprehensive test designed to evaluate the function of the inner ear and its related structures. It can also help diagnose problems with vision, balance, coordination, and other neurological functions. During the test, patients are asked to perform various activities, such as standing on one foot or focusing on moving objects while standing still. The results of these tests provide valuable insight into a patient’s overall health and wellbeing. 

Benefits of VAT ENG Testing 

There are several key benefits to using VAT ENG testing for fall prevention. First, it can provide physicians with an accurate diagnosis for conditions such as vertigo, dizziness or imbalance. Second, it can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to a patient’s fall risk (e.g., poor vision or difficulty with coordination). Finally, VAT ENG testing can help doctors develop an effective fall prevention plan tailored specifically to each individual patient’s needs. 

After the VAT ENG test, Vestibular therapy is 90% effective at fixing the problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is eye exercises which recalibrate the signal the inner ear sends to the brain to move the eye correctly.  

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) 

In addition to diagnosing underlying causes of falls, VAT ENG tests can also be used in conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), which is a type of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults. VRT involves exercises that target specific areas affected by aging-related changes in posture and gait patterns as well as exercises that focus on building strength and improving coordination skills. VRT has been shown to be effective in reducing falls among older adults when combined with other forms of exercise such as tai chi or yoga classes specifically designed for seniors.   

Conclusion

Vestibular testing is an invaluable tool for assessing patients’ risk of falling and developing effective strategies for preventing falls among older adults. By providing physicians with an accurate diagnosis and helping them identify any underlying issues contributing to a patient’s risk of falling, The VAT ENG test enables doctors to create personalized plans tailored specifically towards each individual’s needs. Additionally, when combined with vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), this type of assessment provides an even more thorough approach to fall prevention among seniors than traditional methods alone could provide. As such, it should be incorporated into every physician’s practice whenever possible for the best possible outcomes in their patients’ health and safety. 

Female doctor with senior patient at hospital - VAT ENG TEST

VAT ENG Test

VAT ENG testing

Why Physicians Should Prioritize Balance Testing 

The vestibular system is an important part of a patient’s overall health. When it is not functioning properly, it can lead to a number of issues, including dizziness and imbalance. That’s why physicians need to be monitoring and screening their patients for vestibular dysfunction so that we can take preventive measures to guard against falls. Let’s take a closer look at balance testing and how it can improve patient safety. 

What Is Balance Testing? 

Balance testing is used to assess the function of the vestibular system in order to diagnose any underlying conditions that might be causing dizziness or imbalance. These tests involve measuring eye movement and head movements. All of these measurements help physicians determine whether or not there are any dysfunctions within the vestibular system that could put a patient at risk of falling. 

The Benefits Of VAT ENG Testing

The VAT ENG Test can be used to diagnose, develop a treatment plan and monitor vestibular disease. The ENG tests for problems with the CNS and peripheral systems. The VAT is a measure of the vestibular ocular reflex. These are measures of eye movements. The VAT measures the speed and the angle of the eye in normal, every-day movements. This is very important for seniors for fall prevention, as 50% of all seniors have a vestibular problem, according to Johns Hopkins. It is also very useful for diagnosing and treating dizziness in patients. 

VAT ENG testing helps physicians identify potential causes of dizziness or imbalance before they become more serious issues. By catching these problems early on, physicians can provide their patients with treatment options that will improve their quality of life and decrease their risk of falling. This includes medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and even surgery when necessary.  

What is the VAT? 

For most of the population, balance control occurs at an unconscious level. Signals from the inner ear continuously drive the eye muscles to coordinate eye movement with head movement. This coordination is necessary to have clear vision and balance. The communication between the ear and the eye is called the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). When the VOR is functioning properly, eye speed and timing are equal and opposite to those of the head. But, if the speed or timing is off, even slightly, vision is distorted because of apparent motion of the visual field.

Conclusion

VAT ENG testing is an important tool for assessing the function of the vestibular system in order to diagnose any underlying conditions that might be causing dizziness or imbalance in patients before they become more serious issues. By conducting these tests regularly with their patients, physicians can provide them with treatment options that will improve their quality of life and decrease their risk of falling—which will ultimately lead to better outcomes! 

evaluation of small fiber neuropathy

Evaluating Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the peripheral nervous system become damaged. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. Motor skills can also be affected, resulting in slower reflexes and difficulty walking.

Millions of Americans suffer from some type of peripheral neuropathy. Estimates suggest that 25-30% of all Americans will be affected by some kind of peripheral neuropathy at some point in their lives.

This is why detecting signs of peripheral neuropathy in the early stages is crucial. The TM Flow System can be used in the evaluation of small fiber neuropathy that can lead to severe peripheral neuropathy. Early detection is the first step in halting the advancement of this serious condition.

Who is at Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy Complications?

People with diabetes are at a very high risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Nearly 70% of diabetics are diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This leads to 54,000 diabetics undergoing an amputation each year.

In addition, certain cancers and tumors can result in peripheral neuropathy. Experiencing substantial levels of radiation from chemotherapy is also thought to play a hand in causing conditions to worsen.

Alcoholism, poor nutrition, and infections like AIDS and Lyme disease have also been linked to peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Since peripheral neuropathy affects different parts of the body, many symptoms can be associated with the term. Symptoms will vary depending on which type of nerves are damaged and their location in the body.

  • Varying degrees of numbness and a tickling sensation. This is often felt in the hands and feet but can spread elsewhere.
  • Experiencing different types of pain (throbbing, sharp, or burning pain)
  • Motor skills have worsened
  • Increased sensitivity. Things that weren’t a problem have become overstimulating.
  • Paralysis
  • Digestive problems
  • Extreme sensitivity to heat
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Peripheral Neuropathy Evaluation and Treatment

Clinical data suggest that sudomotor testing may be the most sensitive method for detecting peripheral small fiber neuropathy. (Low, et al.,2006).

Millions of Americans are impacted by some form of Peripheral Neuropathy, and millions more are at risk. We hope to help the lives of patients by spreading awareness. Early diagnosis is the key to slowing and hopefully stopping the process.

Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease awareness

Peripheral artery disease

September is PAD (Peripheral artery disease) Awareness month. PAD is a terrible condition that impacts millions every year. Despite this, only 63% of people over forty have heard of the disease.

We are doing our best to spread awareness and educate people about the potential dangers of PAD. A late diagnosis can mean life-altering complications for the patient. In some cases, an amputation may be necessary.

What is PAD?

Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory condition in which the amount of blood flowing to the heart, arms, and legs is reduced due to narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels.

This blockage is often the result of plaque buildup. The patient may begin to experience a number of side effects. These include:

  • A frigid feeling in the legs
  • A numbing sensation in the appendages
  • A weak pulse in the legs or feet
  • Painful cramping

If left untreated, the arteries that lead to the heart and brain can become hardened. Failing to begin treatment can increase the patient’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Amputation may become required if total loss of circulation occurs.

How to Treat PAD?

The good news is that in many cases, PAD can be treated. When detected early, diet, exercise, and taking certain medications is all that is required. However, treatment is rarely the issue. The problem is that many patients won’t realize they have PAD until the symptoms become severe.

Testing for PAD is a painless procedure. Using the TM Flow System, you can quickly determine a patient’s ABI (ankle-brachial index) by performing a five-minute test. This test measures how well blood is flowing throughout the body. An ABI test can determine the severity of the patient’s case of peripheral artery disease. Thanks to the TM Flow System, you can have your patient’s results in mere minutes.

Early detection is crucial for improving the prognosis of anyone suffering from PAD. Please help us spread awareness by educating those around you about the dangers of PAD.

Doctor with patient

How the TM Flow System can Help Diagnose Peripheral Artery Disease

TM Flow System, TM-Flow System

Peripheral Artery Disease (or PAD) is a circulatory disease that can reduce blood flow to the limbs. It’s crucial the correct measures are taken against PAD. Case numbers are rising with no sign of it slowing. Current projections suggest that by 2050, 19 million Americans will contract PAD. People over the age of 65 are most likely to suffer from PAD, which is why it’s so urgent to catch it early.

Part of the reason PAD cases are on the rise is due to the fact that there is a general lack of knowledge and awareness about the disease. In addition, the absence of prevention practices, early detection and treatments are shockingly low for such a life-altering condition.

There was a 2006 survey where 2,500 adults over the age of 50 were asked if they knew about PAD. Of the sample size, 25% knew PAD was linked to a higher chance of having a stroke and only 14% knew PAD could lead to amputations.

PAD is one of the leading causes of amputations in the United States. Although PAD is largely preventable, 70% of patients who undergo PAD-related amputations die within three years of the surgery.

It is possible to combat PAD. Using a TM Flow machine, you can detect and diagnose diseases like PAD before it has the chance to become more severe. TM Flow tests are short (between 7 and 10 minutes), non-invasive and user-friendly. These machines can help with early diagnosis and can help us combat PAD.

TM Flow System

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) made simple with the TM Flow System

ABI Testing, TM Flow System

 

Simple ABI Testing

What is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)?

The Ankle Brachial Index, or ABI, is a non-invasive test used to assess peripheral artery disease (PAD). The ABI is calculated by comparing the blood pressure in the lower extremities to the blood pressure in the arms. An abnormal ABI indicates narrowing the arteries and reduced blood flow to the legs. ABI can be measured using a device called the TM FLOW SYSTEM. A low ABI is often a sign of PAD, and patients with an abnormal ABI are at increased risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

How can the TM Flow System help with ABI testing and diagnosis?

ABI testing with the TM FLOW SYSTEM is a simple, straightforward process that can provide valuable information for physicians and their patients.

The TM FLOW SYSTEM is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be used to measure ABI or Ankle-Brachial Index. ABI is a measure of how well blood is flowing to the extremities and is an important indicator of peripheral artery disease. The TM FLOW SYSTEM can provide results within minutes. The ABI measurement device is an easy system to use, making it an ideal tool for busy medical practices.

What are some of the benefits of using the TM FLOW SYSTEM for ABI testing and diagnosis?

The TM FLOW SYSTEM is a new tool that promises to revolutionize the field of ABI testing and diagnosis. The system is designed to be much more user-friendly than traditional methods, and it offers a host of benefits for both patients and clinicians. One of the biggest advantages of the TM FLOW SYSTEM is that it significantly reduces the amount of time required for testing. In fact, the entire ABI measurement process can be completed in just minutes, which is a major advantage for busy clinics.

If you’re interested in learning more about the TM FLOW SYSTEM, contact Primary Care Diagnostics, LLC today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you determine if the system is right for your practice.

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Peripheral Arterial Disease Testing

ANS Testing Equipment, Autonomic & Vascular Function Assessments, TM Flow System

The TM FLOW SYSTEM is a non-invasive, in-office test, that performs three billable diagnostic tests:

  • Sudomotor test for small fiber neuropathy

  • ABI – Ankle-Brachial Index

  • ANS – Autonomic Nervous System

Today we will focus on PAD  or Peripheral Arterial Disease

15-19 million Americans are affected by Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when plaque forms in the leg arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your arms and legs. Identifying Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can mean the difference between life and death. If left untreated, one in five people with PAD will suffer a leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, or death within five years.

With the number is increasing each year detection and diagnosis is coming to the forefront in Primary Care practices, Integrated Chiropractic clinics, and Podiatry clinics.

The most common test to diagnose PAD is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) examination.

The ABI is a simple non-invasive test that takes 3-5 minutes with the TM FLOW SYSTEM.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) have both recommended annual ABI screenings for the following patients:

  • Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
  • Patients over 50 Patients at high risk

These are some reasons why PAD testing should be performed everywhere, rather than only by specialists:

  • PAD and small fiber neuropathy testing is quick and can be completed within five minutes
  • This test is reimbursable by Medicare and most insurances; therefore, it offers a good return on investment.
  • In order to improve patient outcomes, it is crucial to detect PAD as early as possible.

Autonomic Function Testing with the TM Flow System

TM FLOW System also provides Autonomic Function Testing and increases reimbursement to a Medicare Average of $300.00.

Vascular testing is not just for specialists

There are more than 19 million people with PAD in the United States alone, which makes it a common health condition that affects many patients. From point-of-care to hospital care to specialty practices, testing for PAD should be routine.

ABI systems are convenient and beneficial for businesses.

A quick PAD screening can be performed in-office and is non-invasive.  Here are a few reasons why PAD testing should be performed everywhere:

  • PAD testing is quick and can take as little as 5 minutes
  • The testing equipment produces an excellent ROI
  • Early detection of PAD is essential to improving patient outcomes and saving lives
  • PAD testing is reimbursable and has a national average CMS payment of $85 (Average 2022 Medicare)

PAD testing has excellent reimbursement.  The national average CMS payment for a basic screening is $85 (Average 2022 Medicare) so even our most advanced systems will pay for themselves after a few tests are performed.

Why it’s important to test for PAD

Benefits of PAD testing, include reimbursement (ROI) information for physicians.

If your patients have any of the following symptoms, they potentially have PAD

  • Cold feet
  • Skin discolored and dry on the lower legs
  • Pain when walking
  • Leg pain at night
  • Painful, heavy legs
  • Numbness or burning sensations
  • Wounds that won’t heal
  • Gangrene

Patients who have the following risk factors have a higher incidence of PAD:

  • Over the age of 65
  • Diabetic
  • Current or previous smoker
  • Kidney disease

VASCULAR TESTING IS ESSENTIAL AT THE EARLY STAGES OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE TO IMPROVE PATIENT OUTCOMES

  • People with PAD often do not display any symptoms.
  • Patients with early-onset symptoms, like pain while walking or cold feet, dismiss these changes as a normal part of the aging process or the result of another health issue, such as an existing heart condition.
  • Early symptoms could be a sign of PAD, which is treatable if diagnosed by a trusted health care professional.

Primary Care Diagnostics is a company dedicated to improving patient care and increasing practice revenue. 

Bill for CPT Codes:
95943
95923
93922

To learn more about ABI Testing using the TM Flow Machine, contact Primary Care Diagnostics.

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TM FLOW System – 3 Tests in One

TM Flow System

The TM FLOW SYSTEM is a non-invasive, in-office test, that performs three billable diagnostic tests:

 

  • Sudomotor – Small Fiber Neuropathy

  • ABI – Ankle Brachial Index

  • ANS – Autonomic Nervous System

Contact us to learn more about the TM Flow System.

 

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