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Specialty Services
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Specialists are available to see referred patients in our Southboro and Framingham offices. Specialties on the staff of Southboro Medical Group includes allergy/asthma management, cardiology, infectious disease, rheumatology, and plastic surgery.
Allergies
Are dust, pollen and ragweed getting you down? We have an allergy specialist available at our Southboro and Framingham locations. Talk with your primary care physician about a referral.
Allergy shots (Immunotherapy Vaccines)
Allergen immunotherapy injections or "allergy shots" are prescribed for patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma or life threatening reactions to insect stings. Immunotherapy is the only medical treatment that could potentially modify allergic disease. Some studies have shown that it may have a preventive role in allergic children, possibly preventing asthma from developing in some patients with allergic rhinitis. Immunotherapy would be considered for individuals, who have moderate or severe symptoms not adequately controlled by environmental control measures and/or medications.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT IMMUNOTHERAPY
Effectiveness
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may "turn off" allergic reactions to common allergens including pollens, molds, animal dander and dust mites. In most cases, the initial 6 to 12 month course of allergy shots is likely to gradually decrease your sensitivity to airborne allergens and continuation of injections leads to further improvement. The injections do not cure patients but diminish sensitivities, resulting in fewer symptoms and use of fewer medications. It is important to maintain shots at the proper time interval; missing your shots for a short time may be acceptable but an appropriate adjustment in the dose of vaccine may be necessary for long lapses in injections. Please see us if you miss receiving your injections for longer than what is recommended for your current vial.
(ALLERGY SHOTS) FOR PATIENTS How long are shots given?
There are generally two phases to immunotherapy: a build-up phase and a maintenance phase
- Build-up phase: involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens. The frequency of injections during this phase generally ranges from 1 to 2 times a week, though more rapid build-up schedules are sometimes used. The duration of this phase depends on the frequency of the injections but generally ranges from 3 to 6 months (at a frequency of 2 times and 1 time a week, respectively).
- Maintenance phase: This phase begins when the effective therapeutic dose is reached. The effective therapeutic dose is based on recommendations from a national collaborative committee called the Joint Task Force for Practice Parameters: Allergen Immunotherapy: A Practice Parameter 2003 and was determined after review of a number of published studies on immunotherapy. The effective maintenance dose may be individualized for a particular person based on their degree of sensitivity (how "allergic they are" to the allergens in their vaccine) and their response to the immunotherapy build-up phase. Once the target maintenance dose is reached, the intervals between the allergy injections can be increased. The intervals between maintenance immunotherapy injections generally ranges from every 2 to every 4 weeks but should be individualized to provide the best combination of effectiveness and safety for each person. Shorter intervals between allergy injections may lead to fewer reactions and greater benefit in some people.
Benefits from immunotherapy can be appreciated early in the build-up phase but may take as long as one year on maintenance. Failure to respond after one year on maintenance therapy warrants further evaluation and possibly discontinuation of treatment. Successful, maintenance treatment is generally continued for 3 to 5 years. The decision to stop immunotherapy will be discussed after 3 to 5 years of treatment. Some people may experience lasting remission of their allergy symptoms after discontinuing treatment. Others may relapse after discontinuing immunotherapy, some will have a slight increase in symptoms, and controllable with medications and. others may require resumption of allergy injections in time. You will be re-evaluated periodically while on injections: changes in the allergen vaccine or injection schedule may be necessary to obtain optimal results
Reactions to allergy injections
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the allergy injection itself. Reactions can be local (swelling at the injection site) or systemic (affecting the rest of the body). Systemic reactions include hay fever type symptoms, hives, flushing, lightheadedness, and/or asthma, and rarely, life threatening reactions. Some conditions can make allergic reactions to the injections more likely: heavy natural exposure to pollen during a pollen season and exercise after an injection. Serious systemic reactions can occur in patients with asthma that has worsened and is not well controlled on recommended medications. Therefore, if you have noted worsening of your asthma symptoms, notify your nurse or physician before receiving your scheduled injections! Reactions to injections can occur, however, even in the absence of these conditions. If any symptoms occur immediately or within hours of your injection, please inform the nurse before you receive your next injection.
Patients must wait for 30 minutes after receiving an allergy injection(s) in the doctor's office staffed with appropriate medical personal.
Hours for Allergy Injections at Southboro Medical Group:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
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12:30 PM-6:45 PM |
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8:00 AM-10:45 AM |
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3:00 PM-7:00 PM |
3:00 PM-7:00 PM |
2:30 PM-7:00 PM |
Arthritis
The physicians of Adult Medicine are here to diagnose and treat those surprising aches and pains that either appear suddenly or may be building over time. If you suffer from the aches of arthritis, or if you have persistent pain in your joints that may be arthritis or rheumatism, there is a rheumatologist at Southboro Medical Group who can help. (See Rheumatology ). Talk with your primary care physician about a referral.
Boston Spine Group - Contact Information:
Drs. Finno and Sullivan
(508) 481-4700
(508) 481-2150 FAX
Dr. Hardenbrook
(617) 219-6380
(617) 219-6355 FAX
Although not affiliated with Southboro Medical Group, Dr. Brian Sullivan of the Boston Spine Group is located at our Southboro office. Dr. Sullivan is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports, and Occupational Rehabilitation, and the North American Spine Society. The Boston Spine Group brings together a dedicated core of spine care providers to offer the highest quality and most cost-effective care for virtually all spinal disorders. All spinal problems, including neck, mid, and low back, are treated by our fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeons.
Cardiology
Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. At Southboro Medical of Framingham we provide a wide range of sophisticated testing and procedures such as echocardiography, stress testing (including nuclear stress testing and stress echocardiography), holter monitors, event monitors and cardiac consultations. We also perform pacemaker and implantable defibrillator checks. Cardiac catheterizations are done at either MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham or Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston. Talk with your primary care physician about a referral.
Dermatology
Itches and rashes of course, but also moles and other possibly serious ailments are dealt with by our experienced dermatology specialist. First meet with your primary care physician, who may provide you with a referral.
The Diabetes Program
Specializing in the education and successful treatment of patients with all types of Diabetes based on a team approach by our caring professionals. Our goal is to understand the unique needs of each patient to reach the best possible outcomes by utilizing the latest in information and technology. We are certified by the American Diabetes Association and are now accepting new patients age 16 and over. Ask your doctor about utilizing the services at: The Diabetes Program, 24 Newton Street, Southboro, MA 01772. For more information, please call 508-460-3268 and ask for Susan in Dr. Crowe's office. Accepting all major insurances.
Click here for more information regarding our Diabetes Program At Southboro Medical Group or go under Clinical Information on the left side menu.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects one in 14 adults. Most cases are handled effectively by one's primary care physician. In addition, SMG offers a self-management diabetes education series called “Living with Diabetes” at our Southboro location. Your primary care doctor may also refer you to the Diabetes Program (see below) if your control is not at goal. Please call your primary care physician for more information.
Pre-Diabetes Class
Pre-diabetes occurs when your blood sugar is elevated, but not enough to be classified as Diabetes. Diet and lifestyle changes at this time can either delay or completely eliminate the actual onset of diabetes. These classes are held every other 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 p.m. and are located in Conference Rooms 1 & 2 on the 2nd floor of our Southboro site, which addresses Pre-diabetes, what it is, changes that you can make, and things that you can do to keep yourself healthy. This class is approximately two hours long and is offered FREE OF CHARGE to all Southboro Medical Group patients who are diagnosed with Pre-diabetes. We invite you to call Nicole to see when the next class is held and sign up for this class. Nicole can be reached at 508-481-5500 x 5136.
Type I Diabetes Womens' Support Group
We are very pleased to announce a new women’s support group at the Diabetes Center at Southboro Medical Group, run by Certified Diabetes Educator, Jeanne Jacoby, NP. The group is specifically for women living with Type 1 Diabetes. The goal of the group is to provide a network of support where the daily triumphs and challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes can be shared. Participants will introduce themselves and engage in discussion about diabetes mindfulness, which is a struggle common to many women with Type 1 Diabetes. All meetings are held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Childcare Room in the Southboro facility at 24 Newton Street, Southboro, MA. Please call 508 460-3268, so we can plan for your attendance. All are invited to attend and walk-ins will be welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Type II Diabetes Support Group
The Diabetes Program at Southboro Medical Group is very pleased to announce a new support group for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Please join us to discuss how this group can best support you and to make suggestions for our future meetings. Our goal is to develop a collaborative, supportive and interactive group that best meets the needs of its members. All meetings are held from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Southboro facility at 24 Newton Street, Southboro, MA. Please call 508-460-3268 for meeting room location and to let us know if you will be attending so we can plan accordingly. Light refreshments will be served.
Menopause
Our staff of gynecologists is trained to deal with issues related to menopause. In addition, educational programs are available which provide women with the information needed to make informed decisions. Call our Referral Office office at 508-460-3210 for more information.
Nutrition
If you or a family member is in need of nutritional counseling, Southboro Medical Group offers services at our Southboro and Framingham offices for adult and pediatric patients. A referral can be made to our nutritionist or one of our nurse practitioners by your primary care physician.
Plastic Surgery
A specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including cosmetic and laser surgery, is on the staff of Southboro Medical Group. Cosmetic surgery procedures are not usually covered by insurance, so be sure to check with your insurance provider about your coverage.
Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the study and management of a diverse group of medical conditions that affect musculoskeletal structures and often are associated with manifestations of immune mediated inflammation. Such conditions as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other problems involving inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) encompass the bulk of the rheumatologist's work. Gout and other arthritic processes involving inflammation due to crystals (urate, calcium, etc) also are the primary responsibility of rheumatologists. Finally, rheumatologists frequently manage metabolic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal structures, particularly osteoporosis.
Because many rheumatic conditions involve internal organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys, rheumatologists work closely with other medical specialists expert in the evaluation and management of abnormalities as they may involve those other organ systems.
Our specialist in rheumatologic disease is available to see patients at our Southboro office by referral from their primary care physician.
Sexual Dysfunction
Discuss the matters such as infertility or impotence with your primary care physician. The gynecologists of Southboro Medical Group are trained in the treatment of infertility and are available to see patients by referral in our Southboro office. If necessary, they can also refer you for more specialized care. Talk with your primary care physician about a referral.
