Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

Congratulations to Meagan Aldridge, Residency Program Coordinator II in the Department of Surgery, CT Division.

Congratulations to Dr. Lucy Villarreal, the Academy of Master Clinicians' August Clinician of the Month.

The eyes serve as a window to health, as a routine exam may reveal not only vision problems but also high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. National Eye Exam Month, observed each year in August, reminds us that comprehensive eye exams are essential preventive health care.

Chronic cough is a commonly encountered clinical complaint across a multitude of specialties. We are all likely to encounter it in both our professional and personal lives. UTMB's Director of Voice and Swallow, Dr. David Bracken, shares more about this common concern.

Jill Resendez, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, a nurse practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery, has found her passion in helping individuals regain their confidence.

Choosing the specific amputation procedure code from the surgeon’s operative note can be a challenge for coders. If there is not enough information to know where the amputation took place, the coder will query the surgeon.

Welcome to UTMB Health!

Meet this month's new hires

Among the field of plastic surgeons, those trained in microsurgery account for a relatively small percentage. This technique, which employs powerful magnification in the intricate repair of blood vessels and nerves, provides solutions that save lives or improve quality of life. Petros Konofaos, MD, PhD, brings this valuable skillset to UTMB.

UTMB’s Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery has expanded considerably to help meet the needs of more area patients. Its most recent addition, Eric Whittington, MD, joined in late 2022 to increase patient access and augment the skillset already present within the team.

Congratulations to Amanda L. Murden, Data Entry Operator II in ASG III.

Congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, the Academy of Master Clinicians' July Clinician of the Month.

Medicare does not cover preventive services in the same way that commercial payors do. However, Medicare does have its own set of preventive services and screening that are a covered benefit.

As UTMB’s Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery has grown, patients benefit from additional expertise and procedures to address their needs – including a new clinic at League City Campus focused on venous disorders. Christina Guarin is part of the team behind this endeavor.

It is not unusual to perform both a preventive service and a sick visit during the same encounter. CPT and CMS have rules concerning this billing scenario. This month we will cover how to bill for these services using CPT services.

The Faculty Group Practice leadership extends sincere thanks to Stephanie Kemmerling, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, for her outstanding service as APP Director from September 2020 through May 2023.

Congratulations to Anu George, Physician Assistant in Pediatric Endocrinology.

Congratulations to Dr. Laurel Humphrey, the Academy of Master Clinicians' June Clinician of the Month.

Asthma exacerbations, panic attacks, rashes, and colds may make up an average clinic day for a Family Medicine physician. However, it’s not every day the patient population includes state senators and representatives, their staff members, and other visitors to the Texas State Capitol.