Primary Care•1 min read
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit vs. Annual Physical: What's the Difference?
Confused why your "free" Medicare visit felt different from a physical exam? Here is what each visit covers, what it costs, and which one you need.
Local Vitals — St. Petersburg Medical News
Health & medical insights for St. Petersburg
Expert advice, wellness tips, and medical updates from local healthcare professionals at Zimmer Medical Group.
283 published articles • Page 6 of 24
Articles • Page 6
Primary Care
Primary Care•1 min read
Do You Need a Referral to See a Specialist?
Referral rules depend on your plan type. Here is how HMOs, PPOs, and Medicare differ — and why your primary care doctor still matters either way.
Primary Care•1 min read
Concierge vs. Traditional Primary Care: Which Is Right for You?
Concierge and traditional primary care offer the same medical expertise through different business models. Here is how they differ and how to choose.
Men•2 min read
Prostatitis, BPH, and Prostate Cancer: Three Conditions, Often Confused
Three different prostate conditions cause overlapping urinary symptoms. Learn how to distinguish them, the workup that gives accurate answers, and modern treatment options for each.
Vaccines•2 min read
Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV20 and PPSV23): The Update That Simplified Adult Schedules
Recent CDC updates have simplified pneumococcal vaccination for adults. Learn the difference between PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23, who needs which vaccines and when, and why this protection matters more than ever for older adults.
Heart•2 min read
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): The Leg Pain That Predicts Heart Attacks
Peripheral artery disease causes leg pain with walking, but its bigger meaning is what it predicts about your heart and brain. Learn the symptoms, the simple test that diagnoses it, and why aggressive treatment saves more than legs.
Primary Care•3 min read
Migraine Prevention in 2026: CGRP Inhibitors and Modern Options
Migraine treatment changed dramatically with CGRP inhibitors. Learn the difference between abortive and preventive medications, who qualifies for newer options like Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality, and Qulipta, and what your primary care doctor can do before a neurology referral.
Primary Care•2 min read
Microscopic Hematuria: What Blood in Your Urine Tests Might Mean
Blood detected only on urine testing — without visible color change — affects millions of adults. Learn what causes it, who needs comprehensive workup, and the changing recommendations on imaging and cystoscopy.
Digestive•2 min read
Microscopic Colitis: Chronic Watery Diarrhea Without an Obvious Cause
Microscopic colitis causes chronic watery diarrhea without visible damage on routine colonoscopy. Often missed for years, it has clear diagnostic criteria and effective treatments. Learn who is at risk and how to get the right diagnosis.
Bone•2 min read
Plantar Fasciitis: The Heel Pain That Won't Quit (and What Finally Works)
Plantar fasciitis causes that classic first-step heel pain. Learn the stretches that actually work, when to use night splints or a boot, why injections are sometimes the wrong choice, and the timeline for full recovery.
Senior•2 min read
Macular Degeneration: AREDS2 Supplements and What Else Helps
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Learn the difference between dry and wet AMD, who benefits from AREDS2 supplements, and the modern injection therapies for wet AMD.
Heart•2 min read
POTS: When Standing Up Makes Your Heart Race
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) causes lightheadedness, racing heart, and fatigue with standing. Often dismissed for years, POTS has clear diagnostic criteria and effective treatments. Learn what to expect from evaluation.