[/fusion_text][fusion_text]Uneven skin tone is a common aesthetic problem we all notice as we age especially if we have an active lifestyle out in the sun. After years of unprotected sun exposure you will notice brown spots, freckles, sun spots. You may also notice unwanted vessels around your nose or rosacea on your cheeks.
Skin revitalization is ideal for reducing the appearance of pigment on your face, chest or hands including age spots, sun damage, freckles or birthmarks. It is also the perfect solution for unwanted vessels on your face including spider veins, broken vessels or rosacea (redness/flushing of the cheeks).
In just a few quick treatment sessions you will see a reduction in the appearance of brown spots and vessels leaving you with a more even skin tone and beautiful looking skin.[/fusion_text][youtube id=”W5p8Krx-QH4″ width=”600″ height=”350″ autoplay=”no” api_params=”” class=””][/youtube][fusion_text]To read one patient’s story about the Photo Facial click here.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]
How It Works
Dr. Espinosa uses a next generation technology laser device called the Icon. Icon™ utilizes optimized pulsed light technology (IPL) which uses many wavelengths of light with special filters that deliver the best wavelengths to treat specific aesthetic conditions.
As the IPL handpiece glides over the area being treated, specialized pulses of light are delivered into your skin and target brown spots, sun-damage and vessels without causing harm to the surrounding skin. Once these targets absorb the energy they are destroyed and will slowly disappear through your body’s natural healing process.
You will see your brown spots turn darker in color and flake off over the next few weeks. You may also see an immediate improvement in your vessels with a continued clearance over the next few weeks.
What To Expect On The Day Of Treatment
Before the optimized pulsed light handpiece is used, a gel is applied to your skin where you will receive treatment. You will be provided eye shields to protect yourself from the light during treatment. The treatment will begin with Dr. Espinosa guiding the Icon™ handpiece over the treatment area. You will feel cooling while the handpiece is gliding over the treatment area to provide a comfortable session. You may also feel a slight rubber-band like snapping when the energy is being delivered into your skin which disappears almost immediately however, a warm sensation after the treatment is common. Depending on the size of the area, treatments can take just minutes.
After the treatment, the gel will be removed and a cooling gel may be applied to your skin. Bandages and ointments are not necessary due to the nature of the treatments being so minimally invasive. For a few days after your treatment, you may feel like you have a mild sunburn but can resume your normal day to day activities immediately following treatment.
Remove all make-up and lotions prior to the treatment session. At least 4 weeks prior to your appointment, discontinue unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds and tanning creams on the areas receiving treatment.[/fusion_text][/one_full][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
Conclusion
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]If you have been thinking about getting laser skin resurfacing the Photo Facial or IPL Max G laser could be a perfect answer to your skin care goals. Give us a call or use the button below to request a free consultation with Dr. Espinosa. We are located conveniently in Buckhead Atlanta.[/fusion_text][/fullwidth][button link=”#” color=”default” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_self” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ animation_offset=”” alignment=”center” class=”footer-button modal-trigger-one” id=””]Request Free Consultation[/button]
A Look at the IPL Max G Laser, a.k.a, Photo Facial
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]The IPL Max G laser also known as, the Photo Facial is a breakthrough medical procedure to improve skin tone, shrink pores, and eliminate dark spots and freckles. This cutting edge technology has revolutionized the aging face, and we love it! Let’s face it when it comes to undergoing a medical procedure you need to be working with a qualified medical doctor. Dr. Edward Espinosa handles all medical and aesthetic patient care at Buckhead Medicine and addresses what questions you should be asking your doctor before undergoing the Photo Facial procedure.[/fusion_text][youtube id=”Rb3TkOf3Ylo” width=”600″ height=”350″ autoplay=”no” api_params=”” class=””][/youtube][fusion_text]To read one patient’s story about the Photo Facial click here.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]
1. What type of pigment can be treated?
Icon™ IPL is designed to treat age spots, sun damage and freckles on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs and feet.
2. What type of vessels can be treated?
Icon™ IPL is designed to treat spider veins and broken vessels on the face, neck, and some other areas of the body.
3. Am I a good candidate for skin revitalization?
Icon™ IPL can be safely used on most skin types. During your consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure based on a variety of factors including the amount of recent sun exposure.
4. What type of result can I expect?
You can expect to see a decrease in the appearance of brown spots, sun damage and vessels for a more even skin tone. You will see a continued improvement over the first 6 weeks after your treatment.
5. How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the size of the area and the condition being treated, the sessions could range anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
6. What does the treatment feel like?
Most people feel only a slight “snap” like a rubber band followed by warmth of your skin. You will also feel cooling on your skin as the handpiece glides over the treatment area to help in providing a comfortable session.
7. How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the condition being treated, 1-3 treatment sessions are recommended for desired results.
8. How far apart are treatment sessions?
Treatment sessions should be scheduled 3-4 weeks apart.
9. How much does the treatment cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the size of the area to be treated. Bundle/packages are always available just ask!
10. How does it work?
Specialized pulsed of optimized light are used to target brown spots, sun damage and vessels without harming the surrounding skin. These imperfections absorb the energy delivered to your skin causing them to slowly disappear through your body’s natural healing process.
11. How quickly will I recover?
You can resume regular daily activities immediately following treatment.
12. Are there any side effects?
Immediately after the treatment, it is common to feel a mild sunburn-like sensation around the treatment site, which typically lasts 2-24 hours. Redness and/or swelling may accompany this and usually resolves in 2-3 days. We will discuss any other possible side effects and the necessary post-treatment care with you during the consultation.[/fusion_text][/one_full][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
Conclusion
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]If you’re considering undergoing any medical procedure make you have done your homework and spoke with a qualified medical doctor. Don’t hide behind heavy makeup embrace your skin and take back your confidence![/fusion_text][/fullwidth][button link=”#” color=”default” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_self” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ animation_offset=”” alignment=”center” class=”footer-button modal-trigger-one” id=””]Request Free Consultation[/button]
The First & Only Injectable to Treat Double Chins!
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Do you have some extra fullness beneath your chin? Maybe it’s something you’ve had your whole life, something that developed over the years, or something you noticed recently. This is a condition called submental fullness, which some people refer to as “double chin.”
Both men and women may be affected by submental fullness, which can be caused by weight gain, genetics and aging. You don’t have to be overweight to have fullness under your chin. And sometimes, no matter how much you exercise or diet, the condition may not go away.
If you’re interested in a nonsurgical way to reduce fullness beneath your chin, Kybella may be right for you. At Buckhead Medicine in Atlanta Kybella is a first-of-its-kind injectable treatment for adults with submental fullness that destroys fat cells under the chin to improve your profile.
The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal.
Since everyone’s chin profile is different, the number of treatments varies from patient to patient. Dr. Espinosa will determine how many treatment sessions you need based on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals. Each Kybella treatment session is given at least 1 month apart, and you should expect to receive 3 to 5 treatments.[/fusion_text][youtube id=”-ZoLFYNyRx4″ width=”600″ height=”350″ autoplay=”no” api_params=”” class=””][/youtube][fusion_text]To learn more about our Injectable Services in Atlanta click here.[/fusion_text][/one_full][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]As a native born Floridian one of my favorite things is to be in the sun, sand, and the water. Growing up in an endless summer, I was always in the sun and in constant pursuit of the ultimate tan. While I was achieving my bronze glow I was also exposing my skin to some serious sun exposure. Now in my late 20s, I started to notice dark spots and freckles on my face that did not use to be there and wished I had been more cautious with my SPF.
Whenever I am in the sun now I make sure I am always prepared and protected with good sunscreen, but that doesn’t reverse the damage from the years before. I would cover up my freckles with makeup but wasn’t happy with what I saw without makeup and wanted my youthful skin back. With my wedding coming up, I wanted to begin a new beauty regimen and did some research on how to lessen the dark spots and freckles on my face from excessive sun damage. I found information on Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments in Atlanta and how the laser skin resurfacing enhances the tone and appearance of your skin.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]There are so many different types of Laser Skin Resurfacing services and different treatments and facilities and after reading about the multiple types of laser treatments, locations, and providers I found Buckhead Medicine, with Dr. Edward Espinosa. What I liked most about Buckhead Medicine when researching laser skin treatments in Atlanta was that is was a Medical Practice focused on overall personalized medical care. I knew that Dr. Espinosa himself would be the one that handles all my treatments and not a medical assistant or esthetician.
When it comes to my face, I just did not feel comfortable having something as serious as laser treatment not being administered by a medical doctor. I have read horror stories online on different practices about scary laser complications because the individuals administering the treatment were not medical doctors. I knew at Buckhead Medicine if I were to have any laser treatment it would be would be with Dr. Espinosa.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]To learn more about our Laser Services in Atlanta click here.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Espinosa to talk about the different skin treatment options and what to expect. He answered all my questions and educated me on the process of how and why sun damage creates dark spots and freckles. He then explained the process of how the Icon IPL Laser technology works and that the laser actually pulls the melanin (dark pigmentation) from the skin. Dr. Espinosa walked me through the post op instructions, what to expect after procedure, recovery and results. I wanted an effective, minimally invasive, and quick solution to improve the appearance of my skin. After meeting the Buckhead Medicine staff and having a consultation with Dr. Espinosa I knew that the IPL Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment was the perfect solution.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]
Treatment Day
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]The treatment was easy. I showed up to Buckhead Medicine with a clean face completely makeup free. I spoke with Dr. Espinosa about the process quickly again and then he began the Laser treatment. The laser treatment was very quick, around 15 minutes, and performed by Dr. Espinosa. The Laser is quick because it just targets the areas with sun damage it was not painful. The laser was not hot and felt more like a snap of a rubber band. After the treatment my face felt a little warm similar to a mild sunburn and my freckles were red from the laser but not uncomfortable. This only lasted about 20 minutes.
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]Dr. Espinosa let me know it would take a full week to see results and what the next 7 days would look like. The next day, as expected, my freckles were much darker and the staff at Buckhead Medicine called to me to follow up and make sure everything was healing correctly. There wasn’t any pain and I easily concealed the freckles with makeup and applied a strong SPF as advised. The first 5 days after treatment your freckles darken and resemble coffee grounds because the laser pulled the melanin from the skin. I had two work events and made sure I put on a heavier foundation to cover spots. Around day 6 with a light exfoliate the freckles began to fall off! I documented each day so I could track my progress.[/fusion_text][/one_full][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
[/fusion_text][/one_third][/fullwidth][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Day 7 the spots were gone and my skin looked incredible! I could not believe what a difference one laser treatment made. Not only did it remove dark spots and freckles but the overall tone of my skin looked amazing. I am beyond pleased with my results and loved how Buckhead Medicine made me feel so comfortable and did such an amazing job following up post treatment. The Laser Skin treatment has improved my dark pigmentation, gave me a natural glow, and improved my skin tone. The IPL treatment completely improved the appearance of my skin with just one treatment. Today I wear less makeup and feel comfortable with my natural skin.[/fusion_text][imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/one_full][button link=”#” color=”default” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_self” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ animation_offset=”” alignment=”center” class=”footer-button modal-trigger-one” id=””]Request Free Consultation[/button]
If you've had recent exposure to COVID-19 and are immunocompromised/high risk, there are treatment options available to prevent infection.
The FDA has approved the emergency use of REGEN-COV (casirivimab-imdevimab) which is a monoclonal antibody (lab-created proteins that are similar to what our own immune systems create).
This is being used to prevent COVID-19 in anyone greater than 12 years of age that is at high risk and/or not vaccinated that was directly exposed.
According to a randomized trial, reactions were rare and non-severe.
This medication can be given as injections or IV infusions. The goal of this treatment is to prevent severe progression of COVID -19 if infected.
Most importantly, this medication is not a replacement for vaccines. We still recommend being fully vaccinated.
Lung Cancer Screening
If you are currently a smoker or have smoked in the past you should be evaluated for lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is responsible for about 154,000 deaths per year in the US alone. Lung cancer screening has become increasingly important for early detection in order to increase the overall cure rate and to allow for more limited surgical resection when surgical removal is indicated.
We now recommend screening for lung cancer in patients between the ages of 50-80 who have smoked 20 pack-years (1 pack per day for 20 years or 2 packs per day for 10 years) and are current smokers who have quit within the last 15 years.
Screening involves a yearly low-dose cat scan for anyone who meets the above criteria. A low-dose CT scan produces a high-resolution picture with less radiation compared to a regular CT scan. In general, the most effective and proven intervention to prevent complications from lung cancer is smoking cessation.
Drug to treat Alzheimer's Approved, What does this mean?
The FDA has recently approved Biogen’s aducanumab (Aduhelm), which is a drug for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive decline in cognitive function. This drug is a monoclonal antibody that focuses on interrupting the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's. Two trials were completed in 2019, EMERGE and ENGAGE. Initially it was shown that this drug was unlikely to produce clinical benefit. However, later in 2019 one of the trials revealed the drug reduced cognitive decline. There has been a lot of controversy over the approval of this drug as it works by slowing the pathophysiology of Alzeimhers, however this has not necessarily been proven to improve cognitive function. Although controversy remains, it is a pivotal step in discovering new treatments for Alzheimer's. New research will continue to emerge on therapies for Alzheimer's.
Fractures in the elderly population can be extremely critical as patients frequently have limited mobility post fractures. This increases their risk for hospitalizations and subsequently, hospital-acquired pneumonia that can lead to death.
Identifying fracture risk early on is essential in preventing this occurrence. Osteoporosis is a condition that places you at risk for fracture, it’s a fairly common disease that essentially means low bone mass. It is recommended to begin screening at age 65 or earlier for patients with high-risk factors, such as, but not limited to long term steroid use, smoking, and low body weight.
The most widely used method to detect osteoporosis is a DEXA bone scan or Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, which measures bone density with very little radiation exposure to the patient. Early diagnosis can reduce fracture risk and slow or reverse the progression of osteoporosis through medications or lifestyle changes.
Osteoporosis is a common disease that is characterized by low bone mass, microarchitectural disruption, and skeletal fragility, resulting in an increased risk o
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries. Two studies that were published in 2010 evaluated if wearing external supports would help prevent future injuries. It did prove to be effective for about 70% of patients who had a history of ankle sprains. Additionally, lateral ankle sprains are the most common type of ankle sprains. In another study, a patch was placed on the outer shoe to reduce the friction between the shoe and the surface. It was proven effective in athletes for indoor sports. These approaches are beneficial in that it has reduced the frequency of ankle injuries.
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to give you an update on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and how Buckhead Medicine is continuing to ensure that we position ourselves in the best way possible during this ever-evolving situation, in order to keep our patients healthy.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
In Georgia we are currently seeing a significant increase in the number of positive cases, emergency room encounters, and hospitalization of patients with COVID-19. The Delta variant and other variants are likely to contribute to the increased transmissibility and severity of this illness. Variants will continue to emerge until enough hosts have been infected or enough persons are vaccinated. Please see the attached links for specifics on COVID-19 epidemiologic data: https://covidestim.org/ and https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map.
VACCINES
Our office continues to offer the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for patients. Vaccinations are provided during our vaccine clinics which occur in our office every two weeks. I do recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for all eligible patients. Based on the clinical trials and epidemiologic data that is currently available, it is clear that the vaccine will be the main driving force for getting us out of this pandemic. Below is a link to give you additional information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/is-the-covid19-vaccine-safe
If you are not yet ready for vaccination, or need to gather additional information and data in order to make a decision about the vaccine, I am happy to set up a time with you to discuss the vaccine in further detail and provide you with additional information and data that may benefit you in in making a decision for you and your family.
With regard to booster vaccines, we do not yet have clear data to drive a strong recommendation for boosters in immunocompetent patients, but we continue to monitor the clinical trial data as it becomes available. As far as immunocompromised patients go, we are beginning to administer booster vaccines in some of these patients. We are actively screening our immunocompromised patients to make a determination on need for booster. If you have a current diagnosis of immunocompromised status and you have not already spoken with our staff, please contact our office to discuss further recommendations for booster vaccines.
MASKING AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Masking is recommended for most individuals in settings where regional transmission is high, particularly if indoors and in crowded areas. Physical distancing to maintain at least 6 feet of distance when possible helps to reduce transmission. This is of greater importance for elderly, obese or immunocompromised patients, as these people are at greater risk for complications from COVID-19 infection. Keep in mind that vaccine efficacy is not 100% and with emerging variants, we expect efficacy to decrease, meaning vaccinated patients will have increasing risk of becoming infected with the virus.
TESTING
Our office continues to offer testing for our patients including rapid, PCR, and antibody tests. For the most part insurance continues to cover testing for symptomatic patients or for people who have had a known exposure to a COVID-19 positive person. Travel or employee screening is not typically covered by most insurance providers. Click here for more information on COVID-19 testing at Buckhead Medicine: https://buckheadmedicine.com/covid-19-screen-onboarding/
TREATMENT
In the outpatient setting, monoclonal antibody intravenous therapy is available to reduce severity of illness and reduce risk of hospitalization, in people with mild to moderately cases of COVID-19. We will assess all symptomatic COVID-19 patients in our office to determine if they are eligible for this therapy. Monoclonal antibody treatment should be given as soon as possible after diagnosis and within 7 to 10 days of symptom onset to be most effective. Below is a link with additional information on antibody therapy: https://www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/therapeutics-and-interventions/monoclonal-antibodies/
TRAVEL
When traveling, ensure you have on hand a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card. If you have misplaced your card and were vaccinated in our office, please give the office a call so we can work on issuing you a replacement card. Masks should be worn in airports and planes. Below is a link with additional information for travel during the pandemic. #unvaccinated-people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html#unvaccinated-people
OFFICE PROTOCOL
Our office is receiving more sick calls and increased requests for COVID-19 testing. We expect this trend to progress. We will continue to implement procedures to keep you safe while in our office. Our staff are all fully vaccinated and are wearing masks. We are continuing our virtual check in process. When you arrive for your appointment, please remain in your vehicle and call our office to let us know you have arrived. Because we frequently are caring for vulnerable and at-risk patients, we are asking that all patients and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask while in our office. We will continue to use the rear entrance of our clinic to see symptomatic patients. We will continue to offer telemedicine as an alternative to in person office visit.
We want to make sure appropriate annual exams and preventive medicine screenings are being performed routinely, including but not limited to appropriate hypertension and diabetes screening, cardiovascular screening, colon cancer screening, prostate cancer screening and breast cancer screening. If you are due for any of these screenings, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
I hope this information gives you some additional tools to work through this pandemic. Overall, I will tell you that the best recommendation I can give you is to take appropriate precautions, which include vaccinating and masking, but continue to live your life.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Edward Espinosa
Buckhead Medicine
91 W. Wieuca Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-257-5585
What services are provided as a part of my annual fee?
Same-day or next business day appointments
Direct access to Dr. Espinosa via his personal cell phone after hours, weekends, and holidays
Minimal office wait times
Longer, more comprehensive appointments
House Calls (requires additional trip fee)
A strong focus on preventive medicine, long-term health and wellness
A personal professional relationship with your physician
What is the mission of Buckhead Medicine?
We strive to provide the highest quality medical care, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to prevention and disease management. We want patients to be completely satisfied with every aspect of their care.
Where is your office and are you on the medical staff of a local hospital?
Yes, Dr. Espinosa’s office is in Buckhead, a suburb of Atlanta. He is on the medical staff of Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. If you require hospitalization, Dr. Espinosa will coordinate your patient care by working with the hospital based physicians. He will also make periodic hospital visits during your hospitalization.
Who will cover for you when you are not available?
On infrequent occasions when Dr. Espinosa is out of town or otherwise unavailable, he will have another qualified physician cover for him. Even while out of town, Dr. Espinosa will generally be available by phone to his patients and to his covering physicians. For practical reasons, we reserve the right to designate another qualified physician to perform any and all services should the need arise.
Do you accept insurance?
Commercial Insurance and Medicare:
Buckhead Medicine is an In-Network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna, Coventry, Humana, Cigna, Tricare and United Healthcare. Our practice fully participates in the Medicare program. Buckhead Medicine accepts all other insurance as an Out-of-Network provider. We, however, do not participate in the Medicaid program. Regardless of your plan, we will bill your insurance for all covered services. It is our intention that no insurance-covered medical services are included in your annual fee.
HMO and Medicare HMO:
We do not participate in HMO programs. As such, HMO patients will not be able to join the practice until they transition to either a PPO or traditional Medicare plan.
Do I still need insurance if I enroll with you?
Yes. Personalized medical practices do not take the place of general health insurance coverage. Buckhead Medicine is a primary care medical practice, not a health insurance program. You are advised to continue your PPO, Medicare or other insurance program. If you are an uninsured individual and desire to enroll in the practice, we will provide you with a discounted fee schedule for office visits, tests and procedures.
What if I don't have health insurance?
For uninsured patients, Buckhead Medicine offers an uninsured patient plan. Although this plan is not insurance, it does cover for all clinic visits and any labs or tests that are performed in our office. In many cases this plan provides for significant cost savings to uninsured individuals. Please contact our office for additional details on this plan.
Will my insurance still be billed for my office visits?
Yes, we will bill your insurance company directly. The annual fee does not cover costs for regular exams or testing conducted inside or outside of the clinic. These costs are billed to your insurance provider in the same manner that traditional practices bill insurers.
Is there a co-payment?
If you have commercial insurance, we will collect the co-payment at the time of service. Medicare patients usually do not require a co-payment.
Do you bill Medicare for the annual fee?
No. The annual fee is not covered by Medicare. The fee only includes services that are not covered by Medicare and, as such, cannot be paid for or reimbursed by Medicare. We will bill Medicare for your sick visits and for any additional services performed at this practice that are covered by Medicare.
Will my commercial insurance reimburse my annual fee?
No, commercial insurance does not typically reimburse for the annual fee. However, some Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account plans may pay for all or part of the annual fee. In addition, some insurance plans allow the concierge fee to apply towards the annual deductible. Members are advised to consult their human resources representative at their place of employment.
Is the annual fee tax deductible?
In many cases the annual fee is a tax deductible healthcare expense. Patients are advised to consult with their tax consultant to clarify qualification in their particular circumstance.
Does the annual fee cover lab, x-ray, specialist fees and hospitalization?
Services such as labs, x-ray, specialty visits or hospitalizations are covered based on coverage determined by your insurance plan.
Are there age limits?
Dr. Espinosa is an Internal Medicine physician. His specialty is Adult medicine. Dr. Espinosa is trained to manage acute and chronic medical illnesses among adults. As such, the practice is limited to patients 17 years of age and older.
What if I have an emergency?
If you have a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. After you call 911, please call Dr. Espinosa. He will contact the hospital and notify the emergency room of your tentative arrival. In addition, Dr. Espinosa will provide the emergency room with pertinent medical history information
How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?
Dr. Espinosa is committed to providing his patients with easy access to care. All urgent visits will be accommodated either same day or next day, placing the greatest priority on the sickest patients. Annual physical exams will be booked 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
What do I do if I become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?
Call 911 if you have a life threatening emergency. Then call Dr. Espinosa. Call Dr. Espinosa first if the problem is minor. With the exception of a few controlled substances, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country. If necessary, it may be possible for Dr. Espinosa to find you a resource in your area. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of our area, we request that you have the doctor seeing you call Dr. Espinosa for coordination. Dr. Espinosa will be readily available by phone for consultation with you and/or other health care personnel. If you should require hospitalization while away, at your request, Dr. Espinosa will establish phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.
Do you make house calls?
House calls will be available to Buckhead Medicine members, within a limited radius from the clinic. These will be done as deemed appropriate by Dr. Espinosa on a case-by-case basis. Home visits will be billed to your insurance provider similar to an office visit. A separate trip fee is required for house calls.
What if I need to see a specialist or a surgeon?
Of course, Buckhead Medicine patients are free to see any specialist they wish. We are available to help you decide what specialists to see and to coordinate such consultations. Patients may frequently request for “doctors in my area”, and we can accommodate this. We will ensure that the most appropriate resources are used, the earliest arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit.
What about the cost of prescription medications?
The cost of prescription medications are the patient’s responsibility and in most cases should be covered by their insurance plans. We have expertise in assisting patients in purchasing medications in the most cost effective manner.
Will I be required to pay my annual fee even if I do not use your services?
Yes. Paying your annual fee allows you to be a member of the practice whether you are sick or well. We encourage our patients to utilize the amenities offered such as wellness consultations and emails for appropriate non-urgent health related questions, regardless of your state of health.
If you’re interested in a nonsurgical way to reduce fullness beneath your chin, Kybella may be right for you. At Buckhead Medicine in Atlanta 
As a native born Floridian one of my favorite things is to be in the sun, sand, and the water. Growing up in an endless summer, I was always in the sun and in constant pursuit of the ultimate tan. While I was achieving my bronze glow I was also exposing my skin to some serious sun exposure. Now in my late 20s, I started to notice dark spots and freckles on my face that did not use to be there and wished I had been more cautious with my SPF.
I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Espinosa to talk about the different skin treatment options and what to expect. He answered all my questions and educated me on the process of how and why sun damage creates dark spots and freckles. He then explained the process of how the Icon IPL Laser technology works and that the laser actually pulls the melanin (dark pigmentation) from the skin. Dr. Espinosa walked me through the post op instructions, what to expect after procedure, recovery and results. I wanted an effective, minimally invasive, and quick solution to improve the appearance of my skin. After meeting the Buckhead Medicine staff and having a consultation with Dr. Espinosa I knew that the IPL Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment was the perfect solution.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]
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