Doctors seem to be ordering more tests than ever, especially imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. Why? Well, there are two reasons.

First, these type of studies gives accurate images of internal parts of our body for suspected diagnosis. Blood tests give a great deal of information about body functions, the liver, kidneys, hormones, anemia, infections, etc, but which one of these many should they order?

This brings us to the second problem, which is time, because since a good history and a thorough exam can take an hour or more, having doctors see 20 to 25 patients takes up a lot of time. Average office visits last 20 minutes, and then it’s time to order those tests, which the doctor hopes might give them some answers.

Take a common complaint, such as chest pain. When does it happen, resting or exercising, with or without food, sitting or lying down, with or without breathing problems? Already, we have 10 different areas of the problem, which could be the heart, lungs, esophagus, or spine or anxiety or any combination. Which tests to order?

The answer is time. There is no substitute for experienced listening. It points the trained ear to the most likely cause of the symptoms, and then the proper test can be ordered.

At Integrated Quality Medical Care, we take the time to listen not only to the patient’s personal symptoms but also to question their environment, lifestyle, and family history, all of which are important to get the correct diagnosis.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Testing

The ANS is the part of our nervous system that controls and regulates critical body functions- heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and all digestive functions. It is affected by many factors: emotions, hormones, environmental toxins, and poor nutrition. These factors can cause malfunction, leading to a variety of symptoms, such as palpitations, cramps, lightheadedness, etc. Testing is noninvasive, requires no prep, and takes about 30-40 minutes. This test may be suggested if your symptoms are suspicious of ANS dysfunction.

Arterial Stiffness Index (ASI) Testing

The Arterial Stiffness Index measures the ability of your arteries to compress and relax, thereby regulating blood flow. It is important to detect” hardening of the arteries” early or arteriosclerosis. Once found, appropriate natural treatments can be started. As Ben Franklin is known to say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” -Ben Franklin 1736

Gastric Analysis (Heidelberg)

Our stomachs produce “gastric juice, “a combination of digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid. Many digestive illnesses have been linked to the overproduction of acid ulcers, reflux, esophagitis, and gastritis, as well as underproduction- malabsorption, maldigestion, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth.

Gastric analysis, or the Heidelberg test, is the only accurate way to measure stomach acid production.