Author Archives: akinzer

Staying Safe From Ticks This Summer: What You Need to Know

With summer in full swing, tick activity is ramping up here in the DMV. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or even just spending more time outdoors, it’s important to protect yourself and your family (including pets) from tick bites and the illnesses they can transmit.

How Can I Prevent Ticks?

The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent bites in the first place. If you have pets, talk to your vet about tick prevention for animals. Dogs and cats can carry ticks indoors, even if they’re mostly indoor animals. The CDC recommends following these few strategies for humans:

Use insect repellant containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) on exposed skin and clothing. You can also treat gear or clothing with products containing permethrin, which remains protective even after washing.
Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and light colored clothes to help spot ticks more easily.

Avoid brush areas with high grass or bushes, and stick to the trails when hiking.

Check for ticks daily, especially after time outdoors. Focus on hidden spots and crevices like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, around the waist, and behind the knees. Shower soon after being outdoors.

Are Insect Repellants Safe to Use?

Yes. For most people, insect repellants are safe to use as directed. The CDC and EPA both approve ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for use on your skin. Always be sure to follow instructions and avoid applying it near eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

What Do I Do If I Find a Tick?

If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Follow these steps from the CDC’s tick removal guidelines:

Use fine tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tweezers, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off in your skin.
Dispose of the live tick by either placing it in a sealed container, flushing it down the toilet, submerging it in alcohol, or wrapping it tightly with tape. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.

Can I Try to Burn Off a Tick?

No. Despite what you may see online, you should never try to burn off a tick using heat or any other method. According to the Mayo Clinic, using matches, lighters, or hot objects can actually increase the risk of infection by causing the tick to release more saliva into your skin. Stick to safe removal with normal tweezers.

When Should You See a Doctor About a Tick Bite?

Most tick bites are harmless, but some ticks do carry diseases like Lyme Disease. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), you should talk to your MPCP physician if you:

Develop a rash, especially if it’s bullseye or circular in shape.
Experience any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches within a few weeks of getting bit.
Aren’t sure how long the tick was attached on your skin.

Be Tick Smart This Summer

By starting a few simple precautions when outside, you can enjoy your summer activities with peace of mind. Know how to prevent tick bites, check for ticks regularly, and act quickly if one is found. And, if you’re ever unsure or start noticing symptoms, make an appointment to speak with your MPCP physician.

Fraud Alert: Protecting Yourself from Healthcare Scams

It starts with a phone call, an unexpected email, or even a friendly knock at the door. Before you know it, someone’s after your money or worse, your health information.

Scams have gotten bolder, sneakier and in some cases, dangerously personal. These scams can leave both your health, safety and finances in jeopardy.

You can protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up to date with the most common scams happening right now.

To help you stay protected, I’ve compiled a detailed list of the top three scams that are currently targeting patients. Being aware of these common fraud tactics can help you recognize the warning signs early and avoid becoming a victim.

Text Message, Email, and Phone Scams

These scams use email (phishing), phone calls (vishing), and text messages (smishing) to trick you into giving up personal or financial information, especially Medicare or Social Security numbers.

Scammers may say:

“There’s a problem with your Medicare account.”
“You’ve won a free health product!”
“Click here to refill your prescription.”
“You’re eligible for a refund”.

These messages often look real but are designed to steal your identity or money. After healthcare data breaches, scammers pretend to be your doctor’s office or insurer and ask you to “verify” sensitive details.

Red flags:

Generic greetings like “Dear Patient” or “This is Medicare.gov”
Spelling or grammar mistakes
Asking you to click on a suspicious link
Unsolicited calls about medical equipment or tests
Threats that your Medicare benefits will be canceled
Requests for your full Medicare or Social Security number

Tip: Never click on links or give out personal information unless you’re sure who you’re talking to. Medicare and Medicaid will never call you asking for personal information out of the blue. Hang up and report it. Call your provider or insurance company directly if you’re unsure

Door-to-Door Scams

Some scammers take it offline literally knocking on your door. They may claim they’re offering “free” medical equipment or want to help you with home repairs, homecare, or cleaning services through Medicare or Medicaid.

Their goal: Gain your trust to steal your personal info, steal prescription medication or charge outrageous fees for work they never do.

Red flags:

Requests for Medicare/Medicaid details at your door
Asking your diagnosis or the names of medications you’re taking.
High-pressure sales tactics
No business cards or verifiable credentials

Tip: Don’t sign anything or share personal info with someone who shows up uninvited. Always check with your provider before accepting any services. If you are unsure, run it by someone you trust.

Scams by Caregivers or Family Members

Unfortunately, not all threats come from outsiders sometimes, they come from people you know and trust. This type of scam is one of the most heartbreaking and underreported types of fraud.

What it looks like:
A trusted person may begin by helping with errands, managing medications, or making purchases on your behalf. You might give them access to your debit or credit card to buy groceries or household items only to find more money withdrawn than expected. Unexplained bank withdrawals or missing funds may follow.

Over time, they could pressure you into signing legal documents, changing your will or even the deed to your home. You might notice your prescription bottles are empty too soon, or personal belongings go missing. Some scammers go further by taking your phone, isolating you from others, or creating confusion to make you doubt your own memory.

Watch out for:

Missing medications or valuables
A sudden shift in who controls your money
Feeling isolated or pressured by someone who says they’re helping

Tip: Stay connected with multiple trusted people. If one person tries to control all your communication or finances, that’s a red flag.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Scams like these are designed to confuse, pressure, or scare you. Knowledge is your best defense. Here are a few final tips:

Shred old bills and documents with personal info
If someone is rushing you to act, take a moment to pause and think
Set up transaction alerts with your bank
Talk regularly with someone you trust about finances and health
Report suspicious activity to Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, you can reach out to Adult Protective Services (APS). APS is a program focused on safeguarding adults aged 18 and older who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Call 1-800-917-7383 (24/7) or https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-adult-services/adult-protective-services/.
In case of an immediate emergency, please call 911 right away.

Maryland Primary Care Physicians will only contact you using recognized office numbers. If you are ever uncertain about a communication, please contact your local office or our billing department directly at 410-729-2642.

To report any concerns related to fraud, waste, or abuse, please reach out to our Compliance Manager, Michelle Lubin, at [email protected].

Don’t Shut Down, Stand Your Ground!!

By: ARIEL J. WARDEN-JARRETT, MD, FAAFP

Have you ever felt that a provider did not listen to you or take your concerns seriously? Chances are, we have ALL felt that way at some point. But I have realized that communication gaps are often the roots of these frustrations. Allow me to explain.

Through the years, I have treated hundreds of women going through menopause who came to me because they didn’t think their gynecologist “cared… or they would have ordered the hormone levels.” I used to get so frustrated when patients came to me, and I had to clean up the “misunderstanding created by a specialist.” Some patients were even prepared to find a new gynecologist because the last one “did not order hormone levels…” Some women had tears in their eyes, and I could sense their pain.

I acknowledged the pain, then shared the current guidelines of hormone testing in their age group. Once this was done, I added that in their case, their gynecologist had simply followed the guidelines, and what they were feeling was part of a normal process. They thanked me for taking the time to explain, then looked me in the eyes to ask why the specialist had not explained it “the way I did…”

Now doing that set me back with scheduling each time, but it was an investment worth making, as I am a doctor for the people! However, I realize that many patients do not ask questions when they matter the most during office visits.

Here are my tips to foster stronger communication skills during your visits. Don’t shut down, stand your ground.

Plan our questions ahead of time and write them down. Keep in mind that your provider typically only has 15 min to address your concerns. Don’t be offended if your provider requests a follow-up visit to provide adequate time to address your needs.
Find out your provider’s preference for more complicated questions. Perhaps they may prefer a message in the portal ahead of the visit so they have time to do research or they may want to do the research after the visit…
Don’t be so quick to switch providers or offices after a single issue. If you don’t understand, or feel unheard, don’t shut down, but rather try to redirect and share how you are feeling in that moment. If the provider dismisses you, THEN look for another provider that you can better connect with.

If you don’t remember anything, remember this, don’t shut down and stand your ground.

Headlines, Hashtags, and Health: What to Trust (and What to Skip)

Smart choices start with smart sources. Here’s what to know.

When it comes to your health, quality, credible information matters–and not all of it is information equal.

Today, more people are turning to social media platforms like TikTok, Youtube, and even AI tools like ChatGPT to answer their health questions. While they can sometimes be helpful as a starting point, they’re not a substitute for personalized, evidence-based care. In fact, relying on viral content or attention-grabbing headlines can sometimes do more harm than good if the information is outdated, overly simplified, or just plain inaccurate.

With that being said, where should you go for trustworthy, up-to-date health information?

Start with your primary care provider.

Your MPCP physician knows your health history, your medications, concerns, and personal risk factors. They’re your first and most reliable source when it comes to understanding symptoms, treatment options, and preventative care. Trained providers, like those at MPCP, have learned to break down health information, weigh evidence, identify when a specialist may be required, and guide you through decisions based on your individual needs—not internet fearmongering.

If you’ve seen something online that concerns you, bring it to your appointment and your provider will talk it through with you.

Turn to trusted medical institutions.

Many leading hospitals and research centers offer free, easy-to-understand health resources online. A few reliable options include:

Mayo Clinic: Offers in-depth information on conditions, symptoms, and treatments.
Cleveland Clinic: Publishes health articles written and reviewed by medical professionals.
Harvard Health Publishing: Backed by Harvard Medical School, this site breaks down research and offers practical wellness tips.
MedlinePlus (from the National Library of Medicine): Provides peer-reviewed information and links to scientific sources.

When reading health news, context matters.

News articles and health headlines can raise awareness about upcoming research and treatments, but they don’t always tell the full story. Scientific studies often involve limitations or early-stage results that get lost in translation. When reading health news, ask: Who conducted the study? Was it peer-reviewed? Was this study done on humans? How many subjects or people were studied? And remember, “promising” doesn’t always mean “proven.”

Be cautious with influencers and online personalities.

There are many well-meaning health creators out there, but also plenty who are unqualified or spreading misinformation. If you get health tips from a podcast, Instagram post, or video, check the person’s credentials and ensure that they are speaking within their specialty.

Be cautious of supplements or treatments being sold through social media. Unlike prescription medications, most supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, and some may be ineffective or even harmful. You could end up spending money on something that doesn’t help, or worse, puts your health at risk. Always talk to your primary care provider before starting any new supplement or health product.

What about tools like ChatGPT?

AI tools can help summarize concepts or point you in the right direction, but they aren’t medical professionals. Always verify health-related content with a trusted source, and never use AI tools to diagnose or treat a condition without speaking to your MPCP provider.

The Bottom Line

If something sounds too good to be true, or if you’re not sure who to trust, start with your primary care provider. At MPCP, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.

Need advice or have a question about something you’ve read online? Ask your provider for support on your next visit, or read our collection of health and wellness blogs: https://www.mpcp.com/health-wellness/