Heart Attack Prevention - Frequently Asked Questions
1.) How do you prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes?
The short answer is that Dr. Turnbow uses advanced diagnostic testing to identify a patient's risks, and then tailors an aggressive treatment plan that is very specific to the individual patient. And not one of his patients, following the Bale/Doneen method, has had a heart attack, stroke, stent or bypass. The long answer varies too much to explain here because the treatments are very specific to the individual, and sometimes very complex, so it's best to make an appointment and let the doctor go over it with you in a comprehensive consultation.
2.) What is my risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke?
The only way to find out is to get tested. We have seen patients with terrible family histories and many other warning signs who tested ok, and we've seen patients who thought they were completely healthy but unfortunately were not so lucky. You just can not tell by looking at someone.
3.) Is this a doctor's office?
Yes, Dr. Turnbow is board certified physician, and everything we do is backed by scientific studies in peer reviewed journals.
4.) Is this covered by insurance?
It is covered at the out of network rate. We do not participate with insurance, so you will need to pay in full at the time of service. However, we will submit a completed superbill to your insurance company on your behalf and you should be reimbursed at the out of network rate after your out of network deductible has been met.
5.) Why don’t you participate with insurance?
Dr. Turnbow's passion is taking the best possible care of his patients. Insurance companies are in the business to make a profit, dictating to physicians what tests, medications, and treatements can be prescribed to patients, regardless of the physician's recommendations. His previous 20 years working with insurance companies has shown that the insurance companies sometimes don't cover preventive testing because they don't see an immediate financial benefit. Dr. Turnbow chose to be an out of network physician because he cares more about your health than the interests of the insurance company.
6.) Isn’t my family doctor already doing this stuff for me?
Family doctors are wonderful and help their patients with a multitude of problems. They have to check for injuries, sicknesses, cancers, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, eye problems, etc, etc. and are thus too busy to do the comprehensive cardiovascular care we are doing here. Besides, they typically participate with insurance which usually limits them to 7-12 minutes of time with each patient. At Heart Attack Prevention Strategies the doctor spends an average of 2 hours with every patient, specifically looking for and treating the disease that is the leading cause of death in America. We go way beyond what most doctors are doing, and we feel that is necessary because this disease is killing 2/3 of Americans under the current care system. Dr. Turnbow prefers to work with the patient’s other doctors to ensure quality preventive cardiovascular care.
7.) What good is it going to do me to find out that I’m at risk?
All the good in the world! If we find that you are at risk, then we can start an aggressive treatment plan that is tailored just for you. This disease can be stopped!
8.) What is the Bale/Doneen method?
The Bale/Doneen Method is an established and proven process of detecting heart disease and markers of inflammation by using advanced lipid testing, advanced heart scanning, and an extensive cardiovascular physical exam. The doctor uses these results to prescribe a preventive cardiovascular treatment plan tailored to the individual.
9.) Do you prescribe medication?
If necessary. Dr. Turnbow can prescribe a number of medications, and will do so when he believes it will help the patient. However, not every patient is in need of prescription medication.
10.) What is a carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) test and why should I get one?
This non-invasive ultrasound test looks into the carotid arteries for plaque, and measures the thickness of the carotid arteries. This thickness is then used to calculate an arterial “age” by comparing the thickness, in millimeters, to the thickness of an average person. As a patient gets older in age, their artery will naturally get thicker. However, if it is too thick for the patient’s calendar age, or is thickening too rapidly, it is the earliest evidence of atherosclerosis. It is also important to note that this is not the simpler “carotid scan” that many others are doing. This is a very good test for following the efficacy of treatment. It can actually show regression of plaque. It is also read by a radiologist.
11.) Once I have plaque, will lifestyle alone stop the progression?
The proper lifestyle is the most important part of our cornerstone therapy. There is no one medicine that approaches the benefits of proper diet, exercise and avoidance of stress. But once plaque develops, the therapies of modern medicine are also usually needed.
12.) Can I refer a friend?
We would be deeply honored if you would refer a friend to us. In fact, click here to download a referral card, sign it with your name and address and give it to the person you want to refer. When they bring it in and pay full price for any of our services, we'll mail you a check for $25.