Welcome to the website of Dr. Thomas J.W. Bering, M.D and Dr. Richard C. Weiermiller, Jr., M.D., members of Prism Medical Group, a division of Arcturus Healthcare, PLC. We are Board Certified Physicians specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, treating patients from birth to adulthood. It is our goal to provide you with the best healthcare possible. Please browse our site to get helpful information about our practice and tips for your health. Thank you!
Please visit www.prismmedicalgroup.com for more info about Prism Medical
Dear Patients:
It our pleasure to provide you with health services and we thank you for entrusting us with your care. We would like to share some exciting news. We have combined our practice with Prism Medical Group, a division of Arcturus Healthcare PLC, a locally owned group of physicians who have joined together to provide high quality medicine in our area.
As you know, over the last few years the healthcare environment has undergone great change and the move to Quality based medicine has led to increased reporting demands on the Doctors. As such, we felt a need to consolidate our back room operations like billing, accounting and quality metrics with a larger group to ensure that we are doing the best we can for our patients and practice. We are very confident that the move to Arcturus will continue to allow us to do what we do best; care for our patients.
What does this mean for you as a patient? You will still continue to see your Doctors just as you always have, along with the same familiar faces in our office. Our hours and availability will still remain the same and we will continue to make hospital visits. You will find you have access to some health resources in a more timely and cost effective manner, including some lab, x-ray and outreach care services. You will notice some changes in our signage, phone messages and billing statements, but we promise to continue to provide you and your family, the same caring, compassionate high quality healthcare we always have.
We appreciate the trust you have shown in allowing us to provide for your medical needs. It is our goal to ensure that the transition will be seamless and will not affect our patient care. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your Doctor, management or our staff.
Dr. Bering & Dr. Weiermiller and Staff
If you need care urgently, we advise you visit DocNow Urgent Care for quality care.
Located at:
WellPointe Building
1701 East South Boulevard, Suite 150 (just west of Dequindre)
1701 East South Boulevard, Suite 150 (just west of Dequindre)
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
DocNow is a department of Arcturus Healthcare, PLC
Wellpoint Medical Center and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive.
Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
Drive Details:
Site: Wellpointe Medical Center
Address: 1701 South Blvd. East, Rochester, MI, 48307
Room Name: Basement
Date: Tue Jan 7, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Blood Program Leader Name: Jessica Miller
Blood Program Leader Phone Number: 2489975805
Click here to make an appointment
The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.
Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!
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OCTOBER 2019
HAPPY FALL!
HAPPY FALL!
Our office is located on the northeast corner of South Boulevard and John R Road, just one mile west of William Beaumont Hospital and its ancillary services.
OUR ADDRESS:
Executive Place
1055 South Boulevard E. Suite 220
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
OUR PHONE NUMBERS:
(248)817-2230
(248) 817-2891 (fax)
PRISM MEDICAL GROUP
WELCOME TO OUR PRACTICE!
We are Board Certified Physicians specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. We see patients from birth to adulthood.
We look foward to caring for you and your family and encourage you to take an active part in your medical treatment plan.
Do you know someone looking for a new physician? If you like our practice please let others know. We are always accepting new patients and appreciate word of mouth and patient referrals. Thank you!
Questions are always welcome!
DID YOU SWITCH TO AN HMO?
PLEASE BE SURE TO SELECT US AS YOUR DOCTORS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
We will not able able to see you if we are not listed as your primary care physician. Call your insurance company to verify this.
Also, HMO's generally require a referral from the Doctor prior to seeing a specialist. Referrals take 7-10 days to process, so please call our office BEFORE you make an appointment to see a specialist. Find out more under Referrals on the Our Practice Tab.
THANK YOU!
VACCINES SAVE LIVES!
DON'T PUT YOUR YOUR BABY OR CHILD AT RISK-VACCINATE TODAY!
Vaccines given to infants and young children over the past two decades will prevent 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Doubts about vaccines safety and fading memories of vaccine-preventable diseases have contributed to a resurgence of nearly forgotten diseases such as measles, which was officially declared eradicated in the USA in 2000.
Numerous studies have debunked the notion that vaccines cause autism or other chronic diseases. Factual evidence shows that vaccines are some of the safest medications available, but rumors and conspiracy theories still spread.
Please speak to your Doctor if you have any questions or concerns about Vaccines. We follow AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines and recommendatons for vaccines.
LEARN MORE HERE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, not all women take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages. All women should have a plan and encourage the other women in their lives to do the same. There has been a lot of progress but there is still have a long way to go!
- Have a Early Detection Plan and invite others to do the same
- Share breast cancer educational resources with family and friends
- Do your part to provide mamograms for women in need
- GET YOUR MAMOGRAM!
Do you know about the vaccine
recommended for adults 65 and older?
Prevnar 13® is recommended for all adults 65 years of age or older.
Adults 65 years of age or older are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Elderly patients are about 3 times more likely over the age of 65 to acquire community-acquired pneumonia (the prevalence rate 70 in 100,000). If you yourself have not already suffered from pneumonia at some point in your life, you probably know someone who has. It can be very serious, cause hospitalization, and possibly be fatal.
If you are over the age of 65, or if you know someone who is over the age of 65, take note of this new recommendation and take action.
go to mybeaumontchart.com
HAVE YOU ACTIVATED YOUR myBEAUMONTCHART?
View your medical information online from anywhere through Beaumont's myBeaumontchart electronic medical record.
Receive test results online
Review your medication
Review after visit summaries and discharge summaries
Access up to date health information
Now you can request proxy access for children and family members
Stay in touch and communicate with your physician.
Manage appointment and Hospital bills.
You can even request your Prescription Refills!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
SIGN UP TODAY AT:
(click here)
Or ask at our Front Desk!
If your are 65 or older ask about our HIGH DOSE FLU SHOT! Click here for more info.
ATTENTION PATIENTS WHO ARE 65 YEARS AND OLDER:
We now carry the High Dose Flu Vaccine.
It is the first flu vaccine specially formulated for people 65 years and older. As you get older, your immune system weakens. Therefore, you don't have as high an antibody response after receiving the traditional flu vaccine to help your body fight off the flu. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is made for people 65+ to help promote a stronger immune response to the flu than a regular flu shot. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine has 4 times the antigen of a regular flu shot for a stronger immune response to the flu. This helps protect those 65+ from the flu and the dangerous complications that can come with it.
Flu complications can be especially devastating when you're 65 or older. Up to 90% of flu-related deaths and 60% of flu-related hospitalizations in the U.S. occur in people 65 or older. That's why it's important to take extra precautions to help protect yourself. So what can you do? Get vaccinated. It's the best way to help protect yourself from the flu virus and its complications.
Fluzone High-Dose vaccine may be covered with no co-payment or deductible under Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and private insurance policies.
It is the first flu vaccine specially formulated for people 65 years and older. As you get older, your immune system weakens. Therefore, you don't have as high an antibody response after receiving the traditional flu vaccine to help your body fight off the flu. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is made for people 65+ to help promote a stronger immune response to the flu than a regular flu shot. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine has 4 times the antigen of a regular flu shot for a stronger immune response to the flu. This helps protect those 65+ from the flu and the dangerous complications that can come with it.
Flu complications can be especially devastating when you're 65 or older. Up to 90% of flu-related deaths and 60% of flu-related hospitalizations in the U.S. occur in people 65 or older. That's why it's important to take extra precautions to help protect yourself. So what can you do? Get vaccinated. It's the best way to help protect yourself from the flu virus and its complications.
Fluzone High-Dose vaccine may be covered with no co-payment or deductible under Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and private insurance policies.
Speak to your Doctor about whether the High Dose Flu Vaccine is right for you.
Expecting
a Baby?
Congratulations!
Having a baby is a very exciting and rewarding experience! Choosing a pediatrician to care for your baby is an important decision. We hope you will consider our Practice when it comes time to make that choice. We are committed to providing excellent care to your child, from birth through adulthood and take great pride in providing the highest quality comprehensive care in a compassionate, friendly yet professional environment.
We are Board Certified Physicians specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. As “MedPeds” Doctors, we completed a residency in both fields and are Board Certified to practice in both specialties. Our practice offers you a unique opportunity to provide your child with a physician who can continue to care for him or her throughout their life.
We still see and care for our patients at the Hospital, so we will be there for you and your new baby from the very first day.
In order to better familiarize yourself with our practice as you make this decision, we encourage you to make an appointment to meet with us at the office to answer any questions and learn about the services we offer.
We look forward to developing a relationship with you and your family to provide lifelong excellent care for all your medical needs.
Schedule your “prenatal consult" with one of our physicians today by calling our office at
(248) 817-2230
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WELCOME TO OUR
PATIENT CENTERED MEDICAL
HOME
For more information go to:
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
Don’t stay silent! It’s time to speak up all month long. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes -- it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it.
Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is time to take a stand. Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence all month long.
If you need assistance or want to talk to someone about domestic violence, call 1-866-331-9474 to speak with a trained peer advocate or visit https://www.breakthecycle.org/blog/it%E2%80%99s-national-domestic-violence-awareness-month to get more information and support
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Thousands of young people are targets of bullying and cyberbullying every day, putting many at risk for outcomes such as depression or school absenteeism. Working with kids to create ways to address these issues is an important responsibility for adults.
Parents, school staff, and other caring adults have a role to play in preventing bullying. They can:
• Help kids understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Tell kids bullying is unacceptable. Make sure kids know how to get help.
• Keep the lines of communication open. Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns.
• Encourage kids to do what they love. Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost confidence, help kids make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior.
• Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.
Kids who know what bullying is can better identify it. They can talk about bullying if it happens to them or others. Kids need to know ways to safely stand up to bullying and how to get help.
• Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. The adult can give comfort, support, and advice, even if they can’t solve the problem directly. Encourage the child to report bullying if it happens.
Kids who know what bullying is can better identify it. They can talk about bullying if it happens to them or others. Kids need to know ways to safely stand up to bullying and how to get help.
• Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. The adult can give comfort, support, and advice, even if they can’t solve the problem directly. Encourage the child to report bullying if it happens.
• Talk about how to stand up to kids who bully. Give tips, like using humor and saying “stop” directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, like walking away
• Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or groups of other kids.
• Urge them to help kids who are bullied by showing kindness or getting help.
Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, there are several resources that may help.
• Recognize the warning signs that your child is involved in bullying. They could be being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying. You should talk to your child if they display any sort of behavioral or emotional changes. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, get help right away.
Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, there are several resources that may help.
• Recognize the warning signs that your child is involved in bullying. They could be being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying. You should talk to your child if they display any sort of behavioral or emotional changes. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, get help right away.
• Learn what bullying is and what it is not. Understanding what bullying is is the first step in forming a plan to prevent or respond to bullying with your child. Many behaviors that look like bullying may be just as serious, but may require different response strategies.
• Cyberbullying often requires different strategies than in-person bullying. Learn how to work with your kids to prevent cyberbullying and how to respond when it occurs.
• Open lines of communication before your child is involved in bullying makes it easier for them to tell you when something happens. It is also important to work with a school to help prevent bullying before it starts.
• If you know or suspect bullying has occurred, learn how to find out what has happened with your child. Understanding what has happened can also help in communicating with school or community officials about the situation.
• If you know or suspect bullying has occurred, learn how to find out what has happened with your child. Understanding what has happened can also help in communicating with school or community officials about the situation.
• If you have determined bullying has occurred, learn how you and school or community officials can work together to support your child, whether they were bullied, bullied others, or witnessed bullying. Learn also about considerations for specific groups.
• If bullying is occurring at school, learn about what your state requires schools to do in your state’s anti-bullying law. Learn also about federal laws that require schools to address harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, and disabilities and ways to report situations that have not been adequately addressed to the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice.
If you have worked with your child and your school and need additional assistance, find resources to help For more information or help go to http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/
Get the facts here
Meningococcal Meningitis can spread quickly, and teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.
Is your teen going off to college soon? Have they received their Menactra Booster? As you are busy checking off the dorm supply list make sure to add getting the vaccine to your to-do list.
So what is meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layer around the brain and spinal cord.This inflammation can be caused by a virus, a bacterium, or even a fungus.
- Viral meningitis is the most common form. It is serious but generally not life threatening, and it usually goes away in 7 to 10 days.
- Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it is very serious and potentially fatal. It includes meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal disease, can progress quickly. It can make an infant or teenager very sick and may even be life threatening. Meningococcal disease spreads just like the flu, passing from person to person through everyday activities. Some people carrying the bacteria never get sick, so they might pass it to others without knowing.
According to the CDC, teenagers and young adults are most likely to get meningitis. Research has shown that the following activities put teenagers and young adults at greater risk:
- Living in close quarters, such as college dormitories
- Being in crowded situations for prolonged periods of time (such as locker rooms)
- Sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, or eating utensils
- Kissing
- Staying out late and having irregular sleeping patterns, which weakens the immune system.
Meningococcal meningitis symptoms
Meningococcal meningitis can be difficult to diagnose because its most common symptoms – fever, headache, and muscle pain – may be similar to those of influenza (flu). The symptoms of meningitis can occur suddenly and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Stiff neck or other muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Rash
- Seizures
Meningococcal disease is rare. But just how serious is it? Did you know that:
- Up to 1 in 5 survivors suffer brain damage, amputations, kidney damage, and more
- As many as 1 in 8 people who get the disease die from it
- The disease can kill a child in just 24 hours
If your child has symptoms – especially if they’ve been around someone with meningitis – contact a doctor immediately. When it comes to treating this potentially deadly disease, speed is essential.
Don’t take chances with meningitis. You can’t monitor everything your kids do. But you can help protect your child against meningococcal disease and its potentially deadly complications with Menactra vaccine. Menactra is a safe and effective vaccine that helps protect against meningococcal disease.
Your child should receive their first Menactra vaccination at age 11 through 12 years, with a booster dose at age 16 through 18 years 16 years. Talk to your doctor to see if your child has been vaccinated or needs a booster or for any qustions you may have.
* information courtesy of www.menactra.com
learn more here
THE FACTS ABOUT HPV MAY SURPRISE YOU
WHAT IS HPV?
IT’S ABOUT CANCER. IT’S ABOUT DISEASES. AND IT CAN BE SERIOUS.
If you haven’t heard about the risks of HPV-related cancers and disease yet, it’s time you did. HPV (short for human papillomavirus) is a virus that can infect both males and females and cause potentially serious diseases.
As a parent, you know it’s important to have a healthy diet and regular checkups at the doctor’s office, but you may not know that exposure to HPV can put your child at risk for HPV-related cancers and diseases later in life.
There are approximately 14 million new HPV infections in the United States every year — about 50% of them in 15- to 24-year-olds. For most, HPV clears on its own. But, for others who don’t clear the virus, HPV could cause potentially serious diseases. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict who will or won’t clear the virus. Understanding HPV and its possible consequences is the first step in helping your child be one less at risk for certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.
THE FACTS DON’T LIE
Currently, there are about 79 million Americans infected with HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year, 14 million new infections occur in the United States and about half of the newly infected people are 15 to 24 years old.
Please speak to your Doctor about getting your teen the Gardasil Vaccine.
Get the Facts-Protect their future!
For more info go to https://www.gardasil9.com/
Learn More Here
DID YOU KNOW?
A new recommended vaccine to fight Shingles is now available for adults 50 years and older!
What You Need to Know About Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the body, often the face or torso. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. Some people describe the pain as an intense burning sensation. For some people, the pain can last for months or even years after the rash goes away. This long-lasting pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it is the most common complication of shingles. Your risk of getting shingles and PHN increases as you get older.
In the U.S., currently 1 million people get shingles every year, and about one out of every three people will get shingles in their lifetime. Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body and can reactivate years later and cause shingles.
A new shingles vaccine called Shingrix was licensed by the FDA in 2017. CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart. Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. Shingrix is the preferred vaccine, over Zostavax®, a shingles vaccine in use since 2006.
Even people who have had shingles or previously got Zostavax can be vaccinated with Shingrix to prevent shingles and the complications caused by the disease.
To learn more speak to your Doctor