Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace enrollment

Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans available through HealthCare.gov is from November 1 to January 15. Keep your ARC care team by choosing from insurance plans we accept: Aetna, Ambetter, Blue Cross, Blue Advantage, MyBlue, Moda, Sendero, and UnitedHealthcare Exchange Plan.

All insurance plans accepted by ARC, including government plans, are listed online at ARCInsuranceInfo.com.

Medicare annual enrollment

Eligible U.S. residents can apply for and make changes to their Medicare plans from October 15 – December 7. Medicare is a health insurance plan for people ages 65 and up, or those with certain conditions or disabilities. It is important to know your options and pick a plan that lets you keep your ARC care team.

Medicare patients at ARC are 7.5% less likely to use the ER than other patients across the nation.

Tips for patients

ARC in-network with UHC

If you have received a letter from UnitedHealthcare (UHC) stating that any of the providers listed below are out-of-network, please be informed that refers to their former practice. The following physicians and APC remain in-network at ARC, and you may continue seeing them without any changes to your coverage:

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Early signs of hair loss

October 30, 2024 3 min read

Early signs of hair loss

"Hair loss is often a gradual process, and many don't realize it's happening until it becomes more noticeable," says Morgan J. McCarty, DO, Dermatology at ARC Round Rock. "But by recognizing the early signs, you can take steps to address it before it progresses." Here are some common indicators of hair loss:

  • Thinning hair: One of the first signs of hair loss is noticing your hair becoming finer or less dense. This often starts on the top of your head and may become more noticeable over time.
  • Receding hairline: A receding hairline is another early sign, particularly in men. You might observe your hairline gradually moving back from the forehead, revealing more of your scalp.
  • Widening part: If you notice your part looking wider than usual, this could indicate thinning hair, especially for women. It's a subtle change but one of the first noticeable signs.
  • Hair falling out: Finding more hair falling out in your brush, shower, or on your pillow can signal the onset of hair loss. This shedding can be alarming, but it's crucial to determine whether it's part of a normal cycle or something more concerning. "When washing your hair nearly every day, it's normal to lose 200 hairs a day," says Dr. McCarty. "Less frequent washing may cause you to think that you are losing more hair than you actually are, which, in turn, can cause you to become stressed, making hair shed more!"

Can you stop hair loss?

The possibility of stopping hair loss depends on its cause. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent, and understanding what triggers it can help with prevention or treatment. Here are some common causes:

  • Hereditary factors: Hereditary hair loss, also known as alopecia or male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of permanent hair loss. It occurs as a natural part of aging and tends to follow a predictable pattern, often starting at the peak of your head or with a receding hairline.
  • Temporary hair loss: Hair can fall out due to stress, illness, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, fast weight loss (20 lbs. or more), surgery, COVID-19, shedding, or post-pregnancy. In many cases, this type of hair loss is temporary and can grow back with proper care and treatment.
  • Dry scalp: A dry and unhealthy scalp can also contribute to thinning hair and hair falling out. Keeping your scalp hydrated and nourished is important for promoting healthy hair growth.

While hair loss caused by hereditary factors or male pattern baldness is permanent, other causes may respond well to treatment. It's important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the "root" cause of your hair loss.

Prevention and treatment options

Though some types of hair loss can't be reversed, there are ways to slow down the process or maintain what you have:

  • Focus on scalp health: Keeping your scalp clean and free from irritation helps promote an optimal environment for hair to grow.
  • Nutritional support: Proper nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair loss. "Consuming adequate protein, particularly from animal-based sources, is crucial for hair growth," advises Dr. McCarty. "Aim for a daily intake of 40-60 grams of protein to effectively support hair health."
  • Medical treatments: There are several medications available that can help slow down or even reverse hair loss in certain cases. Your dermatologist can help guide you to the solution best for you.

"By paying attention to these early signs and addressing any concerns with a dermatologist, you can work towards maintaining the health of your hair and scalp as you age," says Dr. McCarty. "But be aware that it can take 3-6 months, or two hair cycles, to see improvement of hair regrowth. It is not a fast process."

Make an appointment today

Dr. McCarty sees patients of all ages. Make an appointment through ARC MyChart, ARC Help Me Book, or by calling ARC Round Rock at 512-244-9024.

About ARC in Round Rock

There are two ARC clinics in Round Rock; ARC Round Rock and ARC Sendero Springs.

ARC Round Rock offers Allergy and Asthma, Audiology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Podiatry, Rheumatology, and Sports Medicine. ARC Round Rock also offers After Hours Care.

ARC Sendero Springs offers Family Medicine and ARC Healthiness services.

Tags: Hair Loss