Planning now can save you stress and money later

Planning now can save you stress and money later

Navigating sudden medical issues can be daunting, especially when determining where to seek care. While certain emergencies demand a trip to the ER, many situations could be addressed more efficiently and affordably elsewhere. In our latest blog, we highlight your many options at ARC to get guidance and care before rushing unnecessarily to the ER. Whether you choose an After Hours visit, our 24/7 nurse line, or our 24/7 virtual urgent care service with NormanMD, we've got you covered. Learn how ARC can help you make informed choices, saving both time and money, in those critical moments of need. Plus, don't forget to bookmark our "Where to Go for Care” chart for quick reference. Read the article on the ARC Blog.

Enhanced text messaging from ARC will help you stay “in the know”!

Enhanced text messaging from ARC will help you stay “in the know”!

In our ongoing commitment to improve patient communication, ARC will now send text messages (SMS) directly from our electronic medical records (EMR) system. Texts will display SMS code number 27903. These messages will provide timely updates on billing, scheduling, appointments, and more. You will also continue to receive other messages by text (from various SMS code numbers), email, or mail based on your preferences. Visit the ARC Messages page for a list of all SMS code numbers used by ARC.

Learn more about ARC messages and how to update communication preferences.

Well-check exams and sports physicals are not the same thing!

Well-check exams and sports physicals are not the same thing!

It’s important to understand the difference between a sports physical and a child well-check. A well-check exam focuses on maintaining your child’s overall mental and physical health and is a time to discuss preventive care, whereas a sports physical covers a very narrow area of health concerns related to a specific activity. So even if your child recently had a sports physical, they still need a well-check exam.

But this doesn’t mean you need two appointments. ARC Pediatricians and Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) can review and sign sports physical forms at your child’s well-check exam. Learn more about the value of well-checks and how to book one.

Easily update your name, gender identity, and more in ARC MyChart

Easily update your name, gender identity, and more in ARC MyChart

At ARC, we are proud to be an inclusive healthcare organization that treats our patients of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities with respect and understanding. We have the following tools to help us gather important identifiers and provide a welcoming and affirming environment:

  • MyChart —Patients can designate their sexual orientation and gender identity in their MyChart accounts. In MyChart, preferences are set up at Personal Information > Details About Me.
  • In clinic —For patients who do not have a MyChart account, these details can be set up with their care team. Pronouns can only be updated in the clinic during a visit.

This allows us to deliver the high-quality patient-centered care we promise. Learn more about updating important identifiers.

Find a Doc/APC search adds new filter

Find a Doc/APC search adds new filter

Finding a new doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) at ARC is easy with the enhanced search filters on our website. Visit the "Find a Doctor or APC" page to search by name or city/zip, then refine your search using filters for specialty, region, languages spoken, services, gender, ages seen, and the newly added credentials option. You can mix and match filters or use just one, based on your personalized needs. Our goal is to simplify finding the right doctor or APC for you. Find out more about this search tool.

ARC Senior Care recognized for care excellence

ARC Senior Care recognized for care excellence

ARC Senior Care Pflugerville has attained the highest recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care Excellence, an initiative by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Initially recognized in November 2023, the clinic achieved this status by implementing the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility, to provide high-quality care for older adults. Congratulations are extended to the entire team at ARC Senior Care Pflugerville for this accomplishment. Our physicians and APCs at ARC Senior Care are accepting new patients 55+ with multiple chronic conditions and covered by Medicare or Medicare plans. Learn more about ARC Senior Care. 

What’s new in weight-loss surgery?

What’s new in weight-loss surgery?

The latest innovation in weight-loss surgery is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or ESG.

Marco Vinicio Medina-Zea, MD, says, “ESG is not just a new, cutting-edge procedure, but an alternative pathway to transformative change." Dr. Medina, the only general surgeon in Central Texas trained and certified to perform ESG adds, "I am excited to be at the forefront of this innovative approach, empowering patients to reclaim their health and well-being." Learn more about this innovative approach to weight loss at ARC.