A diagnostic test of the arterial blood flow, it is often used to evaluate the carotid arteries (the main arteries in the neck supplying blood to the brain) or the arteries of the legs. It may be ordered when there is suspicion on exam or with symptoms suggestive of blockage.

A Hologic Bone Densitometer is used to evaluate the strength of the bones in the spine and hip. Women over 50 and/or postmenopausal and individuals who have taken certain medications such as prednisone are at risk for osteoporosis and should have a bone density performed regularly.

The key to prevention and early detection of colon cancer, this potentially life-saving test detects colon cancer, polyps and other diseases of the colon. For average risk individuals, the first colonoscopy should be performed at age 50. Learn more »

Thunderbird Internal Medicine takes the protection and care of your skin very seriously. That’s why we offer a full time dermatologist. Read more »

A type of ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed information on how the heart is pumping, how the valves are functioning, and if there is any evidence of enlargement or thickening of the heart chambers or walls. It may be ordered when a murmur is suspected or if there is evidence of abnormalities on the EKG.

This diagnostic test traces the electrical activity of the heart and is one way of evaluating rhythm problems, coronary disease or heart enlargement. A baseline study can give your provider the ability to compare should new symptoms develop in the future.

The average person waits six years before dealing with hearing loss. An experienced audiologist will perform hearing testing and evaluate treatment options which may include hearing aids.
Learn more »

An in-house chest x-ray is often ordered in cases of respiratory infection, fever, heart disease or if you are short of breath. Abdominal ultrasounds (particularly useful in evaluating the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, and pancreas) may be ordered in cases of abdominal pain, flank pain, or due to symptoms that your provider may deem necessary.

We have a full-service laboratory where most of the routine blood and urine testing is performed.

If you’re experiencing foot problems, or have diabetes and wish to remain vigilant on foot care, Thunderbird Internal Medicine offers a full time podiatrist. John Tassone, DPM is a graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at the McGuire VA Hospital in Richmond, Va. A teacher and author, he has been practicing in Arizona for more than a decade. Read more about our Podiatry services »

Lung function tests may be ordered when a person is experiencing shortness of breath or if there is suspected lung disease. This screening modality gives your provider detailed information on your ability to move air in and out of your lungs.

    Clinical research studies

Thunderbird Internal Medicine is proud to offer clinical research studies to the public. We have teamed with Clinical Research Advantage, a 21-year-old company that partners with leading medical practices, to evaluate new medical treatments in controlled scientific settings.

The studies offer the public a chance to participate in the development of new medical treatments. Participants may be able to access new research treatments before they are widely available to the public and help others by contributing to medical science. In addition, participants may also receive tests and study medication at no cost.


What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are studies in strictly controlled scientific settings. Required by the Federal Drug Administration for new drugs and treatments, they are designed to:

assess the safety and effectiveness of an experimental therapy; or
compare the effectiveness of two standard or marketed treatments.

Should I participate?

Eligibility to participate in a trial depends on the tests being conducted. These requirements are based on:

Age
Gender
Type and stage of a disease
Current and previous treatments
Other medical conditions

The four phases of clinical research trials:

Phase I – testing of new drugs or treatments in a small group (20-80) of healthy people to evaluate the safety, dosage range and side effects.
Phase II – study drug or treatment is provided to a larger group (100-300) of people with the disease state under study to further evaluate its safety, dosage range and side effects
Phase III – study drug or treatment is provided to large groups (500-3,000) of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor long-term side effects and compare to commonly used treatments
Phase IV – studies being conducted after the drug or treatment has been marketed. These studies continue testing long term use side effects and to find alternate uses for approved medications.

Those offered at Thunderbird Internal Medicine will include Phase II, III and IV studies. Clinical trial offices will be located at 5620 W. Thunderbird Road, Bldg G in Glendale.

If you wish to participate in clinical trials, print, complete and sign the registration form. You can drop off the completed form off at any of our locations, hand it to your provider during your next visit or fax it to 480-820-5521.      

 

Sleep can be disrupted by a number of medical problems. If you experience daytime sleepiness, irregular breathing during sleep, nighttime gasping, choking or coughing, frequent nocturnal urination, morning headaches, gastro-esophageal reflux, depression or hypertension, you may be a candidate for a sleep study.

Sleep disorders include difficulties falling or staying asleep, falling asleep during the day, excessive sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep such as sleep walking or night terrors. If your provider has suggested a sleep study, or polysomnogram, a trained technician will monitor you during sleep. The data obtained will be reviewed by a qualified physician who will provide a diagnosis.

For those who are scheduled for a sleep study at Thunderbird Internal Medicine, please Download Patient Letter and Sleep Study Questionnaire »