Primary Care & Specialty Care - Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced, CA

Our experts offer compassionate, specialized care to every member of the family, putting you at the center of your health care and working with every member of the family to support healthy outcomes. Your time is important. When you’re with our care team, we want you to get the most out of your visit. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians is ready to serve when you need us most. With a combination of expert knowledge, compassionate care, and personalized treatment plans, you can count on us to work for you.

Comprehensive health care for your entire family

The family practice physicians at Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced, CA provide complete care for your entire family, diagnosing and treating a variety of health conditions and diseases for patients of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, family practice physicians provide routine health screenings and preventive care to prevent illnesses before they develop. And, if a health condition arises that requires care from another specialist, your family physician will be there to guide you and to coordinate all aspects of your care.

• Family medicine 
  • Physicals
  • Weight management
  • Pre-Operative evaluations
  • Preventive care, including nutritional counseling
  • Assessment and referral to medical specialties
  • Comprehensive treatment of infants, adults, and seniors
  • Mental health counseling
• Orthopedic surgery
  
  • Hand and wrist surgery
  • Spine surgery
    
  • Sports medicine
• General surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Colorectal surgery
  • Pediatric surgery
• Cardiology
• Women’s health

Orthopedic Surgery in Merced, CA

At Dignity Health Medical Group, our highly trained team delivers comprehensive care for injuries and diseases affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, our orthopedic surgeon works in concert with other specialists to restore a patient's strength, flexibility and function. Integration with our rehabilitation specialists helps deliver smooth transition from surgery to recovery, resulting in lower complications rates, more successful outcomes and shorter stays in a hospital setting for the majority of our patients.

Advanced Treatment

With expert guidance on diet, exercise, medication and orthopedic surgery options, our orthopedic doctors can give you long-lasting solutions to your aches and pains. At Dignity Health Medical Group, our orthopedic physician offers:

• Hip replacement surgery
• Joint arthroplasty
• Joint replacement surgery
• Joint resurfacing
• Knee replacement surgery
• Knee arthritis treatment
• Knee surgery
• Reconstruction procedures
• Shoulder surgery
• Surgical and nonsurgical care of fractures
• Sports medicine
• Total joint replacement

Sports medicine near you

Sports injuries shouldn't keep you on the sideline. Our team at Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced, CA wants to help you get back out and do the things you love. From weekday walkers to weekend warriors and everything in-between, our sports medicine specialists are ready to care for you.

Conditions we treat

We treat a variety of sports medicine conditions, including:

• Ankle pain and injuries
• Concussions
• Foot pain and injuries
• Hip pain and injuries
• Knee pain and injuries
• Lower back pain
• Shoulder pain and injuries

Services we provide

Quality and compassionate care. You deserve it, so we provide it. Our sports medicine team takes a tailored approach to your care. We offer a number of sports medicine services such as:

• Imaging and diagnostics
• Injury prevention
• Orthopedic surgery
• Physical therapy
• Sports nutrition
• Strength and conditioning

Spine surgery near you

From non-surgical treatment options to the latest minimally invasive procedures, our experienced orthopedic team is committed to getting you back to living a pain-free and active lifestyle. And, if physical therapy is necessary, our team works closely with other specialists to coordinate additional care. If back or neck pain is slowing you down, isn't it time you get back to life?

For some back, spine, and neck injuries, like spinal fractures or herniated discs, spine surgery is the only treatment option to repair damage and prevent injury. Spine surgery is also sometimes used as a treatment for chronic back pain that has persisted for several months and not responded to other types of treatment like pain medication, physical therapy, or bracing. Spine surgery in these cases is typically only recommended after other options have been exhausted.

Before recommending surgery, your doctor will likely assess your condition and symptoms using one or more of the following tools:

• Patient history. Your doctor will probably want to know how long you have experienced back pain, whether an injury like a fall preceded your symptoms, where the pain is located, and how much it has been limiting your daily activities.
• Physical exam. Next, your doctor will visually look at and feel your spine for any signs of injury, such as swelling or bruising.
• Imaging tests. If your medical history suggests a trauma-related injury such as a broken bone (fracture), your doctor will likely use x-ray scans to look at your bones and assess your condition. Other standard scans include MRIs, PET, and CT, which can also provide a picture of your soft tissues and nerves.

Spine conditions treated

At Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced, CA, we treat a variety of spine conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease. When the joints of the spine wear out, usually due to the natural aging process, which can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arm, or back.
• Herniated disc. Occurs when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or a leg.
• Spinal fractures. Such as compression fractures, burst fractures, and fracture-dislocations are breaks in the vertebrae of the spinal column.
• Spinal stenosis. A chronic condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Spinal osteoarthritis. Occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones wears down, causing the bones to rub together, and is the most common type of arthiritis that affects the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis. A displacement of a vertebra in which the bone slides out of its proper position onto the bone below it, typically following a break or fracture.
• Sciatica. Or lumbar radiculopathy, is pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg, usually on one side. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve, and can also cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.
• Spinal deformities. Such as scoliosis and kyphosis, involve problems of the curve or rotation of the spine.

Types of spine surgeries offered

Orthopedic surgeons at Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced, CA offer the following types of spine surgery:

• Laminectomy. A procedure to remove the back of the vertebra, relieving pressure on the spinal cord
• Laminotomy. A procedure to remove only a portion of the back of the vertebra
• Discectomy. A procedure to remove a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves
• Spinal fusion/lumbar fusion. A procedure to connect two or more vertebrae to limit movement and reduce pain  
• Lumbar surgery. Surgery on the lower (lumbar) spine
• Disc replacement.

Hand surgery near you

Hand surgery is an orthopedic procedure that treats conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Our hand surgeon at Dignity Health Medical Group, Merced, CA is highly trained and experienced in treating a wide range of hand conditions. Whether you are suffering from acute hand pain or have a chronic hand condition, our surgeon can provide you with the care and treatment you need.

Hand and wrist conditions treated

Hand surgery may be beneficial if you have any of the following conditions:

• Arthritis. When one or more of your joints is inflamed due to wearing away of cartilage.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the medial nerve in the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness in the fingers, weakness, or tingling, and it is associated with repetitive motion, overuse, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, and fluid retention during pregnancy.
• Dupuytren’s contracture, which is a hand disorder where thick tissue bands form in the palm and extend toward the fingers, causing severely restricted movement.
• Hand and wrist sprains, or serious injuries to the ligaments and tendons in your hand, wrist, or forearm.
• Nerve injuries are generally characterized by loss of sensation in a particular area.
• Trigger finger, also called “stenosing tenosynovitis,” trigger finger is characterized by pain, stiffness, and the feeling of locking or catching when you try to bend or straighten your finger. It is most common in the ring finger and thumb.
• Severe trauma-related injuries, such as compound fractures or dislocations in your fingers or the carpal bones in your hand.

Cardiology care near you

When you visit Dignity Health Medical Group - Merced, CA for cardiology care, you receive quality care that meets humankindness. Our board-certified cardiologist is dedicated to helping you keep your heart strong and healthy. Our team works together with other local area specialists to help manage your care, including cardiac rehabilitation specialists, and specially trained nurses, all bringing care with compassion to your unique case.

Conditions treated:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Aneurysms
• Angina (chest pain)
• Arrhythmias
• Arterial diseases
• Atherosclerosis
• Bradycardia
• Blood clots
• Cardiac arrest
• Cardiomegaly
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart attacks*
• Heart failure
• Heart valve problems
  
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Limb ischemia
• Mesenteric artery stenosis
• Occlusions
• Pericardial effusion
• Pericarditis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary arterial disease
• Stroke and TIA*
• Varicose veins
• Venous problems

*If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Treatments offered:

• Arrhythmia care
• Cardiac catheterization (diagnostic and interventional)
• Cardiac peripheral interventions
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy
  
• Echocardiograms and cardiac stress testing
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implants
  
• Radial artery access cardiac catheterization

Schedule a consultation with a cardiologist:

General surgery near you

Dignity Health Medical Group's general surgery team provides a wide range of surgical services for patients of all ages. No one wants to have surgery. We get it. But when your body is in need of a little fine tuning, it’s helpful to have a general surgery team who specializes in both care and humankindness. Our surgeons work with patients to conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose and discuss surgical options to get them back to feeling their best.

We offer patients faster recovery times and less pain through robotic and laparoscopic surgeries. Our team of specially trained robotic surgeons performs minimally invasive operations with advanced technology such as the da Vinci© Surgical System. Minimally invasive surgery may lead to shorter recovery time, less pain and scarring, and faster return to your daily activities.

Conditions treated

• Colon disease and cancer
• Hiatal hernia
• Gall bladder disease
• Hernia (abdominal and groin)
• Spleen disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Procedures performed

• Laparoscopic appendectomy
• Robotic single site cholecystectomy
• Robotic inguinal hernia 
• Robotic incisional hernia 
• Robotic and laparoscopic colon resection 
• Robotic foregut surgery for hiatal hernia and reflex disease
• Wound care

Colorectal surgery near you

When you need colorectal care, you want a team that brings quality care with compassion. Our tean provides you with a complete evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical options for a wide variety of conditions. From minimally invasive procedures to robotic surgery options, we are committed to providing exceptional patient care and advanced treatment options.

Conditions treated

• Anal cancer
• Anal fissure
• Anorectal abscess
• Anorectal fistula
• Colon cancer 
• Colovesical/colovaginal fistula
• Diverticulitis 
• Hemorrhoids
• Rectal cancer 
• Rectal prolapse

Procedures performed

• Anoscopy
• Anorectal fistula repair
• Colonoscopy
• Colostomy reversal
• Hemorrhoidectomy 
• Repair of rectal prolapse
• Robotic/laparoscopic/open colon and rectal resections for benign and malignant disease
• Transanal tumor resections (TAMIS)

Comprehensive endocrine surgery services

An endocrine surgeon cares for disorders of the endocrine system—the system of glands that produces hormones. At Dignity Health Medical Group – Bakersfield, endocrine surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the glandular system — most commonly thyroid diseases.

Conditions treated

• Adrenal Conditions: Benign tumors and functional tumors (Conn's, Cushing's, pheochromocytoma)
• Appendicitis
• Digestive Disorders: Acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and bowel obstructions
• Gallbladder Disease: Gallstones, biliary colic, biliary dyskinesia, gallbladder polyps, and gallbladder cancer
• Hernias
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)
• Neuroendocrine Tumors
• Thyroid & Parathyroid Disease: Benign conditions and cancer

Procedures performed

• Thyroid Surgery

  • Thyroidectomy (partial or total)
  • Central and lateral neck dissection (to remove lymph nodes)
    
  • Thyroid Ultrasound: Imaging to evaluate thyroid nodules and structure
  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) / Biopsies: Diagnostic tool for assessing thyroid nodules
  • Molecular Testing: Advanced testing on biopsy samples to guide treatment decisions

• Parathyroid Surgery

  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Focused parathyroidectomy

• Adrenal Surgery

  • Adrenalectomy (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted)
  • Transabdominal and posterior approach
    

• Gallbladder Surgery

  • Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal, open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted)
  • Surgery for gallbladder cancer

• Hernia Repair

  • Inguinal hernia repair (open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)
  • Umbilical hernia repair (open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)
  • Ventral/incisional hernia repair (open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)

• Appendectomy

  • Laparoscopic appendectomy (robotic-assisted available)
  • Open appendectomy (for complicated cases)

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Surgery

  • Nissen fundoplication (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)

• Surgery for Peptic Ulcer Disease

  • Ulcer repair (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)
  • Partial gastrectomy (robotic-assisted in complex cases)

• Bowel Obstruction Surgery

  • Adhesiolysis (removal of adhesions, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)
  • Resection (if obstruction is due to a mass or other blockage, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted)

• Soft Tissue Tumor Removal

  • Excision of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Surgeries

  • Tailored surgical procedures depending on specific tumors
    

• Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Removal

Women's health care

From annual well-woman exams to testing and treatment; from perimenopause to menopause, our specialists are committed to delivering high-quality care.

Our women’s health specialists care for all aspects of your reproductive care. Our providers are dedicated to providing an integrated approach to women’s health, evaluating and treating patients in a comfortable and trusted environment, with access to the latest in medical techniques and surgical technologies. Our team also works together with other local area specialists to help manage your care.

Gynecological care offered:

• Abnormal bleeding and urinary issues
• Complex menopause symptoms
• Pelvic health
• Sexual dysfunction

Complex Conditions we treat:

• Cervical insufficiency
• Cystocele
• Endometrial polyp
• Endometriosis
• Isthmocele (uterine niche)
• Menstrual disorders
• Ovarian cyst
• Rectocele
• Urinary incontinence
• Uterine adenomyosis
• Uterine anomalies
• Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas)