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Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD is a general practitioner in SAN ANTONIO, TX specializing in general practice and pediatric endocrinology. He graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1974 and has 52 years of experience. Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD is affiliated with Texas Diabetes Institute, UT Health San Antonio, University Health and THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT SAN ANTONIO.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment for PCOS may include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1974. He completed residency at University of Florida College of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics/Endocrinology American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Virginia.
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine (1974)
Residency: University of Florida College of Medicine (1977)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics/Endocrinology American Board of Pediatrics
Licensed In: Virginia
Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: MultiPlan, Prime Health, United Healthcare HMO, United Healthcare EPO, Blue Choice, Galaxy Health Network, Coventry, Blue California, Trustmark , BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, AARP, Medicare Advantage, TriWest, HealthSpring, United Healthcare, Three Rivers, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Molina Healthcare, First Health, WellPoint, Employers Health Network, HealthSmart, Superior Health Plan, Independent Medical Systems - Commercial (PPO), Administrative Concepts - Third Party Administrator, Kempton Group Administrators - Third Party Administrator, CHAMPVA - Governmental, Zelis - Third Party Administrator, Century Healthcare - Third Party Administrator, El Paso Health - CHIP, Key Benefits Administrators - Third Party Administrator, OptumHealth - Transplant Network, 6 Degrees - Transplant, Oscar - Commercial Exchange, Imperial Health - Commercial (Exchange), Provider Network of America - Commercial (All Products), Entrust - Third Party Administrator, SANA Benefits - Commercial (All Products), HMA LLC - Third Party Administrator, Aetna Health - Commercial (HMO, Managed Choice POS, Meritain, Open Choice PPO), Allied Benefit Systems - Third Party Administrator, Velocity National Provider Network - Commercial (Multiple Payers), Universal Benefits Consortium (Allegiance) - Direct Contract with TPA/Broker for select ISDs, Private Healthcare Systems - Commercial (All Products), Aetna Health - Commercial (QPOS, SAISD, Select), Injury Management Organization - Workers Compensation, Benefit Administrative Systems - Third Party Administrator, Tokio Marine - Transplant Network, Group and Pension Administrators - Third Party Administrator, EBSO Benefits - Third Party Administrator, Aetna Health - Commercial (Choice POS II, Elect Choice EPO, Exchange (Silver/Gold HMO)), Allegiance - Universal Benefits Consortium, Interlink - Transplant Network, Independent Medical Systems - Workers Compensation, Lucent Health - Third Party Administrator, Imagine 360 - Third Party Administrator, Curative - Commercial (All Products), Aetna Health - Transplant ONLY, Insurance Accepted, Veterans Administration - Governmental, Velocity National Provider Network - Commercial (PPO), Ancira Enterprises - Direct Employer, WebTPA - Third Party Administrator, International Benefits Administrators - Third Party Administrator, Gilsbar - Third Party Administrator, University of Incarnate Word - Direct Contact with Employer, Scott & White Health Plan - Commercial (Exchange, HMO, PPO), LifeTrac - Transplant Network, 90 Degree Benefits - Third Party Administrator, Point Comfort Underwriters - Refugee Medical Assistance (Adults, Children) and Aetna Better Health - CHIP/CHIP Perinate Newborn.
According to our sources, Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in SAN ANTONIO, TX.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$1,280
Prolastin-C $1,280 |
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$25
t:slim X2 Insulin Pump with Control-IQ $25 |
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$23
SKYTROFA $23 |
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$14
One Touch Ping $14 |
| $864 | |
| $478 |
Dr. Gary Lee Francis, MD has received 1 research payments totaling $3,846.
Dr. Gary Francis' areas of specialization are general practice and pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Francis's average rating from his patients is 5.0 stars (out of 5). His clinical interests include depression, graves disease, and low testosterone (male hypogonadism). He is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including Trustmark, Aetna EPO, and Blue California. His education and training includes medical school at the University of Florida College of Medicine and residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Florida Health Science Center. He is affiliated with UT Health San Antonio, Texas Diabetes Institute, and the University Health. According to UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Francis is currently accepting new patients at his office in San Antonio, TX.
