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Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD is an addiction specialist in Lumberton, NC specializing in addiction and family medicine. She graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2019 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD is affiliated with Duke Health, CAROLINA PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATES LLC and DUKE UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED PHYSICIANS INC.
Duke Health
Addictions
Addictions are chronic diseases of compulsive or uncontrollable behavior which may have adverse health effects. Addictions can include substance abuse (such as the abuse of opioids, alcohol, or prescription drugs) and certain non-drug related behaviors, such as gambling or video games. People with addictions may experience an uncontrollable urge to use substances or perform certain activities, although these behaviors may be harmful to themselves and others.
Those suffering with a substance abuse addiction are often unable to cease their behavior without some form of medical intervention. Studies have found that repeat use of certain drugs can figuratively rewire the brain, resulting in alterations to neural pathways associated with dopamine. This means that repeat drug users may become reliant on consuming the substance in order to function. For example, those with alcohol addiction ("alcoholism") become physically dependent on alcohol and may experience extreme withdrawal symptoms when avoiding alcohol entirely; in rare cases, medically unsupervised withdrawal can lead to death.
Behavioral addictions are similar to substance abuse addictions; however, people with behavioral addictions are addicted to a behavior or emotion associated with certain behaviors, as opposed to drugs. In addition to gambling, common behavioral addictions include food, video games, social media, shopping, and pornography addictions. When performing the activity, people experience euphoria (a rush of dopamine) that slowly lessens over time, meaning they build a tolerance and dependency on a behavior. For example, people who are addicted to shopping may need to purchase more items or spend more money to feel the same rush that once fueled their addiction.
Addictions can be assessed through a variety of means such as diagnostic screening, abuse assessment, or psychiatric evaluation. Treatment can help patients recover from their addictions and manage mental and physical health conditions related to their addiction. People with addictions may be treated in rehabilitative treatment facilities, hospitals, and other clinical settings.
Addiction treatment for substance abuse may include:
Addiction treatments for both substance abuse and behavioral addictions may include:
Addiction treatment has expanded to include care for patient substance abuse in non-clinical settings. A number of community programs now provide at-risk substance users a safe place or means to use drugs and mobile doctor's services for drug-associated illnesses and injuries. Behavioral addictions are also gaining increased attention as researchers and mental health professionals seek to better understand and treat them. For example, some researchers are assessing the connections between video game addiction and childhood risk factors. More and more, mental health experts are recognizing the importance of meeting people with addictions where they are at, using more advanced treatments. Addiction treatment is intended to care for people with addictions with compassion and respect.
Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2019. She completed residency at Family Medicine, Campbell University (North Carolina). She is certified by the American Board of Preventative Medicine, Addiction Medicine American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine.
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine (2019)
Residency: Family Medicine, Campbell University (North Carolina) (2022)
Board Certification: American Board of Preventative Medicine, Addiction Medicine American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine
Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: MedCost, Aetna Traditional Choice, Blue Advantage, Aetna Medicare PPO, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, CIGNA Open Access Plus, WellCare, AmeriHealth, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, AARP, CIGNA Open Access, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare HMO, Aetna, Aetna Workers' Compensation, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Aetna Open Choice PPO, TRICARE Prime Remote, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, TRICARE, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Gateway Health Alliance, Aetna HMO, Duke Group Plans, *Duke HomeCare and Hospice does not participate in the plan., Blue Options (123, PPO, HSA), *Duke HomeCare and Hospice and mental health providers do not participate with the plan., Aetna Choice POS, Aetna Choice POS II, Aetna Quality Point of Service (QPOS), Aetna Medicare Value Plan (HMO), Duke Basic, Experience Health, Ambetter, Aetna Select HMO, Aetna PCP Coordinated POS Plan, Blue Select, Blue Medicare (HMO, PPO)*, Healthy Blue, Aetna Limited Benefit Insurance PPO, All Savers Fully Insured, Aetna Health Network Only, Aetna Health Network Option, Carolina Complete Health, First Medicare Direct, Healthgram, All Savers Alternate Funding, Aetna Medicare Assure Plan (HMO D-SNP), Aetna/CVS Health, Aetna Elect Choice HMO, Aetna Open Access Elect Choice, Aetna Voluntary Indemnity Group Plan, Duke Select, Aetna Open Access HMO, Open Access Aetna Select, Aetna Open Access Managed Choice, NC State Employees Health Plan, Ambetter of North Carolina and United Medical Resources (UMR).
According to our sources, Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 246 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Uma Bhargavi Pendem, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Lumberton, NC.
Dr. Uma Pendem specializes in family medicine and addiction. Dr. Pendem has a special interest in addictions. She is affiliated with Duke Health. She attended medical school at St. George's University School of Medicine. Patient ratings for Dr. Pendem average 5.0 stars (out of 5). She most likely takes Blue California, CIGNA Plans, and TRICARE, as well as other insurance carriers. According to Duke Health, Dr. Pendem is not acceping new patients at this time.
