Family Clinic in Houston: Diabetes, Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol give no warning: they are controlled with follow-up, not with isolated visits. At Clínica Hispana La Caridad, a family clinic in southwest Houston, the clinic's medical team builds a plan, checks it with the on-site lab and adjusts it at each visit, walk-in and with no appointment.

Family clinic: what gets taken care of here

Beyond managing chronic conditions, the clinic covers what a family needs from its regular doctor, Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM, with or without insurance:

• Medical visits in Spanish, walk-in or by booking an appointment over the phone
• On-site lab with same-day results
• I-693 exam for a green card: done by a Civil Surgeon that USCIS authorizes, with results ready the same day
• DOT physical for a commercial driver's license (CDL)
• Affordable check-up: the complete general check-up for $99 is under promotions

What does managing a chronic condition include?

Initial evaluation, blood work, blood pressure measurement and a review of the medication you already take. From there a concrete target and a follow-up date are set. If there is fatigue, hair loss or weight change, thyroid testing is added.

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) and glucose
• Blood pressure at every visit
• Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
• Kidney and liver function
• Medication adjustment as things progress

What are the targets?

• A1C: under 7% for most adults with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The target is individualized in older adults or people with other conditions.
• Blood pressure: normal is under 120/80. From 130/80 it is considered hypertension according to the American Heart Association.
• LDL cholesterol: the target depends on overall cardiovascular risk, not the number alone. The USPSTF sets out when statin treatment is worthwhile.

A number on its own does not decide: it is read alongside age, weight, smoking and family history.

How often should you come back?

With the condition stable and on target, every 3 to 6 months. If a medication has just been started or values are off target, follow-up is closer, sometimes every 4 to 6 weeks. You are given the date at the visit itself.

What to bring

• Your medication list with doses, supplements included
• Previous lab results, so they can be compared
• If you measure blood pressure or sugar at home, the log from recent weeks
• The specific question you want answered, written down so it is not forgotten

When not to wait for the next check-up

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body or trouble speaking: that is an emergency, call 911. Short of that, do not wait either if blood sugar is repeatedly very high or very low, if a foot wound will not close, or if blood pressure stays above 180/120.

Without insurance

Walk-ins are seen Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM, with no insurance needed. If you have no coverage, this guide to care without insurance in Houston covers the options. Promotions include the complete general check-up for $99, with blood work, A1C, urine test and the visit.