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Dr. David Weitzman provides personalized concierge care for you and your family.
Get the real answers to your most common questions about your health and what to do in a potential emergency situation.
You are my first priority. I individualize excellent care for every patient. Under Book Now, there is a PDF form to fill out ahead of time. You can email or bring the form in. This speeds up the process and allows me to spend time doing the most important thing: working with you for the best experience possible.
Before your visit, you will have to download or fill out your information on our online form. Filling out the form ahead of time will allow me to spend more time with you. When you arrive, there will be a comfortable waiting room.
When you visit my clinic, there is no rush and your family is always welcome. I have two comfortable chairs open in my office where you and I will spend a great deal of time speaking about where you want your health to be, and all of the nuances of life. After an examination, you and I will discuss the best routes to accomplish your health goals. Let’s work together to make a plan fit for your health.
I believe that the relationship between patient and physician is a two-way road with open communication. My goal is to maximize your ‘health by taking a complete look at your lifestyle, wishes and desires.
Using proper education, good information, and life long planning, you and I can work together to form a complete picture of your life. This will take some time and I want to make sure that I am a part of as much of that time as possible.
Insurance companies have one specific goal: to take as much money from the patient (or the patients’ employer) and to spend the least amount of time possible.
Over the years, that has become the new normal: minimal time with the doctor, loss of preventative medicine, and the loss of overall quality of care. There are many programs coming out to help improve this system, but none of these can fix the cause . I need more time with my patients and insurance companies are just not willing to pay.
Many physicians see 4 to 6 patients an hour, focusing on as many patients as efficiently and swiftly as possible. That is not what I do here. I take the time to get to know you, take time to work through your problems, educate you, and take care of you. You no longer have to wait 10 to 20 days for an appointment or be stuck in the office because the doctor can be up to 4 hours behind.
We have sick appointments open every day, the appointment times are yours. This is medical care that saves you time and money in the long run, the kind that cares about your needs.
I love being a doctor. It is my joy, my calling, and the pleasure of my life, everything else comes naturally. I love to take care of people. My patients are what fuels me every day. I feel a sense of joy through the quality of my work.
To me, my patients are like my extended family and I take care of them as I would my real family. I see people for who they are – not labels. I do everything I can to take care of everyone to the best of my ability. Even if I don’t know something, I’ll be upfront about it and will seek help from other specialists.
Before coming to the Grand Strand, I was the “Doctor of Doctors”. Even while practicing here, I’m seeing more and more physicians and their families.
Let me quote a patient for you;
“This big guy comes into the room, happy, joyful, and is ready to take care of you.”
I’m sometimes a parent, sometimes a friend, and sometimes a caregiver. I’m always direct and truthful, using my education and experience to teach my patients the reality of the situation. I am not here to tell anyone what to do or what to think. I’m here to guide you and allow you to see the path forward. When it comes to the hard decisions, I’ll be right there with you, enlightening the best possible paths that you can take.
I am very involved and invested in the community. I supported open and easily available COVID-19 testing to anyone who wanted it. I’ve taken the time out of my practice to make sure that anyone who wanted to get tested could and made sure that they were covered by insurance. I have also served as a flight surgeon and civil surgeon.
I work with the VA and Veterans, volunteering and assisting in the community to help improve it, leading by example. I understand there are many different ways to live a life and many different types of people. I am not here to judge, only to provide life choices. I am here to support my community through all this messy thing I call life.
If you are in need of immediate, emergency medical attention, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. Your safety and well-being is my first priority.
A sunburn is what happens when the skin is exposed to too much sunlight, it becomes red, flaky, and damaged. Sunlight contains two major types of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UV-A and UV-B.
UV-A causes long-term skin problems, such as wrinkles and the look of aged skin. UV-B causes acute skin problems, a sunburn for example.
These ultraviolet rays are actually radiation particles that are made by nuclear reactions. These small particles dig through your skin and break up the proteins and other parts of your cells. This nuclear radiation causes damage to your RNA and DNA – the instruction manual for how your body functions. Some minor damage can cause the cells to stop working properly until they are repaired. However, if the damage is too great, the cell dies. Additionally, the cell’s DNA can be altered, leading to irreversible skin damage such as skin cancer.
In an attempt to protect the body, your skin begins a process of tanning. This browning or tanning of the skin is the result of melanin trying to protect the body, but this can only do so much.
Your eyes also have skin cells in them. The sclera has a layer of skin cells that can burn as well. This is not only painful but over time can cause significant vision changes and even vision loss.
A great source of more information can be found from the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/svc-20355922
With too much exposure from the sun, there can be permanent damage to the skin from extended exposure. UVB tends to affect the top layer of skin, causing sunburns and over time a sagging, worn look. UVA goes deeper into the skin and causes genetic abnormalities and visible “burn” marks. Both of these UV rays can cause skin cancer.
Sunscreen works by either absorbing or reflecting the UVA and UVB waves from the sun. These charged particles are what causes the damage to your skin.
UVB is the primary target of sunscreens. However, if you want protection from UVA, you must buy a sunscreen that reads “Broad Spectrum”.
There are two types of sunscreen: One type that reflects these waves and the other that absorbs these rays.
Blockers will reflect the harmful rays, such as sunscreens that contain Zinc Oxide – the white paste you see in all the movies.
Organic sunscreens are the most common and absorb harmful UV rays. These chemicals will breakdown from the UVB, (and UVA if you use broad-spectrum sunscreen) sacrificing themselves in the process. Once these chemicals absorb enough UV rays, they will no longer work and will not provide any protection.
People who go to the beach and get a “base burn” every year are at a much higher risk for skin cancers like malignant melanoma. So please, use your sunscreen and especially ones labeled “Broad Spectrum” if possible.
The American Academy of Dermatology has some great references. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/treating-sunburn
Food poisoning is an illness caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses, or chemicals.
Food poisoning breakouts happen each year by a multitude of factors and locations. These illnesses can be devastating to both the victims and a business’s reputation.
There are many different symptoms of food poisoning because there are many different pathogens involved.
The most common types of symptoms are:
Sometimes, symptoms do not occur until weeks after exposure, for example, if someone gets Viral Hepatitis. The timing has is a significant factor in how physicians try to figure out which type of food poisoning you might have.
Unfortunately, this requires the need of a medical professional. These diseases can become so severe that they require EMS and emergency care. The young and the elderly have a higher risk of becoming very sick and sometimes dying from severe food poisoning.
Please call your doctor or seek medical attention. If you are having severe symptoms, please go to the Emergency Room or call an ambulance if you feel that this could be life-threatening.
If you are diagnosed with food poisoning or think you have it, call your local health department and file a report.
E Medicine Health has a very good set of resources.
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/food_poisoning/article_em.htm
A jellyfish sting is from a very small needle that injects venom straight into your skin. Jellyfish tentacles have millions of cells that are made to do this. The proper name for these cells are nematocysts. These cells are like spring-loaded needles and each of them are packed with venom. In order for them to trigger, they need surface contact and some form of motion.
Vinegar is the only easily accessible treatment that will stop these cells from firing off more venom. Avoid fresh water because this will cause all the cells to inject even more venom.
In order to treat a jellyfish sting, you must do the following:
1) Pick the tentacles off of the body with tweezers. You can also get under the tentacle and scrape it straight off with a credit card or a driver’s license. DO NOT rub the area and DO NOT apply pressure with a bandage.
2) If it is a small area, you can soak the wound in hot water (110-113 deg F). This will feel hot to your skin, but do not use anything scalding.
3) If a sting is anywhere near your eyes, please go to the ER immediately. If your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) can see you right away, roughly within an hour, go see him immediately.
4) If your skin begins to swell past the afflicted area, get puffy lips or eyes, or have any type of allergic reaction, call 911. DO NOT WAIT!. If there is any question in your mind, call and let EMS look at you.
5) If it is a wide area, go to your doctor or the ER. You will need medical treatment.
A great source of information is from the Mayo Clinic. The link is: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jellyfish-stings/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353290
Some facts about bug bites & stings:
The Southern US is well known for its bugs. Mosquitoes are like fighter jets, fire ants have a bad reputation, and can carry away cars. Actually, this is not true, but they can be a problem.
Most bug bites can be taken care of with at-home first-aid treatments. Once you start having multiple bug bites, or allergic reactions, things can get a little more complicated.
First, it can become an emergency if you are swelling up, can’t breathe, or your lips or tongue become heavy or swelling, call 911!
To treat a bee or wasp sting, make sure the stinger is out. If it is still there, scrape it off with a credit card or something similar that is flat. Do not squeeze the round end as it will inject more venom. Once the stinger is out, wash the area with soap and warm water. Put an ice pack on it for about 15 minutes. If you are using a chemical ice pack, wrap it first with a towel because it can get too cold and can cause frostnip.
You can also make a paste of baking soda. Use about one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water and place over the wound. You can take Ibuprofen or acetaminophen as prescribed by your doctor and as directed on the package.
If there are many bites, signs of infection, or anything that seems alarming, please call or see your doctor right away.
The American Academy of Dermatology has a great site:
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/bug-bites-and-stings
As a civil surgeon, I felt the need to make this process as stress-free and inexpensive as possible. I believe that our country is stronger with many different cultures and ideas working together for a common good. I am very happy you have decided to take these steps, and look forward to helping you along the way.
Doctor’s Fee: $250.
Additional Fees: These fees do not go to me.
Lab Fees: Adults are normally $220, Children are less than that. If you need testing for immunity, that may be an additional fee. If you need any special testing, this fee can go up. Occasionally, you will need a chest x-ray. I try to keep the overall lab fees at around $470.
Immunizations: This depends on what you need, but we also offer special pricing with our partners. Please do everything you can to bring your vaccination records. Without them, the testing, fees, and revaccination can be as much as $1,000 or more.I
This normally takes a week and two visits.
The first visit is for a physical exam, a review of your immunizations and issues, and a plan to move forward. After all the results are back, usually within 5 to 7 days, a return visit is needed to sign the form.
I wish I could, but this varies per person.
You will need to bring your passport or another form of identifying document that you will use for your interview, your immunization records (officially translated if not in English), and yourself.
Please make sure you have all items needed.
The test we use looks for current infection or dormant TB in your body. If the result is positive, we will do a chest x-ray. Our partners at the health department will arrange for free treatment, if necessary. If you have latent (not active) TB, this will not hold up your paperwork, nor will normally disqualify you.
Please! You are always welcome to bring someone else with you.
Being a commercial driver is an important job which requires a physical every 1 to 2 years depending on your health and job requirements. Together, my staff and I can get you back on the road in no time!
The cost is $150, which includes the cost of the urinalysis.
You need to bring your driver’s license and yourself.
Depending on extenuating circumstances, you will have it, in hand., on the same day.
Every case is different, however, health issues can be addressed and at times a waiver can be obtained, depending on the circumstances. The bottom line is just don’t get discouraged.
Aside from the physical, which is to verify your health and well-being to drive a large vehicle, there is a urinalysis to detect any underlying illnesses.
It’s not over yet, if you cannot pass your physical due to your health, I will make a plan to address these concerns. If your goal is to get back on the road, I will work with you to help improve your overall health so you can pass your physical and live a healthier life.
For more information, visit: SC DOT Commercial Driver Regulations
843-222-5395
Everyday: CLOSED
1016 2nd Avenue N Suite 203-A N Myrtle Beach SC 29582
