Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, March Medical Associates is accepting new patients. A few coverage-specific notes:

• Our Primary Care providers are not currently accepting new patients with Medicaid, Blue Cross Complete, or Meridian.
• Our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) provider IS currently accepting new patients with those plans.
• All other accepted insurance plans (see our Accepted Insurances page) are open across providers.

To schedule, call our office or use our scheduling form. New patients should bring a photo ID, their insurance card, and a list of current medications to the first visit.

March Medical Associates is in-network with most major commercial plans serving Southeast Michigan, plus Medicare, Medicaid, Railroad Medicare, and Tricare. We also accept self-pay patients.

For the full list of carriers and plan names, see our Accepted Insurances page. If you don’t see your plan or have a coverage question, call us at (734) 682-5434 and we’ll verify your benefits before your visit.

Our internal medicine and family practice doctors are your trusted partners for staying healthy at every stage of life. From routine physicals and wellness screenings to managing complex health conditions, we provide comprehensive care all in one convenient location.

We diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions, including:

• Heart and circulation: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and peripheral artery disease
• Diabetes and metabolism: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, thyroid disorders, and weight management
• Lungs and breathing: Asthma, COPD, allergies, and seasonal respiratory infections
• Digestive health: Acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and stomach pain
• Bones, joints, and muscles: Arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, gout, and sports injuries
• Mental health and wellness: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress management
• Skin concerns: Rashes, eczema, acne, and skin infection checks
• Kidney and urinary health: Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and bladder issues
• Preventive care: Annual physicals, cancer screenings, immunizations, and health risk assessments
• Acute illnesses: Colds, flu, sinus infections, ear infections, and minor injuries
• Women’s and men’s health: Hormone-related concerns, reproductive health questions, and age-related wellness
• Chronic disease management: Ongoing support for conditions that need regular monitoring and medication adjustments

Whether you’re coming in for a quick sick visit or need a long-term partner to help manage your health, our team is here to listen, guide, and care for you every step of the way.

An EMG, or electromyography, is a safe and common test that checks how well your nerves and muscles are working. It is usually done in two parts:

1. Nerve conduction study: Small electrical pulses are applied to the skin over specific nerves to measure how fast and how well your nerves send signals. You may feel a brief tingling or tapping sensation, but it is not harmful.
2. Needle EMG: A very thin needle is gently inserted into certain muscles to listen to their electrical activity. This helps your doctor determine if the muscle itself or the nerve controlling it is the source of your symptoms.

The entire test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Why might my doctor order an EMG?

Your doctor may recommend an EMG if you are experiencing:

• Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs
• Muscle weakness, cramping, or twitching
• Pain that travels down your arm or leg
• Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neck or back pain with nerve-related symptoms
• Difficulty gripping, walking, or performing daily tasks due to weakness

What conditions can an EMG help diagnose?

An EMG can help identify problems such as:

• Pinched nerves in the spine (radiculopathy) or at other sites
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve compression injuries
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage, often related to diabetes)
• Muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy or inflammatory muscle conditions

How should I prepare?

• Avoid applying lotions, creams, or oils to your skin on the day of the test.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Let your doctor know about any blood thinners you take or if you have a pacemaker.
• No fasting is required, and you can take your regular medications as usual.

Is it safe?

Yes. An EMG is a low-risk procedure. You may have mild soreness or a small bruise at the needle sites, but this typically goes away within a day or two. There are no lasting side effects.

If you have any questions about your upcoming EMG, please don’t hesitate to ask our office.

A trigger point injection is a simple, in-office procedure used to treat painful “knots” in your muscles called trigger points. These knots form when a muscle becomes tight and won’t relax, and they can cause aching, stiffness, or pain that sometimes spreads to other areas of your body. During the procedure, your doctor uses a small needle to inject medication directly into the trigger point to help release the knot and relieve your pain.

How is the procedure done?

• Your doctor will feel the affected area to locate the tight, tender knot in your muscle.
• The skin is cleaned, and a small needle is inserted directly into the trigger point.
• A local anesthetic (numbing medicine), sometimes combined with a small amount of anti-inflammatory steroid, is injected. In some cases, a technique called “dry needling” is used, where the needle itself helps break up the knot without injecting any medication.
• The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is done right in the office, with no surgery or sedation needed.

Why might my doctor recommend trigger point injections?

Your doctor may suggest this treatment if you have:

• Persistent muscle pain or tightness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or lower back
• Tension headaches or pain that starts in the neck and travels to the head
• Muscle pain that has not improved with stretching, massage, or over-the-counter pain relievers
• Myofascial pain syndrome (chronic pain caused by trigger points)
• Fibromyalgia-related muscle tenderness
• Limited range of motion or stiffness due to muscle knots

What should I expect after the procedure?

• You may feel immediate relief from pain once the numbing medicine takes effect.
• Some mild soreness or a dull ache at the injection site is normal and usually goes away within a day or two.
• Applying ice or a warm compress to the area and gentle stretching can help with any soreness.
• Most people can return to their normal activities right away, though your doctor may recommend avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercise for the rest of the day.

How many treatments will I need?

Some patients feel significant relief after just one injection, while others may benefit from a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan based on your specific needs, which may also include physical therapy, stretching exercises, or other treatments to prevent the trigger points from returning.

Is it safe?

Yes. Trigger point injections are very safe and well-tolerated. Serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects are temporary soreness or a small bruise at the injection site. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are on blood thinners, have an infection in the area, or are allergic to any medications.

If you have any questions about whether trigger point injections might be right for you, please contact our office.