July 2026 | Vol. 1 | Issue 69

EXCELLENCE  •  COMPASSION  •  BELONGING  •  DIVERSITY  •  PROFESSIONALISM • INNOVATION

Welcome to Your Monthly Checkup, an electronic newsletter sharing vital information with TPMG patients, keeping you up-to-date with the latest news and advancements.

Recent News & Announcements

Michael L. Gardner, DO, is a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with over 20 years of experience in patient care. He treats patients ages 16 and older, emphasizing continuity of care, strong patient relationships, and compassionate communication.


You can schedule appointments online with Dr. Gardner. Click the orange button to book a New Patient visit, an Established Patient visit, or an Established Sick visit with Dr. Gardner.

TPMG Harbour Breeze Family Practice

1540 Breezeport Way, Suite 100 | Suffolk, VA 23435

(757) 538-7275

ADVANCED PRIMARY CARE MANAGEMENT


With Medicare Part B's Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) services, your health care providers can now more effectively coordinate and customize care to meet your specific needs.


What APCM is:

  • Preventative care and care planning along with recommended screenings, vaccines, and treatments.
  • Reviewing labs, imaging, and medications.
  • Coordinating care after a hospital or ER visit with specialists, hospitals, home health, PT, and OT.
  • Supporting management of chronic conditions.
  • Virtual check-ins and remote evaluations.
  • Help with urgent concerns and access to your care team.

Patients with secondary insurance typically have no out-of-pocket expenses. Those patients with only Medicare may pay a small copay depending on their insurance.


Participation in APCM is voluntary. Ask your provider today about how you can benefit from Medicare's Advanced Primary Care Management services.


Depending on the primary care services you are currently getting, you may get the same or more services through APCM.

Maximize your summer skin protection by pairing antioxidants with broad-spectrum SPF. This powerful combination helps defend against UV damage and environmental stressors, providing advanced protection against premature aging while supporting healthier, more radiant skin.


Get 15% off any antioxidant serum with the purchase of any sunscreen (all brands).


Offer valid through August 31, 2026.


TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology

Newport News | Virginia Beach | (757) 232-8856

Did You Know?

TPMG started in 1992 as a primary care group of just 17 family physicians. We now have more than 240 providers in more than 85 locations! With over 30 specialties, we are a comprehensive network of primary and specialty care providers working together to deliver coordinated care.


Each year we celebrate our anniversary with TPMG Spirit Week, which kicks off Monday, July 20. If you visit one of our offices during this week, you will see lots of team spirit and different themes each day.


This is also a time we celebrate our patients. We invite you to join us in recognizing over 30 years of dedicated patient care!

Understanding Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)


Have you ever wondered how well your lungs are working? A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your lung health.

PFT measures:

  • How much air your lungs can hold
  • How quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs
  • How effectively oxygen moves from your lungs into your bloodstream


PFT can help diagnose and monitor conditions like:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis and other lung diseases
  • Chronic cough or shortness of breath
  • Lung function before surgery

The test is painless and typically takes 30–60 minutes to complete. During the test, you will be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece while following instructions from a respiratory technician.


If you have been experiencing breathing difficulties, wheezing, persistent cough, or shortness of breath, ask your provider whether a Pulmonary Function Test may be right for you. TPMG Lung and Sleep Specialists Newport News currently have appointments available for Pulmonary Function Testing and Pulmonary consultations.


Call (757) 234-8770 to learn more or schedule an appointment.


TPMG Lung and Sleep Specialists Newport News

11838 Rock Landing Drive, Suite 140 | Newport News, VA 23606

IMAGING PRICING TRANSPARENCY


At TPMG, your health and peace of mind are our top priorities. We believe that informed healthcare decisions start with transparent, accessible pricing because you deserve to know what your care costs before you commit.


To make that easier, we've gathered imaging pricing information from healthcare systems across the Hampton Roads area, so you can compare your options with confidence.


See how we stack up and call (757) 873-0848 today to schedule your appointment!


TPMG Imaging and Breast Center

Newport News | Williamsburg | Virginia Beach

On the Move

TPMG Independence Family Medicine in Virginia Beach is excited to announce that they will begin seeing patients in their new office on July 13. Please note that the office will be closed July 10 to prepare for the move.


The new practice is approximately two miles away, located in the Columbus Village East complex in Virginia Beach's Town Center.


The new office address is:

4421 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Suite 114

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 333-7625

Community Outreach

A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to all who contributed to our Summer Food Drive! We are grateful to all TPMG staff and patients for your generous donations and concern for our community.


With your support, we were able to help provide assistance for children, families, seniors, and veterans in our community. In addition to the many food item donations, your monetary contributions helped our food banks purchase fresh produce and other perishable items that cannot typically be donated.


Together, we're making a positive impact in our local community and ensuring our neighbors in need have nourishing and enjoyable meals throughout the year.


We sincerely appreciate everyone's generosity and support!

Clinical Research

The Solairia Asthma Study needs you! You may be eligible to join this study if you:

  • are 12–80 years old
  • have had an asthma diagnosis for more than two years
  • have required corticosteroids at least twice over the last 12 months to control your asthma


Learn more here or call (757) 707-3503.


TPMG Clinical Research Division — Williamsburg 

5424 Discovery Park Boulevard, Building A, Suite 102 | Williamsburg, VA 23188

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex and debilitating disease that significantly affects people’s lives. There are many approved treatments for IBD, but unfortunately, they don’t always work for everyone. Which is why TPMG Clinical Research Division — Williamsburg is conducting a program of clinical studies to see if an investigational medicine that targets not only inflammation, but also fibrosis, could improve the symptoms and quality of life of people living with IBD.  


Call (757) 707-3503 or click here for more information.


TPMG Clinical Research Division — Williamsburg 

5424 Discovery Park Boulevard

Building A, Suite 102

Williamsburg, VA 23188

Health & Wellness

Protecting Your Ears and Eyes from Fireworks


As families across the country prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, it’s important to understand the dangers associated with fireworks. It is estimated that approximately 10,000-15,000 people are injured every year from fireworks displays, with thousands reporting hearing and vision loss. 


Enjoy fireworks safely this Independence Day and follow these tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

As a medical-based fitness center, TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance is committed to helping patients achieve their fitness goals through a coordinated approach. Whether you are seeking help with weight loss, recovering from an injury, or working on athletic development, our certified personal trainers are here to support you on your fitness and wellness journey.  


*Limited time offer: July 13 - 17, 2026, one package per client

The trained professionals at TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance are ready to help you meet your health and wellness goals. Call today, visit us online, and see the class schedule here to learn more.


TPMG Strive Fitness & Sports Performance

5424 Discovery Park Blvd., Bldg.B, Suite 101 | Williamsburg, VA 23188 | (757) 345-2512

Your Earlobes Could Be an Early Indicator of Heart Disease

A diagonal crease in the earlobe, known as Frank’s Sign, has been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease. This trait was first identified by pulmonologist Sander T. Frank, who noticed the crease in several patients with angina. The visible crease is common, especially among older adults, and researchers are continuing to explore its potential connection to other chronic diseases.


Read more about Frank's sign here.

Recognizing Excellence

The TPMG Beacon Award is an employee appreciation program that rewards and celebrates staff members who demonstrate an exceptional level of skill, care, and passion for the meaningful work done with and for our patients every day.

Jessica

TPMG Physical Therapy – Newport News

Raine

TPMG Neurology at Williamsburg

Stacy

TPMG Coastal

Endocrinology in Suffolk

Would you like to recognize a TPMG employee for outstanding work and excellence? If you had a great experience with a staff member and believe they deserve to be recognized, please consider nominating them for the TPMG Beacon Award by clicking here. It is quick and easy, and you might just make someone's day!

Career Opportunities

At TPMG, our mission is to deliver exceptional medical care to every patient at a competitive cost, to improve the health of our communities, and to provide a premier work experience for our employees and physicians.

The TPMG Point of Care Department is currently hiring for a full-time Point of Care Assistant in the Central Lab.


The Laboratory Point of Care Assistant is responsible for assisting/providing refresher training for office staff in the performance and reporting of routine Point of Care laboratory tests. This position also assists the Point of Care Manager with duties associated with oversight of the Point of Care testing program.


Interested candidates can visit the career page for details of this job posting, as well as other clinical and non-clinical job opportunities!

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