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Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP

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Specializes in: Family Medicine and Endocrinology

Professional interests include: childhood obesity, thyroiditis, prediabetes , and more.

7609 Preston Road Suite P4400
Plano, TX 75024

(469) 303-2400

Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP is a nurse in Plano, TX specializing in family medicine and endocrinology. Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP is affiliated with Children's Health.

Office Locations

Address:

7609 Preston Road Suite P4400
Plano, TX 75024

Address:

9208 Elam Road Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75217

Some issues Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP can help you with:

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

doctor visit	92
lab tests	16

**Gender**
Male	18
Female	55

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	41
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	46
From 75 to 84	12
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Hypertension	0
High Cholesterol	0
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	64
hospital care	97
inpatient care	97

**Gender**
Male	84
Female	80

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	56
Hispanic	66
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	96

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	45
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	106

**Gender**
Male	47
Female	24

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	31
Hispanic	26
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	46
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	37
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	94

**Gender**
Male	40
Female	32

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	23
Hispanic	29
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	39

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	26

**Gender**
Male	11
Female	20

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	13
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	14
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	35
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2018

Volume of procedures performed by Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP treated as a nurse in Plano, TX were hospital care, inpatient care and lab tests.

doctor visit	77
hospital care	97
inpatient care	97
lab tests	16

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2018

Information about Medicare patients treated by Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP.

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	21

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	11
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	4
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	13
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	1
85 and over	0
Less than 65	18
65 to 74	6

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP From 2013 - 2018

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP treated were diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	37
High Cholesterol	35
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	0
Osteoporosis	0
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	1
Diabetes	40
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Cancer	0
Dementia	0

Education & Training

She is certified by the Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has a state license in Texas.

Board Certification: Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Licensed In: Texas

Affiliations & Hospitals

Bernice S. Samuel, APRN, FNP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Children's Health

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Biography

Ms. Bernice Samuel's specialties are endocrinology and family medicine. She practices in Dallas, TX and Plano, TX. Ms. Samuel's clinical interests include hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), obesity, and type 2 diabetes. She is affiliated with Children's Health.