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Home > CO Providers > Family Physicians & Family Medicine Specialists

Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD

(7 Ratings)

Specializes in: Family Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine (1987)

Professional interests include: anxiety, palliative care, fractures (broken bones), and more.

131 Stanley Avenue Suite 202
Estes Park, CO 80517

(970) 586-2344

Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD is a family medicine practitioner in Estes Park, CO specializing in family medicine. He graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1987 and has 37 years of experience. Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD is affiliated with UCHealth, UCHealth Primary Care - Estes Park and POUDRE VALLEY MEDICAL GROUP LLC.

Office Locations

Address:

131 Stanley Avenue Suite 202
Estes Park, CO 80517

Some issues Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD can help you with:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a generic name given to a variety of conditions characterized by unusual amounts of fear and worry, especially unrealistic fears and tension. People who suffer from anxiety often are aware that their fears are irrational, but that knowledge does not make the feeling of being scared and anxious go away. To qualify as anxiety, symptoms must last for 6 months or more and interfere with the way a person lives their daily life. Some cases may be mild, where, for example, a person simply avoids certain situations. Other cases can be severe enough to be disabling.

Some of the specific conditions covered under the general label of anxiety include:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Phobias
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Social phobia
Panic disorder

Collectively, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues diagnosed in the United States -- even more common than depression. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety, and it is extremely common for a person with anxiety to have another illness at the same time, such as depression, a physical illness, or substance abuse.

Treatment for anxiety usually involves medication and psychotherapy together. Medications used may include antidepressants (which also work for anxiety), anti-anxiety medications, or beta blockers (which can be used to control the physical symptoms of anxiety). Psychotherapy can be useful to teach patients new ways of thinking and reacting so that they can manage their feelings of worry and fear. Support groups can also be very effective for anxiety, and they can be a form of treatment themselves for social phobias. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and meditation all help reduce feelings of anxiety or of being out of control. Finally, having a strong support network of family and friends is an excellent way to help manage the difficulties of life with anxiety.

Depression

Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."

Some common symptoms of depression include:

Feeling sad, guilty, empty or hopeless
Fatigue and a lack of energy and motivation
A loss of pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed
Unusual sleep or eating habits
Mental fog -- trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Physical aches and pains
Suicidal thoughts or a preoccupation with death

We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.

Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.

Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.

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.

In The News

“"There is speculation where simply living at a high elevation, in general, is healthier for us," said Dr. Guy Van Der Werf, a family medicine specialist with UCHealth.”—"Can you live longer at higher elevations?", Estes Park Trail Gazette, October 2019

doctor visit	4
hospital care	118
inpatient care	118
nursing home care	75

**Gender**
Male	44
Female	56

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	37
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	35
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	20
Dementia	34
Cancer	11

hospital care	69
inpatient care	69
nursing home care	89

**Gender**
Male	26
Female	33

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	59
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	29
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	25
Atrial Fibrilation	24
Heart Failure	36
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	19
Dementia	47
Cancer	0

hospital care	16
inpatient care	16
nursing home care	39

**Gender**
Male	42
Female	52

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	48
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	49
Cancer	0

hospital care	64
inpatient care	64
nursing home care	73

**Gender**
Male	29
Female	28

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	15
85 and over	30
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	23
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	37
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	0
Dementia	44
Cancer	0

doctor visit	36
hospital care	73
inpatient care	73
nursing home care	81

**Gender**
Male	63
Female	52

**Age**
From 65 to 74	44
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	38
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	48
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	12
Dementia	21
Cancer	19

blood draw	192
cardiac procedures	11
doctor visit	826
lab tests	51
nursing home care	22
preventive care	150
vaccines	130

**Gender**
Male	267
Female	238

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	484
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	257
From 75 to 84	145
85 and over	85
Less than 65	18

Hypertension	46
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	12
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	5
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	12
Dementia	9
Cancer	8

blood draw	288
diabetes management	24
doctor visit	890
ear procedures	10
lab tests	241
preventive care	226
vaccines	204

**Gender**
Male	376
Female	264

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	612
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	343
From 75 to 84	193
85 and over	83
Less than 65	21

Hypertension	45
High Cholesterol	39
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	5
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	14
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

blood draw	261
diabetes management	16
doctor visit	597
lab tests	134
preventive care	227
vaccines	213

**Gender**
Male	315
Female	194

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	485
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	264
From 75 to 84	171
85 and over	61
Less than 65	13

Hypertension	43
High Cholesterol	39
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	5
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	4
Diabetes	13
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

blood draw	534
cardiac procedures	14
diabetes management	32
doctor visit	1488
lab tests	153
preventive care	348
vaccines	287

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD treated as a family medicine practitioner in Estes Park, CO were blood draw, preventive care, vaccines and lab tests.

blood draw	318
cardiac procedures	12
diabetes management	24
doctor visit	643
ear procedures	10
hospital care	68
inpatient care	68
lab tests	146
nursing home care	63
preventive care	239
vaccines	209

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD.

**Gender**
Male	116
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	164
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	57
85 and over	41
Less than 65	5
65 to 74	90

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and dementia.

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	40
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	3
Osteoporosis	5
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	9
Atrial Fibrillation	13
Cancer	5
Dementia	22

Education & Training

Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1987. He has a state license in Colorado.

Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine (1987)

Licensed In: Colorado

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

UCHealth

UCHealth Primary Care - Estes Park

POUDRE VALLEY MEDICAL GROUP LLC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD has a high overall rating with an average of 4.29 out of 5 stars based on 7 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Estes Park, CO.

4.29

Overall Rating

(7 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.	$35 QVAR $19	AJOVY $16
Allergan Inc.	$30 VRAYLAR $30
Amgen Inc.	$16 Prolia $16

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$51
Education	$30

Biography

Dr. Guy Van Der Werf practices family medicine in Estes Park, CO. These areas are among his clinical interests: strains, back injury, and thyroid problems. Patient ratings for Dr. Van Der Werf average 4.5 stars (out of 5). He studied medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He is affiliated with UCHealth.

Select Year:

Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD can help you with:

In The News

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Guy P. Van Der Werf, MD From 2013 - 2021

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

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