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Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP

(54 Ratings)

Specializes in: Family Medicine

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago

Professional interests include: women's health issues, physical exams, men's health issues, and more.

1120 S. Springfield Avenue
Bolivar, MO 65613

(417) 326-7814

Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP is a family medicine practitioner in Bolivar, MO specializing in family medicine. He graduated from University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP is affiliated with Citizens Memorial Hospital and CITIZENS MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE.

Office Locations

Address:

1120 S. Springfield Avenue
Bolivar, MO 65613

Some issues Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP can help you with:

Joint Injections

A joint is any area of the body where two bones connect. Due to injury or disease, the space between the two bones can sometimes become swollen and inflamed, which leads to pain and a loss of mobility. Injection and aspiration are two tools that physicians use to treat joint pain locally without needing to perform surgery.

Both injection and aspiration are techniques that involve inserting a needle connected to a syringe directly into the joint. Aspiration involves the removal of excess fluid, and injection is the placement of medication directly into the joint space via the needle. Both procedures may be performed at the same time. In both cases a local anesthetic may be used, the skin will be cleaned and disinfected, and then the needle will be inserted. In some cases, especially if the injection or aspiration is in a large and deep joint such as the hip or spine, ultrasound may be used to guide the needle to the exact location desired.

In some cases, irritation to the joint can cause fluid to build up so significantly that the joint hurts and can no longer move well. Aspiration removes some of the excess fluid and relieves the pressure. In addition, aspiration can be used to provide a sample of joint fluid if it needs to be examined microscopically for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, or crystal formations.

Certain injuries and diseases that affect joints are inflammatory in nature, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis or gout. These diseases may be helped by the local injection of anti-inflammatory medications directly into the affected joint. In this case, corticosteroids such as methylprednisone are usually used. Relief from the pain may be felt right away and may last for weeks or even months.

In some cases, such as with osteoarthritis, the cartilage buffer between the two bones wears down and pain comes from bones rubbing against each other. In this case, injection of a lubricating agent such as hyaluronic acid may be beneficial. It provides a slippery cushion between the bones to relieve pain that can last for months.

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.

hospital care	190
inpatient care	190

**Gender**
Male	45
Female	51

**Age**
From 65 to 74	24
From 75 to 84	22
85 and over	23
Less than 65	27

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	69
Chronic Kidney Disease	51
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	45
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	58
Diabetes	46
Dementia	36
Cancer	13

hospital care	74
inpatient care	74

**Gender**
Male	33
Female	42

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	19
85 and over	12
Less than 65	24

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	71
Depression	57
Chronic Kidney Disease	56
Asthma	31
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	51
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	69
Diabetes	47
Dementia	29
Cancer	0

hospital care	39
inpatient care	39

**Gender**
Male	34
Female	40

**Age**
From 65 to 74	32
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	54
Depression	59
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	38
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	38
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	68
Diabetes	38
Dementia	35
Cancer	0

chronic care	38

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	28
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

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

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	64
Chronic Kidney Disease	57
Asthma	71
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	68
Diabetes	50
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

chronic care	103

**Gender**
Male	11
Female	14

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	25
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	11
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	48
Chronic Kidney Disease	56
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	48
Diabetes	56
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

nursing home care	14

doctor visit	19

**Gender**
Male	15
Female	22

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	26

Hypertension	43
High Cholesterol	0
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	32
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2019

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP treated as a family medicine practitioner in Bolivar, MO were hospital care, inpatient care, chronic care and nursing home care.

chronic care	70
doctor visit	19
hospital care	101
inpatient care	101
nursing home care	14

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2019

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP.

**Gender**
Female	16
Male	13

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	5
Hispanic	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	3
75 to 84	4
Less than 65	7
65 to 74	9

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP From 2013 - 2019

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP treated were hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and high cholesterol.

Hypertension	41
High Cholesterol	32
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	16
Osteoporosis	3
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	34
Diabetes	26
Atrial Fibrillation	3
Dementia	10
Cancer	1

Education & Training

Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP graduated from University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. He completed residency at Cox Family Medicine Residency. He is certified by the Family Medicine - Board Certified and has a state license in Missouri.

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago

Residency: Cox Family Medicine Residency

Board Certification: Family Medicine - Board Certified

Licensed In: Missouri

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Citizens Memorial Hospital

CITIZENS MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 54 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP from all over the web to help you find the right in Bolivar, MO.

4.93

Overall Rating

(54 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Novo Nordisk Inc	$648 Victoza $337	NovoLog $187	Tresiba $41	Saxenda $26	$57
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.	$232 ANORO $105	BREO $58	TANZEUM $50	LEVITRA $18
Pfizer Inc.	$214 LYRICA $84	VIAGRA $79	CELEBREX $20	PAXLOVID $14	CHANTIX $9	Other $9
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$203 SYMBICORT $101	BYDUREON PEN $37	BYDUREON WEEKLY $33	CRESTOR $17	FARXIGA $16
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	$171 SPIRIVA RESPIMAT $77	COMBIVENT RESPIMAT $58	STRIVERDI RESPIMAT $23	STIOLTO $13
Other	$765 TOUJEO $89	Brintellix $84	Unclassified $68	XARELTO $59	DALIRESP $58	Other $408

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$2,166
Travel and Lodging	$68

Biography

Dr. Paul Stortz specializes in family medicine. He studied medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He is affiliated with Citizens Memorial Hospital.

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Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP can help you with:

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP in 2019

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2019

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2019

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paul Stephen Stortz, MD, FAAFP From 2013 - 2019

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

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