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Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist in Tinley Park, IL specializing in pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD is affiliated with Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Advocate Health Care, Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn and Advocate Christ Medical Center.
16750 80th Avenue Suite E
Tinley Park, IL 60477
4440 W 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
9555 S. 52nd Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
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 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.
She is certified by the Pediatric Endocrinology and has a state license in Illinois.
Board Certification: Pediatric Endocrinology
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Choice Fund PPO, United Healthcare Select Plus POS, Magellan Health Services, Humana HMO Premier, United Healthcare Options PPO, United Healthcare Indemnity, Humana POS, Humana National POS - Open Access, Humana HMO, Unicare PPO, Blue Choice, Aetna POS, Aetna QPOS, TRICARE Prime, Aetna Open Choice PPO, Aetna Open Access HMO, Aetna Medicare HMO, Golden Rule, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Community Care Network (CCN), Aetna Open Access Aetna Select, Aetna Select, Aetna EPO, Humana National HMO, Humana National EPO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA Open Access POS, Humana ChoiceCare PPO, CIGNA PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, United Healthcare Choice Plus PPO, WellCare, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Choice PPO, Blue Advantage HMO, Blue Cross Medicare Advantage PPO, United Healthcare, Medicare, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare Navigate HMO, First Health, Beech Street, HealthLink PPO, HealthSmart, Humana PPO, Aetna, CIGNA Open Access Plus POS, PHCS PPO, CHAMPVA, MultiPlan PPO, SEIU - Local 4 PPO, Union Medical Care PPO, AAH UMR Select - Team Member Plan, HST Care Connect EPO, United Surest (previously Bind), Blue Cross HMO Illinois, Union Health Services, Inc., Blue Cross Med Select PPO, Benefits Services and Systems, Inc, FirstHealth, BCBS Commercial PPO, Blue Precision HMO, Provider Network of America (PNOA), AAH UMR Preferred - Team Member Plan, UFCW Local 1546 Health and Welfare Fund (UMC), Blue Cross Community FHP, SEIU - Local 4 HMO, Meridian MMAI, Meridian, HST Care Connect PPO, Zing Health, Blue Cross Community MMAI, BlueCare Direct HMO, Benefit Plan Administrators (BPA), Blue Cross Medicare Supplement PPO and SIHO PPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$8,957
Omnipod $8,762 |
OMNIPODINSULINMANAGEMENTSYSTEM $195 |
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$1,952
Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System $1,539 |
Dexcom G4 Platinum $238 |
Dexcom CGM $175 |
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$596
Norditropin $193 |
Saxenda $129 |
NovoLog $109 |
Tresiba $72 |
Xultophy 100/3.6 $23 |
Other $68 |
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$470
t-slim insulin pump $470 |
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$315
Minimed 670G System $136 |
Continuous Glucose Monitor $125 |
Insulin pump $54 |
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$1,756
Lupron $251 |
SUPPRELIN LA $232 |
Diabetes Care $176 |
LANTUS $124 |
Crysvita $124 |
Other $849 |
| $4,954 | |
| $3,551 | |
| $2,700 | |
| $1,500 | |
| $1,063 | |
| $277 |
Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan, MD has received 17 research payments totaling $23,722.
Dr. Vidhya Viswanathan is a pediatric endocrinology specialist. Clinical interests for Dr. Viswanathan include diabetes management, growth problems, and puberty. Dr. Viswanathan is professionally affiliated with Advocate Christ Medical Center, Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn, and Advocate South Suburban Hospital. She most likely takes Aetna EPO, Blue California, and Coventry, as well as other insurance carriers.
