Barbara Smith, APRN

Barbara Smith, APRN is a Family Medicine provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health at AdventHealth Primary Care+ Walgreens, New Port Richey in New Port Richey, FL. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (844) 397-0018 to schedule.

Dr. Barbara APRN, currently practicing at AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens in New Port Richey, Florida, brings a deep-seated passion for patient care to her practice. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives, she became a family nurse practitioner to provide the best possible care for her patients and their families. With 15 years of experience as a registered nurse in the hospital setting, followed by 10 years in the outpatient primary care setting, Dr. Barbara APRN brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice. She graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Barbara APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Barbara APRN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Barbara APRN can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Barbara APRN provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: Early diagnosis and appropriate management of an ACL tear are crucial to minimize long-term damage and prevent the development of chronic knee pain and instability, showcasing the significance of timely medical intervention.
• Face Presentation: Monitoring your face for signs of sun damage, like wrinkles or age spots, encourages preventative measures such as increased sun protection.
• Thyroid Cancer: While not always preventable, proactive monitoring and awareness of thyroid cancer symptoms, combined with regular doctor visits, are vital for early diagnosis and better health management.
• Car Accident Injuries: Preventing car accidents through safe driving practices and regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for avoiding injuries and their long-term health consequences.
• Anorectal Abscess: An anorectal abscess is a painful infection near the rectum that, if caught early and treated promptly, can prevent serious complications like fistulas.
• Bedwetting: Understanding the causes of bedwetting through preventive healthcare allows for targeted treatment and reduces long-term complications.
• Cognitive Disorders: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and mental stimulation, can help protect against cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Barbara APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Photorejuvenation: Take a proactive step towards healthier skin by considering photorejuvenation; this treatment targets sun damage and age-related changes, helping you maintain a youthful look and improve skin tone.
• Travel Vaccination: Travel smarter, not harder—take charge of your health and prevent travel-related diseases with appropriate vaccinations.
• Corticosteroid Treatment: Taking proactive steps with corticosteroid treatment can help manage inflammation and prevent further complications from various conditions.
• Hip Replacement: Planning ahead for a potential hip replacement ensures that you address the joint issues proactively, helping you to avoid more debilitating conditions associated with severe hip damage.
• Tilt Table Testing: Tilt table testing is a non-invasive procedure that helps identify the cause of fainting or dizziness, allowing for proactive treatment to prevent future episodes.
• Colectomy Sigmoidectomy with Robotic Assist: Taking proactive steps towards colon health, a sigmoidectomy with robotic assist helps remove a section of your colon, potentially preventing future complications.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI is a painless imaging test that provides incredibly detailed pictures of your organs and tissues, enabling your doctor to diagnose health problems accurately, such as detecting early signs of cancer or other diseases.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Barbara APRN is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By understanding their risk factors and participating in a proactive exercise program, a family felt empowered to significantly reduce the chance of an ACL tear, promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.
• By regularly checking for signs of sun damage and increasing sun protection, a family proactively reduced their risk of future skin concerns, ensuring a confident and healthy outlook for years to come.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Family Medicine care with Dr. Barbara APRN:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Barbara APRN and our team are family physicians, providing comprehensive primary care for all ages. We focus on preventative care, treating the whole person, and coordinating all aspects of your family's health. We're here to help manage your health needs from infancy to senior years.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Barbara APRN is a key opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Barbara APRN, is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship with her when you're well provides a crucial baseline for your health history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if you become ill, and helps you stay on track with preventive care.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Barbara APRN is fully equipped to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for the whole family makes care convenient and coordinated.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Barbara APRN, for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Barbara APRN will create a personalized screening schedule for you, ensuring you get the right tests at the right time for early detection.

I have multiple health issues. How do you coordinate my care?

Dr. Barbara APRN is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. She's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring all treatments work together safely and effectively for your overall health.

How does Dr. Barbara APRN approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Barbara APRN understands that mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing anxiety or depression, conducts initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to therapists or psychiatrists as necessary.

AdventHealth Primary Care+ Walgreens, New Port Richey
7420 State Road 54
New Port Richey FL 34653
Phone: (844) 397-0018

Barbara Smith, APRN is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1841591534

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Barbara APRN are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.