Carrie Huffstickler, APRN

Carrie Huffstickler, APRN is a Family Medicine provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Lakeland, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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.

Dr. Carrie APRN is a family medicine specialist in Lakeland, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This includes a focus on preventive care, personalized plans, and coordinating essential screenings. Dr. Carrie APRN provides consultations primarily in English. She is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (863) 687-1321.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Carrie 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. Carrie 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. Carrie 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:

• Valley Fever: Regular health checkups are important for early detection of Valley Fever and other respiratory illnesses, particularly if you live in or frequently visit areas with high rates of infection.
• Autism: Preventive healthcare helps families understand and manage autism spectrum disorder, ensuring individuals receive necessary care and support to thrive.
• Scarlet Fever: Catching scarlet fever early and getting prompt treatment can prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever and kidney disease, highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare.
• Bronchiolitis: Early detection of bronchiolitis symptoms in infants and young children is crucial for preventing severe complications like respiratory distress and hospitalization.
• Influenza, Type B: Early detection of influenza B symptoms allows for prompt treatment, reducing the severity and duration of illness and preventing its spread to others.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder can be a significant risk factor for other health issues, so proactive identification and treatment are crucial for preventing serious consequences and promoting long-term wellness.
• Stress Incontinence: Stress incontinence, the accidental leakage of urine during activities like coughing or sneezing, can be managed effectively with proactive lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises, preventing further complications and improving your quality of life.

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. Carrie APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Take a proactive step towards a healthy heart by scheduling a structural heart disease evaluation to detect potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Obesity Counseling: Let's work together to create a customized weight management plan tailored to your specific needs and goals, empowering you to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
• Wart Treatment: Wart treatment is a simple way to address a common skin issue and avoid discomfort or secondary infections.
• Endoscopy: Taking a proactive approach to colon health, an endoscopy helps screen for and remove precancerous polyps, significantly lowering your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Wrinkle Reduction by Injection: Take charge of your aesthetic health and minimize wrinkles for a more refreshed look through cosmetic injectables.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Invest in your future health by discussing your alcohol and substance use with your doctor. This screening helps identify potential problems and allows for early access to appropriate support and treatment.
• Piriformis Injection: A piriformis injection is a procedure that can help alleviate persistent buttock and leg pain by reducing inflammation around the piriformis muscle, improving your quality of life.

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. Carrie 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 attending regular checkups and discussing their travel history, a family significantly reduced their risk of Valley Fever, gaining peace of mind about their respiratory health.
• By proactively discussing developmental milestones and concerns, a family gained valuable insights into potential early warning signs, empowering them to address any concerns promptly and fostering a supportive environment for their child's well-being.

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. Carrie APRN:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Carrie APRN, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for all ages, from newborns to seniors. They focus on treating the whole person and coordinating care for the entire family, emphasizing prevention and wellness.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Carrie APRN is a great opportunity to partner with us and discuss your health history, receive a physical exam, and explore 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. Carrie APRN is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship with her now, when you're healthy, provides a crucial baseline for your medical history. This ensures she can provide faster, more personalized care if you become ill, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

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

Dr. Carrie APRN understands that mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. We provide a supportive environment for discussing anxiety and depression, offering initial assessments, managing common medications, and coordinating referrals to therapists or psychiatrists when necessary.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Yes, Dr. Carrie APRN and our staff can perform many common skin procedures in the office, such as removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses. This allows you to get these issues addressed conveniently by your primary care doctor.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings might include a CBC, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Carrie APRN will only order tests appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Carrie APRN and her team provide comprehensive men's health services. We discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines and address other concerns like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

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

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Carrie 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.

1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd Ste 8S
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 687-1321

Carrie Huffstickler, 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): 1053781310

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. Carrie 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.