Dr. Allison Ferrara, MD

Dr. Allison Ferrara, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Internal Medicine in Sanford, FL. She is a dedicated partner in preventive health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. Dr. Ferrara's practice focuses on empowering adults (18 years and older) with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, and she is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 499-1185 to schedule.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Ferrara brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Florida State University in 2012 and completed her residency training at Brookwood Baptist Health System, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). Dr. Ferrara is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to the care and improvement of the human life, emphasizing preventative medicine, diet, exercise, and emotional well-being. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida and is a valuable asset to the UCF/HCA Internal Medicine Residency Greater Orlando/Lake Monroe program. Dr. Allison Ferrara provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Managing conditions that increase your risk of blood clots, such as heart disease or cancer, is a key step in preventing potentially life-threatening venous thromboembolic events.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT) is a complex condition showing as a decline in physical and mental well-being; proactive health screenings can help identify risk factors and implement timely interventions.
• Venous Compression: Managing venous compression through lifestyle changes and medical intervention reduces your risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency.
• Leukocytopenia: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing routine blood tests can help detect leukocytopenia early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of infections.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively through early intervention and appropriate treatment minimizes the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life, emphasizing the value of preventive care.
• Strep Throat: Early detection of strep throat is crucial for preventing complications like rheumatic fever and kidney disease, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Muscle Spasm: Understanding the causes of muscle spasms, like dehydration or overuse, enables proactive preventive strategies to minimize future occurrences.
• Common Cold: A common cold might seem minor, but recognizing its early signs and practicing preventative measures like rest and hydration supports a quicker recovery and reduces overall health risks.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain can be an indicator of several conditions, highlighting the need for timely intervention to minimize potential long-term health risks.
• Long COVID Disorder: Regular health monitoring and preventative strategies after a COVID-19 infection can help identify and manage Long COVID, preventing its disabling effects.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Puncture Aspiration: To proactively safeguard your health, a puncture aspiration may be recommended to analyze fluid samples and detect underlying conditions before they become major health issues.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.
• Nutritional Supplementation: As part of your comprehensive preventive care plan, let's discuss whether nutritional supplements could enhance your health and prevent future problems.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Allison Ferrara is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Adult Patient's life:

• By incorporating simple bladder hygiene practices into her daily routine, a patient significantly reduced her risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, and now enjoys a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding and proactively managing their risk factors for blood clots, a patient gained valuable peace of mind and a clearer path toward a healthier future. A tailored plan helped them feel empowered to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
• By proactively scheduling health screenings and following a personalized plan, a patient identified potential risk factors for Adult Failure to Thrive early, allowing for timely interventions and a renewed sense of well-being. This proactive approach significantly reduced the likelihood of future decline in physical and mental health.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Allison Ferrara:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Ferrara, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions that can affect adults.

How does Dr. Allison Ferrara manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Ferrara excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Ferrara's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), along with lifestyle recommendations. We work in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Ferrara's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform thorough geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps patients age healthily and maintain their quality of life.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Ferrara's practice emphasizes vaccination as a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance, and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting this population. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

Does Dr. Allison Ferrara provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Ferrara works closely with our hospitalist team to provide comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital. This ensures a smooth transition between your home care and hospital stay, with seamless coordination during your admission and discharge. Our team's collaboration guarantees continuity of care throughout your entire treatment.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Ferrara's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a multi-faceted plan, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure target. This personalized approach ensures the best possible outcome for your health.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

HCA Florida Lake Monroe Internal Medicine
1403 Medical Plaza Dr Ste 102
Sanford FL 32771
Phone: (352) 499-1185

Dr. Allison Ferrara, MD 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): 1477812824

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Allison Ferrara 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.