Dr. Andrew Atkinson, MD

Dr. Andrew Atkinson, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at SMG Internal Medicine in Melbourne, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, 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. He serves Adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 541-1714 to schedule.

Dr. Andrew Atkinson, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1986 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Holmes Regional Medical Center in 1989, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Viera Hospital and Rockledge Regional Medical Center. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of preventive medicine and personalized patient care to his practice. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and offers consultations in Spanish. I am proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, my team and I help you reach your personal health goals. We focus on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Call now to get started.

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

• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing serious complications from noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis starts with early detection and managing symptoms to avoid dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
• Pharyngitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor allow for early identification of pharyngitis, enabling swift treatment and minimizing long-term effects.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your individual risk factors for calcium imbalance allows for proactive intervention and prevention of future health issues.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: Understanding your pain's triggers and developing a personalized management plan with your doctor is a key preventive measure against its debilitating effects.
• Shingles: Shingles prevention involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like vaccination to avoid this uncomfortable and potentially debilitating condition.
• Gastritis: Regular checkups with your internist can help identify risk factors for gastritis and allow for proactive measures to protect your digestive health.
• 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.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Understanding your risk factors for allergic rhinitis, such as family history or environmental exposures, allows for proactive steps to lessen the severity of symptoms and avoid potential future health complications.
• Anemia: Preventive measures such as a balanced diet rich in iron and B12 vitamins, as well as timely medical treatment, are vital to reduce the risk of developing anemia and its associated complications.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Understanding pinkeye's contagious nature and practicing preventative measures, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can safeguard your eye health and that of others.
• Hypercalcemia: Understanding your risk factors for hypercalcemia, like certain cancers or medications, helps promote early detection and management.
• Limb Swelling: Swelling in your limbs can be a sign of underlying health issues, so early detection through regular check-ups with your internist helps prevent serious complications.

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

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Protect your family from difficult decisions by establishing clear instructions about your healthcare in an advance directive.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Take control of your complex health journey through integrated care plans that streamline your treatment and improve outcomes.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future complications.

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. Andrew Atkinson 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 understanding the early warning signs and actively managing symptoms, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing severe complications from noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, leading to greater peace of mind.
• By attending regular check-ups, a patient was able to identify and treat pharyngitis early, preventing potential complications and ensuring a swift recovery. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid future episodes of the condition.
• By understanding their individual calcium metabolism risk factors, a patient proactively addressed potential imbalances, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Andrew Atkinson:

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

An internist, like Dr. Atkinson, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the varied medical issues common in adults.

How does Dr. Andrew Atkinson manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Atkinson excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Atkinson's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors, promoting healthy aging.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Atkinson'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 particularly important for this group. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these infections.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Atkinson will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Atkinson's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We offer regular A1c monitoring, personalized medication plans (including oral medications or insulin), and expert guidance on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Atkinson carefully reviews all medications, a practice called polypharmacy management, to look for potential drug interactions and unnecessary prescriptions. He works to simplify your treatment plan, ensuring it's both effective and safe. This personalized approach helps optimize your medication regimen.

SMG Internal Medicine, Melbourne
240 N Wickham Rd Ste 110
Melbourne FL 32935
Phone: (321) 541-1714

Dr. Andrew Atkinson, 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): 1437126133

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. Andrew Atkinson 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.