Dr. Andrew Forster, MD

Dr. Andrew Forster, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Baptist Health Primary Care | Coral Gables (Belmont Village) in Coral Gables, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Forster, a member of the Baptist Health Medical Group, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of health issues, from simple concerns to chronic disease management. He serves Adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (786) 345-7208 to schedule.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Forster brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1993 and completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He previously worked in the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, teaching in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and Dr. Forster provides consultations primarily in English. Baptist Health Primary Care is committed to your overall health and well-being, offering a care team led by a primary care doctor, including an advanced practitioner, registered dietitian, social worker, and care coach. Highly knowledgeable in the latest treatments and technologies, this team works together to provide you with individualized, caring, and comprehensive care.

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

• Gout: Gout is a manageable condition, but prevention is key: by maintaining a healthy weight and diet, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this painful type of arthritis.
• Interstitial Cystitis: By actively managing interstitial cystitis through lifestyle changes and medical treatments, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms and potentially prevent future bladder problems.
• Diabetes: By participating in regular checkups and following your doctor's recommendations, you can successfully manage your diabetes and avoid its debilitating consequences.
• Bronchospasm: Early identification of risk factors for bronchospasm, such as allergies or environmental pollutants, allows for preventative strategies and reduces the severity of attacks.
• Ringworm: Proper hygiene and prompt treatment of ringworm are crucial preventive measures to avoid secondary skin infections and scarring.
• Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, and proactively addressing its symptoms through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can help prevent long-term health complications.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Regular check-ups and monitoring for risk factors like obesity and chronic respiratory illness help prevent asphyxia and hypoxemia by allowing for early intervention and management.
• Hidradenitis: Managing hidradenitis suppurativa effectively reduces the risk of severe infections, functional limitations, and emotional distress, making preventive strategies vital.
• Confusion: Preventing serious health problems often starts with recognizing subtle changes like confusion. Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and improves the chance of a better outcome.
• Hypogonadism: Early diagnosis of hypogonadism is crucial for men and women as it allows for timely intervention, minimizing potential risks associated with low testosterone or estrogen levels.
• Warts: Early identification and appropriate management of warts can minimize discomfort and prevent secondary infections, promoting overall skin health.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis of the hip and thigh, a common form of arthritis, can be better managed with early detection and proactive lifestyle changes to prevent worsening pain and disability.

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

• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Immunization: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases and keep you healthy.
• 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.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Chronic Care Management: Take control of your health with Chronic Care Management, a program designed to detect and manage chronic conditions before they become serious.
• Lab Service: Regular lab work provides a valuable snapshot of your overall health, helping us identify and address any imbalances before they become major concerns.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Empower yourself and your loved ones with an advance directive to guide your healthcare journey during end-of-life care.
• Joint Drainage: To proactively address joint pain and swelling, joint drainage may be performed to identify underlying causes and guide effective treatment.
• Vaccination: Regular vaccination helps your immune system fight off harmful infections and strengthens your overall health.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Obesity Counseling: Proactive weight management through counseling can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases and improve 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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Andrew Forster 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 following a personalized dietary plan and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing gout, ensuring a healthier future. Their proactive approach to managing their health provided them with peace of mind.
• By implementing a personalized management plan, a patient significantly reduced interstitial cystitis symptoms, finding relief and improved quality of life. This proactive approach helped prevent future bladder problems and fostered peace of mind.
• By diligently following a personalized health plan, a patient proactively managed their blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes complications and maintaining a positive outlook on their 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 Forster:

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

An internist, like Dr. Forster, 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 diverse medical conditions common in adults.

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

Dr. Forster excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens to prevent interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

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

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

Dr. Forster's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We strive for a personalized, multi-faceted plan, starting with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe blood pressure target.

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

Dr. Forster carefully reviews all of your medications (a practice called polypharmacy management) to check for potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure your treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

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

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

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Forster's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We provide regular A1c monitoring, prescribe oral medications or insulin as needed, and offer counseling on diet and exercise to help prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Forster will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

Baptist Health Primary Care | Coral Gables (Belmont Village)
4101 Salzedo St
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (786) 345-7208

Dr. Andrew Forster, 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): 1437185691

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 Forster 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.