Dr. Aretha Kou, DO

Dr. Aretha Kou, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She is committed to a collaborative approach, using evidence-based medicine to support your journey towards a healthier future.

Dr. Aretha Kou, DO is an internist in New Port Richey, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital. She serves Adults (18 years and older) and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 834-4000. Dr. Aretha Kou provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tobacco Use Disorder: Addressing tobacco use disorder through professional help and support systems is essential for preventing long-term health complications and promoting well-being.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so addressing it early helps prevent more serious complications.
• Venous Compression: Early identification and treatment of venous compression minimizes the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition affecting your blood vessels.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain, if persistent, could signal an underlying health issue, making early evaluation crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Dehydration: Managing your fluid intake proactively can significantly reduce your risk of dehydration and the associated health consequences.
• Fever: Managing a fever promptly, especially in vulnerable individuals, reduces the risk of severe illness and long-term health problems.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; it could indicate arthritis or other conditions that benefit from early intervention, preserving joint health and preventing worsening symptoms.
• Cachexia: Because cachexia often indicates an underlying serious illness, prioritizing preventative care through regular checkups and addressing any health concerns promptly can help prevent its development.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Practicing good hygiene and getting enough rest can significantly lower your risk of developing acute upper respiratory infections, showing that preventive measures play a crucial role in overall health.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Preventing intestinal diverticulitis involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber to support regular bowel movements and reduce pressure on the intestinal walls.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) starts with good hygiene and recognizing symptoms early to avoid complications like kidney infections.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation, if left unaddressed, can lead to more serious health problems like hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, highlighting the importance of preventive care and early intervention.

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. Aretha Kou 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• 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.
• Tilt_Testing: Tilt table testing is a procedure that helps identify the cause of fainting or dizziness by observing your body's response to changes in position.
• Arterial Puncture: An arterial puncture is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to check your blood for important markers that help assess your heart health and identify early signs of disease.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This proactive test uses a thin tube inserted into an artery to visualize and assess your blood vessels, allowing for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular problems.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Proactive management of hormone levels through HRT may improve bone health and cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.

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. Aretha Kou 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 proactively addressing their tobacco use disorder with professional guidance, a patient experienced significant improvements in their overall well-being and reduced their risk of future health problems. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their health journey.
• Recognizing persistent nausea as a potential warning sign, a patient proactively consulted a physician, leading to early identification and management of an underlying condition, fostering peace of mind and preventing further complications.
• By proactively managing their risk factors and adhering to a tailored plan, a patient significantly reduced the potential for venous compression complications, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable future.

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. Aretha Kou:

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

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

How does Dr. Aretha Kou manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Kou excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing the patient's overall well-being. Our team works collaboratively to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Kou's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers, as well as discussions about lifestyle choices. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Kou plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Kou manages other health aspects impacted by the disease, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Kou 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.

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

Dr. Kou's practice employs polypharmacy management, carefully reviewing all medications to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Kou will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes. Internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Kou excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

9330 State Road 54
New Port Richey FL 34655
Phone: (727) 834-4000

Dr. Aretha Kou, DO 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): 1124656228

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. Aretha Kou 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.