Dr. Azzam Adhal, MD

Dr. Azzam Adhal, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at Azzam Adhal MD in Panama City, 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. Please call (850) 275-9740 to schedule.

Dr. Azzam Adhal, MD is an internist in Panama City, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Baghdad in 1975, followed by an internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He further specialized through fellowship training at Shadyside Hospital, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. With this extensive background and experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and offers consultations in Arabic.

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

• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Early diagnosis and treatment of acute lower respiratory infections are key to preventing hospitalizations and ensuring a quick recovery.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Asphyxia and hypoxemia are serious conditions that emphasize the importance of regular health screenings and prompt medical attention to mitigate their risk and potential complications.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: High blood pressure resulting from problems with your kidney's blood vessels (renovascular hypertension) is a serious condition, but early diagnosis and treatment through preventive health measures can help avoid life-threatening complications.
• 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.
• Throat Pain: Regular check-ups with your doctor, including mentioning any throat discomfort, allow for early detection and management of potential health issues.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Don't ignore anal or rectal pain; addressing it promptly can help manage potential risks and improve your overall colorectal health.
• Tonsillitis: Recognizing the symptoms of tonsillitis allows for prompt medical attention, minimizing the risk of spreading the infection and reducing the severity of symptoms.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Preventing COPD often means avoiding risk factors like smoking and air pollution, protecting your lungs for a healthier future.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as sexual activity or anatomical factors, allows for proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing one.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Diabetes: Understanding your family history and risk factors for diabetes empowers you to take steps to prevent or delay its onset.
• 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.

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. Azzam Adhal 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): 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.
• 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): 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.
• Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: Early detection is key: Cardiovascular disease counseling helps identify potential heart problems early, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Take control of your future by documenting your healthcare preferences and making your end-of-life decisions known.
• Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps identify potential weight-related health concerns early, allowing for timely intervention and improved long-term health outcomes.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of your comprehensive care, incision and drainage quickly addresses localized infections, improving your comfort and preventing severe illness.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• 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.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Counseling: Empower yourself with knowledge and proactive care: we can help you understand your risk for STIs and discuss prevention strategies.
• Ultrasound: Protecting your long-term health starts with early detection. An ultrasound provides detailed images to help your doctor diagnose and treat conditions before they become major health concerns.

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. Azzam Adhal 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 preventive measures and receiving timely guidance, a patient successfully managed their risk of acute lower respiratory infections, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding potential hospitalizations.
• By adhering to a personalized health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of asphyxia and hypoxemia, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their overall well-being.
• By proactively managing blood pressure and lifestyle factors, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing secondary renovascular hypertension, 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. Azzam Adhal:

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

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

How does Dr. Azzam Adhal manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Adhal 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. His expertise ensures comprehensive and effective management of your complex health needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Adhal'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), as well as lifestyle recommendations. We work in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. This often happens with conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Adhal can help you make lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver problems.

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

During your "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit with Dr. Adhal, we'll create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, prescribing medications like oral agents or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Adhal 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.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is 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 age group. These vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

Azzam Adhal MD
2195 Jenks Ave Ste B
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 275-9740

Dr. Azzam Adhal, 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): 1295714129

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. Azzam Adhal 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.