Dr. Cara Prier, MD

Dr. Cara Prier, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, 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), she is committed to helping adults (18 years and older) achieve and maintain optimal health through preventative measures. 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. Prier earned her medical degree from Florida State University and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida and is an internist in Jacksonville, FL. Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (904) 953-6722 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Cara Prier is 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, her team and she help patients reach their personal health goals by focusing on total well-being, preventing health problems, and providing support for managing chronic conditions. Dr. Prier's commitment to preventive care, combined with her extensive training and experience, positions her as a trusted partner in your health journey. While she is not currently accepting new patients, her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, remains a valuable resource for those seeking expert internal medicine care. Consultations are primarily provided in English.

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

• Dizziness: Dizziness, even if occasional, warrants attention as it could indicate a problem with your heart, inner ear, or nervous system, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
• Chronic Neck Pain: Don't let chronic neck pain control your life; regular checkups with your doctor can help identify underlying causes and develop a prevention plan for future problems.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Managing ADHD or ADD proactively reduces the potential for future health complications, ensuring a better quality of life and overall well-being.
• Low Back Pain: Understanding the risk factors for low back pain, such as poor lifting techniques and obesity, helps you make proactive choices to safeguard your spinal health.
• Heart Palpitations: Regular check-ups with your internist, especially if you experience heart palpitations, are crucial for early detection of cardiovascular disease and timely intervention.
• Chest Pain: Managing chest pain effectively, whether through lifestyle changes or medication, is key to preventing severe cardiovascular events and maintaining overall well-being.
• Acute Sinusitis: While acute sinusitis isn't always preventable, recognizing its symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention helps minimize the duration and severity of the infection and prevents potential complications.
• Insomnia: By proactively managing insomnia, you can reduce your risk of accidents, improve cognitive function, and enhance your ability to cope with stress, promoting long-term health.
• Motion Sickness: Early identification of your susceptibility to motion sickness and implementing preventative strategies avoids the need for emergency care during travel.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Managing dysuria effectively through proper diagnosis and treatment prevents potential long-term kidney problems and other health issues.
• 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.
• Wheezing: Experiencing wheezing? Don't ignore it; proactive management with your doctor can help control symptoms and prevent more severe lung conditions.

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. Cara Prier 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): 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: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a fecal occult blood test helps screen for colorectal cancer, significantly improving the odds of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Breathing Treatment: Proactive breathing treatments can help identify and manage underlying respiratory issues before they become serious health problems.
• Ultrasound, Pelvic: Taking proactive steps towards women's health, a pelvic ultrasound can identify potential issues early, leading to better health outcomes and preventing more serious 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. Cara Prier 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 scheduling regular checkups and discussing any episodes of dizziness, a patient gained valuable insights into potential underlying causes, ultimately reducing anxiety and promoting proactive health management.
• By addressing potential causes of neck pain early, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future discomfort and regained a greater sense of well-being. Regular checkups allowed them to proactively manage their condition and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing potential ADHD or ADD concerns, a patient gained valuable insights into strategies for managing their focus and energy levels, enhancing their overall well-being. This proactive approach reduced the potential for future challenges and fostered a greater sense of control and confidence.

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. Cara Prier:

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

An internist, like Dr. Prier, 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. Cara Prier manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Prier excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She 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. Prier's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. Key screenings for adults, including those for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are integrated into this plan. We partner with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through lifestyle recommendations and proactive care.

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

Dr. Prier coordinates your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, alongside any specialized medications a rheumatologist may prescribe. This ensures comprehensive care for your autoimmune disease.

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. Prier will order the test and take the time to explain your results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

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 health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Does Dr. Cara Prier provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Prier collaborates with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care for patients admitted to the hospital. This coordinated approach ensures continuity of care between the hospital and our clinic, maintaining the high-quality care our patients expect.

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

Dr. Prier and our team carefully review all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. We aim to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and create a simplified, yet effective treatment plan.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-6722

Dr. Cara Prier, 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): 1639463029

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. Cara Prier 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.