Dr. Carlos Santiago, MD

Dr. Carlos Santiago, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Lakeland, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to the rigorous standards of 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. Santiago's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. Please call (863) 666-6100 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Carlos Santiago, MD is an internist in Lakeland, FL, committed to the vital role of preventive medicine. He understands that proactive health management is key to long-term well-being and strives to equip patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal health. His practice focuses on the comprehensive needs of adults, utilizing the latest medical advancements and best practices to provide personalized care. He recognizes the importance of preventive screenings and tailored treatment strategies, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. Dr. Santiago's dedication to evidence-based medicine, coupled with his empathetic approach, ensures patients receive the highest standard of care. While Dr. Carlos Santiago provides consultations primarily in English, he is dedicated to providing accessible and quality care to all patients.

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

• Bronchitis: Preventive measures, such as vaccination against influenza and avoiding respiratory irritants, can significantly reduce your risk of developing bronchitis.
• Arthritis: Understanding your risk factors for arthritis and proactively addressing them with your internist can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing osteoarthritis effectively through regular checkups and adherence to your treatment plan is essential to prevent joint damage and maintain mobility.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing your lipid levels is key to preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications later in life.
• Hypothyroidism: Regular thyroid checks are crucial for preventing the long-term health problems associated with hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland.
• Overweight: Being overweight increases your risk for many health problems, so early detection and management are key to preventing serious complications later in life.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent them from spreading to your kidneys, causing more severe health issues.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition proactively, through balanced eating and regular checkups, can significantly improve the management of chronic diseases and reduce your risk of developing new ones.
• Cellulitis: Catching cellulitis early through regular skin checks helps prevent serious infections and potential long-term health problems.
• Acute Bronchitis: Understanding risk factors for acute bronchitis, like exposure to respiratory viruses, allows for preventive measures such as vaccination and avoiding sick individuals to safeguard respiratory health.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain can indicate underlying issues that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious heart disease; regular check-ups with your doctor help detect problems early.
• Diarrhea: While some diarrhea is mild and self-limiting, persistent or severe diarrhea necessitates medical attention to identify and treat the root cause, thereby preventing long-term health issues.

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. Carlos Santiago 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): 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Sickle Cell Screening: Early diagnosis through sickle cell screening is crucial for managing sickle cell disease, reducing the risk of painful crises, organ damage, and other life-threatening complications.
• Non-Coronary Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting: This procedure helps clear blockages in blood vessels outside the heart, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of future complications like strokes or limb loss.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: Proactively seeking an independent forensic evaluation can help document your injuries and their impact on your health, leading to better outcomes in legal matters.
• Coronary Interventions: Taking proactive steps with coronary interventions helps identify and address potential heart problems early, reducing your risk of a future heart attack or stroke.
• Concierge Consultation: Enhance your health journey with a detailed consultation focused on identifying and addressing your individual risk factors for chronic illnesses.

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. Carlos Santiago 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 proactive plan that included vaccinations and avoiding respiratory irritants, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing bronchitis, leading to greater peace of mind.
• By understanding their risk factors for arthritis and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient felt empowered to proactively manage their health and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle. This proactive approach significantly reduced their risk of experiencing future arthritis-related discomfort.
• By diligently following a personalized plan, including regular checkups and targeted exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing osteoarthritis, maintaining their active lifestyle.

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. Carlos Santiago:

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

An internist, like Dr. Santiago, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the health of adults. While family physicians care for people of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the diverse and often complex medical issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Carlos Santiago manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Santiago's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This partnership involves regular screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive, preventative measures.

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 (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against complications. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe illness.

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

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Santiago will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their impact on your personal risk.

Does Dr. Carlos Santiago provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Santiago and our team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and coordination with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions to and from the hospital. This continuity of care is a priority for us.

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

A pre-operative evaluation with Dr. Santiago 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 surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Santiago 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.

2600 Industrial Park Dr Ste C
Lakeland FL 33801
Phone: (863) 666-6100

Dr. Carlos Santiago, 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): 1700912417

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. Carlos Santiago 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.