Dr. Caroline McKnight, DO

Dr. Caroline McKnight, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Vero Beach, FL, and 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 optimal wellness. 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. Please call (772) 567-4311 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Caroline McKnight, DO is an internist in Vero Beach, FL, affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Allopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. McKnight provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Proactive management of dysthymia and cyclothymia, under the guidance of your internist, helps reduce the risk of developing more severe mood disorders or co-occurring conditions.
• Herpes Zoster Without Complication: Managing uncomplicated shingles effectively reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others, contributing to the overall health of your community.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is a neurological condition causing problems with coordination, balance, and movement, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent falls and injuries.
• Swine Flu: Understanding your risk factors for swine flu and taking preventive steps like vaccination can help you avoid this potentially serious illness.
• Malnutrition: Malnutrition weakens your immune system and increases your susceptibility to infections and other diseases; addressing any nutritional deficits early improves your overall health and prevents future problems.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Preventing eye irritation and discomfort from allergic conjunctivitis is crucial for maintaining overall eye health and preventing potential complications like infections.
• Hypotension: Managing hypotension effectively is crucial for preventing falls, dizziness, and other health problems, and your doctor can guide you on how to do this.
• Bronchiectasis: Preventing severe complications from bronchiectasis requires consistent healthcare management, including vaccinations and prompt treatment of infections, to minimize lung damage and maintain quality of life.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Early detection and management of menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes or mood changes, is crucial for preventing long-term health complications associated with hormone imbalances.
• Kidney Infection: Preventing kidney infections involves staying well-hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and addressing any underlying urinary tract issues to safeguard your kidney function.
• Ringworm: Proper hygiene and prompt treatment of ringworm are crucial preventive measures to avoid secondary skin infections and scarring.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure helps identify and treat infections swiftly, reducing potential long-term health risks associated with untreated abscesses and fluid collections.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Protect your family from difficult decisions by establishing clear instructions about your healthcare in an advance directive.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• 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: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.

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. Caroline McKnight 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 managing their mood through regular check-ups and lifestyle changes, a patient reduced the risk of developing more severe mood disorders, gaining greater control and peace of mind.
• By following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed the risk of shingles, ensuring their well-being and minimizing the possibility of spreading the virus.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing potential risk factors with their internist, a patient gained valuable insights into maintaining their balance and coordination, significantly reducing their risk of falls and injuries. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their health.

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. Caroline McKnight:

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

An internist, like Dr. McKnight, 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 many medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Caroline McKnight manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. McKnight excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing complex medications, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. McKnight's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan for each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive measures and lifestyle recommendations.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. McKnight's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We offer regular A1c monitoring, personalized medication plans (including oral medications or insulin), and crucial counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

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

Does Dr. Caroline McKnight provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. McKnight provides comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital, coordinating with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care from admission through discharge. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible patient outcomes.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. McKnight 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.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. McKnight's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

1000 36th St
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 567-4311

Dr. Caroline McKnight, 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): 1093942633

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. Caroline McKnight 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.