Dr. Cathy Barnes, MD

Dr. Cathy Barnes, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to providing accessible, high-quality care. Please call (727) 375-1004 to confirm if Dr. Barnes is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Cathy Barnes, MD is a family medicine physician in New Port Richey, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1987 and is affiliated with HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Barnes is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Barnes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lipid Disorders: Early detection of lipid problems allows for timely intervention, reducing your chances of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiovascular event.
• Hypotension: Understanding your blood pressure readings and addressing any hypotension concerns with your doctor is an essential part of comprehensive preventive health care.
• Bronchiectasis: By managing underlying conditions like cystic fibrosis and receiving timely treatment for respiratory infections, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing bronchiectasis.
• Anxiety: Managing anxiety proactively through your family doctor is a key aspect of preventive health, improving your well-being and preventing potential future health problems.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Managing risk factors like stress and dehydration can help prevent sinus tachycardia and maintain a healthy heart rhythm, contributing to your overall well-being.
• Back Pain: Preventing future back problems starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good posture and body mechanics to avoid injury.
• Low Back Pain: Preventing low back pain starts with maintaining good posture, core strength, and a healthy weight to avoid future issues.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Managing chronic sinusitis effectively through lifestyle changes and medical treatments helps prevent its progression and reduces the risk of related health issues.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, often shows no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular blood tests to catch it early and prevent future heart complications.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for managing ADHD/ADD symptoms and preventing potential long-term health complications.
• Obesity: Addressing obesity through a comprehensive approach of diet, exercise, and potentially medical intervention, helps prevent long-term health complications.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can signal underlying respiratory issues; early detection through regular checkups helps prevent serious complications like asthma attacks or lung infections.

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

• Impairment Rating Evaluation: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, an impairment rating evaluation can help identify and document any physical limitations, enabling better treatment strategies.
• Dyslexia Assessment: Invest in your child's future by scheduling a dyslexia assessment; it helps pinpoint learning differences early, maximizing opportunities for educational success.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: For children struggling in school, an independent educational evaluation provides an unbiased assessment to determine if learning disabilities or other educational needs exist, enabling tailored support.
• Detoxification Evaluation: A detoxification evaluation helps identify and address potential health risks from environmental toxins or harmful substances, promoting overall wellness.
• Skin Screenings: Regular skin screenings help your doctor detect skin cancer early, when it's most treatable.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Take charge of your health by getting screened for Hepatitis C, a virus that can cause serious liver damage if left untreated.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps ensure you're mentally prepared for the significant lifestyle changes involved, promoting long-term success.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Invest in your future health by discussing your alcohol and substance use with your doctor. This screening helps identify potential problems and allows for early access to appropriate support and treatment.
• Bone Density Scan: Protecting yourself from future fragility fractures starts with a bone density scan, a painless way to check your bone health and take preventative measures.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Ensure your baby's heart is healthy with fetal cardiac screening, a non-invasive test that identifies potential structural problems before birth.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: Take charge of your heart health with a cardiovascular stress test—a simple procedure that screens for heart disease risk factors and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Take control of your sexual health with a simple gonorrhea test – early detection through screening can significantly reduce the risk of infertility and other serious health issues.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Cathy Barnes is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively managing lipid levels through regular screenings and lifestyle changes, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing heart disease, fostering a sense of peace and confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding their blood pressure readings and discussing concerns with their healthcare provider, a family proactively managed potential hypotension issues, gaining peace of mind about their overall 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Cathy Barnes:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Barnes and our team are family physicians, providing comprehensive primary care for the whole family, from newborns to seniors. We focus on preventative care and coordinating all aspects of your health needs, treating the whole person.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Barnes is a key opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Cathy Barnes, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're well provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your medical history and can provide faster, more personalized care if needed. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Cathy Barnes and our team will ensure you're receiving the recommended vaccines based on the latest guidelines.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Barnes is experienced in providing comprehensive care for children and infants, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. She is dedicated to the health of the whole family, making it convenient to have one doctor for all your healthcare needs.

How does Dr. Cathy Barnes approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Barnes understands that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety or depression, performs initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Barnes and our team are happy to treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis, and treatment may include recommendations for rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on individual age and risk factors. Dr. Barnes will work with you to create a personalized screening schedule, ensuring appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

3000 Starkey Blvd
New Port Richey FL 34655
Phone: (727) 375-1004

Dr. Cathy Barnes, 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): 1821089756

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Cathy Barnes 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.