Dr. Charles Friedrich, DO

Dr. Charles Friedrich, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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 strives to provide the highest quality, compassionate care. Please call (239) 482-4673 to confirm if Dr. Friedrich is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Charles Friedrich, DO is an internist in Fort Myers, FL, and has over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1960. With over 60 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Dr. Friedrich is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Infective Endocarditis: By carefully monitoring your health, especially if you have a history of heart valve problems or other risk factors, you can help prevent or detect infective endocarditis early, allowing for effective treatment.
• Fasciitis: Understanding the symptoms of fasciitis and seeking medical attention when necessary can help prevent irreversible damage and improve long-term health.
• Chronic Conjunctivitis: Managing chronic conjunctivitis effectively, often through lifestyle adjustments and medication, helps prevent more serious eye conditions and ensures better vision.
• Overeating: By avoiding overeating, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses and manage your weight effectively, which improves your quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can be a sign of underlying health issues, so early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent long-term complications.
• Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease often develops silently, emphasizing the importance of regular blood tests and urine analysis to identify it early and start treatment.
• Hoarse Voice (Dysphonia): Protecting your vocal health is a key aspect of preventive care; a hoarse voice that doesn't clear up might indicate underlying issues requiring medical attention.

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

• Bacteriuria Screening: Taking charge of your health includes regular checks for urinary infections. A bacteriuria screening helps identify these infections early, so we can address them before they become major health concerns.
• Bursal Drainage: By removing fluid from inflamed bursae, bursal drainage helps improve your comfort and quality of life, supporting your long-term joint health.
• Xolair® Therapy: For those with uncontrolled allergic asthma or chronic urticaria, Xolair® offers a proactive treatment option to reduce inflammation and improve lung function.
• Hemodynamic Monitoring: This comprehensive assessment of your heart's performance and blood flow enables your doctor to personalize your treatment plan for conditions like hypertension or heart disease, reducing your risk of future events.
• Thyroidectomy or Thyroid Lobectomy: A thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy is a surgical procedure that can proactively address thyroid nodules or cancers, ensuring early detection and treatment for optimal health outcomes.
• Asthma Testing: Take control of your respiratory health: asthma testing provides crucial insights into your lung function and helps prevent serious complications.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: To ensure your health concerns related to a specific event are thoroughly and impartially investigated, an independent forensic evaluation offers a comprehensive medical review.

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. Charles Friedrich 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient with a history of heart valve problems significantly lowered their risk of infective endocarditis, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By understanding the early warning signs of fasciitis and promptly seeking care, a patient significantly reduced the risk of long-term pain and discomfort, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By addressing lifestyle factors and diligently following a prescribed medication regimen, a patient successfully managed chronic conjunctivitis, preventing further complications and maintaining clear vision.

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. Charles Friedrich:

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

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

How does Dr. Charles Friedrich manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Friedrich 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. This approach ensures comprehensive and integrated care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Friedrich's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan for proactive health management.

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

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

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. 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.

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. Friedrich will order the test and take the time to explain your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride results, and how they relate to your personal risk.

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

Dr. Friedrich carefully reviews all of a patient's medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This ensures potential drug interactions are identified, unnecessary prescriptions are eliminated, and the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Friedrich 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.

9470 Healthpark Cir
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 482-4673

Dr. Charles Friedrich, 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): 1992775191

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. Charles Friedrich 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.