Dr. Charles Harrison, MD

Dr. Charles Harrison, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at UF Health General Medicine - North in Jacksonville, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. Harrison serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 383-1000 to schedule. A University of Florida assistant professor of medicine, Dr. Harrison earned his medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee, Florida, and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. His philosophy centers on partnering with patients to achieve and maintain optimal health, recognizing the importance of early detection and preventive measures. Dr. Charles Harrison provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes, often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, is a chronic condition where your body doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar; early detection and management are crucial to preventing serious complications.
• Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, can be a sign of underlying health issues, so regular checkups are crucial for early detection and preventing potential complications.
• Long COVID Disorder: Addressing Long COVID symptoms promptly through proactive healthcare reduces the risk of developing long-term complications like fatigue and organ damage.
• Mild Asthma: Preventing serious asthma flare-ups begins with recognizing mild symptoms. Early intervention, through your internist, improves long-term lung health and quality of life.
• Leukocytopenia: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing routine blood tests can help detect leukocytopenia early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of infections.
• Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis, while often self-limiting, can be a warning sign of underlying respiratory issues, making early diagnosis and management crucial for overall preventive health.
• Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms might signal an underlying health issue, so recognizing and addressing them is crucial for overall preventive healthcare.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and vaccinations, can significantly decrease your chances of getting a lower respiratory infection.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Preventing further health problems starts with recognizing the signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT), which includes unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased physical activity, making regular wellness visits crucial.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: By effectively managing tobacco use disorder, you're actively participating in your preventive care, significantly reducing your risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain, if persistent, could signal an underlying health issue, making early evaluation crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Hernia: Regular check-ups with your internist can help detect hernias early, allowing for less invasive treatment and preventing potential complications like bowel obstruction.

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 Harrison 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test checks for hidden blood in your stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, giving you the chance to take action and protect your health.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Empower yourself to breathe easier and live longer by receiving expert guidance and support to quit smoking.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): As part of your comprehensive health plan, a CT scan can provide critical information about the health of your internal organs, helping you prevent future complications.
• Behavior Therapy: Behavior therapy can help you proactively identify and change unhealthy habits that might affect your overall health and well-being.

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 Harrison 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 focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, gaining valuable peace of mind and proactive control over their health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing potential concerns, a patient proactively managed potential amenorrhea issues, gaining valuable insights into her overall health and reducing future worries.
• By proactively addressing potential Long COVID symptoms early on, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing long-term complications, finding peace of mind in a preventative health strategy.

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 Harrison:

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

An internist, like Dr. Harrison, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions common in adults.

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

Dr. Harrison 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.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Harrison's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle counseling to promote healthy aging. We work in partnership with our patients to minimize health risks and encourage proactive well-being.

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

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

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

Dr. Harrison's role is to be the central coordinator of your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density. While a rheumatologist may specialize in medications, Dr. Harrison ensures comprehensive care by addressing these related health concerns.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Harrison will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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

Yes. Internists are experts in complex diagnostics, and Dr. Harrison 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 crucial 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.

UF Health General Medicine - North
15255 Max Leggett Pkwy Ste 3900
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: (904) 383-1000

Dr. Charles Harrison, 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): 1760971816

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 Harrison 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.