Dr. Chelsea Hughes, MD

Dr. Chelsea Hughes, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Largo, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to providing the highest quality, evidence-based care. Please call (727) 588-5200 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Chelsea Hughes, MD is an internist in Largo, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to upholding the highest standards of medical practice. Her approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is dedicated to the proactive management of your health, partnering with you in creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Hughes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Managing underlying conditions like COPD and asthma through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of episodes of asphyxia and hypoxemia.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation, if left unaddressed, can lead to more serious health problems like hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, highlighting the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; proactive healthcare and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce its impact and prevent associated health issues.
• 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.
• Dehydration: Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet crucial step in preventing many health problems, as dehydration can worsen existing conditions and trigger new ones.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Experiencing anal or rectal pain can be a sign of an underlying issue, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent more serious complications.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Understanding your risk factors for lower respiratory infections and taking steps to manage them can improve your overall respiratory health and well-being.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased function could be signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT). Early diagnosis through preventive care visits allows for prompt management and slows disease progression.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Understanding your headache patterns can help identify potential underlying issues and prevent future complications.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Preventing intestinal diverticulitis involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber to support regular bowel movements and reduce pressure on the intestinal walls.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; it could indicate arthritis or other conditions that benefit from early intervention, preserving joint health and preventing worsening symptoms.

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. Chelsea Hughes 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Mechanical Ventilation: By learning about mechanical ventilation, you can be better prepared to advocate for yourself or a loved one during a medical emergency involving breathing difficulties.
• Concussion Treatment: Early concussion evaluation helps identify and address potential neurological issues before they escalate, leading to a faster recovery.
• Triage and Disposition: Proactive triage ensures you receive the right tests and treatments, preventing unnecessary delays in managing your health conditions.
• Ultrasound, Thyroid: Early detection is key to managing thyroid conditions. A thyroid ultrasound is a valuable tool that can help identify issues early, allowing for prompt medical attention and reducing long-term health risks.

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. Chelsea Hughes 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 understanding and managing their COPD through prescribed medications and consistent lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of asphyxia and hypoxemia episodes, leading to a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By incorporating simple bladder hygiene practices into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of recurring urinary tract infections, gaining greater confidence in their overall well-being.
• By understanding their unique digestive needs and making dietary changes, a patient successfully managed their chronic constipation, reducing discomfort and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.

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. Chelsea Hughes:

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

An internist, like Dr. Hughes, 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 various medical conditions common in adults.

How does Dr. Chelsea Hughes manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Hughes 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. Hughes and her team take 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 each individual's needs and risk factors. We emphasize lifestyle modifications and healthy habits to optimize overall well-being.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Hughes can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent it from worsening.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Hughes's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We work with you to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure goal through lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, and medication when needed. This multi-faceted approach ensures optimal long-term health.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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 (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting this population. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Hughes 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.

201 14th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 588-5200

Dr. Chelsea Hughes, 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): 1487281697

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. Chelsea Hughes 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.