Dr. Christina Mathai, MD

Dr. Christina Mathai, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, 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 partnering with adults (18 years and older) in creating personalized preventive care plans. 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. Patients should call (813) 972-2000 to confirm if Dr. Mathai is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christina Mathai, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. A graduate of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 2010, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, and while her primary consultation language is English, she strives to meet the needs of her patients with empathy and expertise.

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

• Allergic Rhinitis: Preventing complications from allergic rhinitis starts with identifying your triggers and using strategies like allergy shots or medication to minimize your exposure and control symptoms.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD can be managed with treatment plans that address symptoms and reduce the severity of exacerbations, making it easier to breathe and live better.
• Muscle Spasm: Addressing muscle spasms early can prevent them from becoming chronic and impacting your daily life, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
• Hypertension: Regular check-ups and adherence to a treatment plan, including diet and exercise, are key to preventing hypertension from causing damage to your heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Understanding and managing your blood pressure is a key part of preventative health; low blood pressure, when consistently present, can impact your overall health and well-being.
• Anxiety: Anxiety left unmanaged can contribute to various health issues; proactive care helps maintain your well-being and prevents more serious problems from developing.
• Insomnia: Insomnia disrupts your body's natural rhythms, impacting your immune system and increasing susceptibility to illness; prioritizing sleep hygiene is a vital preventive measure.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe health problems; regular monitoring and appropriate lifestyle adjustments can mitigate this risk.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Regular checkups with your doctor are important for identifying risk factors and implementing preventative strategies to reduce your risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early detection and management of tobacco use disorder can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
• Pharyngitis: Understanding the risk factors for pharyngitis, such as viral infections or allergies, can aid in timely prevention and management strategies.
• Urinary Incontinence: Preventing urinary incontinence involves identifying and addressing underlying conditions and risk factors, ultimately helping you maintain independence and improve your well-being.

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. Christina Mathai 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: Taking proactive steps with incision and drainage helps clear infections, preventing further complications and promoting faster healing.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Take control of your future by documenting your healthcare preferences and making your end-of-life decisions known.
• 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): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Suture Soft Tissue Wound: Prompt wound closure with sutures helps prevent prolonged healing times and potential functional impairments.

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. Christina Mathai 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 identifying and managing their allergy triggers, a patient significantly reduced their allergy symptoms and enjoyed a more comfortable, allergy-free lifestyle.
• By following a personalized treatment plan that addressed symptoms and reduced the severity of exacerbations, a patient experienced improved breathing and a significant enhancement in their quality of life, preventing COPD from significantly impacting their daily activities.
• By understanding the triggers and implementing a proactive stretching routine, a patient successfully prevented recurring muscle spasms, regaining their ability to participate fully in daily activities.

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. Christina Mathai:

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

An internist, like Dr. Mathai, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. 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. Christina Mathai manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Mathai excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, managing complex medications, and focusing on your overall well-being. Our goal is to help you live a full and healthy life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Mathai'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 that supports your well-being and proactive health management.

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

Dr. Mathai carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

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

Dr. Mathai's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure goal, often starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication as needed to achieve that goal.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Mathai 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.

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

Dr. Mathai plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on the specific disease, Dr. Mathai manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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

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

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Christina Mathai, 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): 1578880183

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. Christina Mathai 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.