Dr. Christine Kirlew, MD

Dr. Christine Kirlew, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL, 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 375-7929 to schedule.

Dr. Christine Kirlew, MD is an internist in New Port Richey, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 2012, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a patient-centered approach to her practice, focused on collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Kirlew is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Malaise and Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or unwell? Don't ignore these symptoms; proactive healthcare helps detect and manage conditions like anemia or thyroid problems that cause fatigue and improve your overall health.
• Heart Palpitations: Regular check-ups with your internist, especially if you experience heart palpitations, are crucial for early detection of cardiovascular disease and timely intervention.
• Cough: Understanding the causes of your cough is key to preventing future respiratory infections. Your internist can help you identify risk factors and develop a prevention strategy.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Managing osteoarthritis in your hips and thighs through regular exercise, weight control, and appropriate medical care can significantly slow the disease's progression.
• Radiculopathy: Addressing underlying conditions that increase your risk for radiculopathy, such as diabetes or spinal stenosis, is crucial for preventative care and avoiding debilitating pain and reduced mobility.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: While seborrheic dermatitis isn't life-threatening, addressing it promptly prevents the irritation and discomfort that can impact your daily activities and overall well-being.
• Gastritis: Protecting your stomach lining through healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and stress management can help prevent gastritis and its complications.
• Testicular Dysfunction: Regular testicular self-exams are crucial for early detection of problems like lumps or changes in size, potentially preventing more serious complications down the line.
• Polyuria: Frequent urination could indicate a problem with your kidneys or your blood sugar levels; routine checkups help us catch and manage these issues before they cause harm.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Early detection of DVT is vital for preventing serious complications, so talk to your doctor about your risk factors and any symptoms you might be experiencing.
• Rash: Regular skin checks as part of your preventive care routine can help identify rashes early, allowing for timely treatment and potentially avoiding long-term health problems.
• Gait Abnormality: Difficulty walking can indicate various conditions, and early detection through preventive care allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

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

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Protect your family from difficult decisions by establishing clear instructions about your healthcare in an advance directive.
• 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Take control of your complex health journey through integrated care plans that streamline your treatment and improve outcomes.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

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. Christine Kirlew 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 addressing persistent fatigue with regular check-ups, a patient identified and treated an underlying condition, restoring energy and improving their overall well-being.
• Regular check-ups, guided by a proactive health plan, helped a patient identify and address potential heart issues early, reducing their risk of future cardiovascular problems and promoting peace of mind.
• By understanding the triggers for their persistent cough, a patient implemented lifestyle changes, significantly reducing the likelihood of future respiratory infections and regaining their quality of life.

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. Christine Kirlew:

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

An internist, like Dr. Kirlew, 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 various medical conditions that commonly affect adults.

How does Dr. Christine Kirlew manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Kirlew excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive and effective care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Kirlew's approach to preventive care for adults is a personalized, evidence-based partnership. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors, to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

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

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

Dr. Kirlew and our team employ a careful and thorough approach to medication management, including a practice called polypharmacy management. We regularly review all of a patient's medications to check for potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most simple and effective treatment plan.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Kirlew 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 vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses, especially in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting against these common but potentially severe conditions.

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.

5089 Little Rd
New Port Richey FL 34655
Phone: (727) 375-7929

Dr. Christine Kirlew, 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): 1851657399

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. Christine Kirlew 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.