Dr. Christopher Durando, DO

Dr. Christopher Durando, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. 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 is a valued member of the Millennium Physician Group, practicing at 13813 Metro Pkwy. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Medical College Of Georgia Hospital And Clinic (2005). Dr. Durando is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is proud to be part of the Optum family, focusing on preventative care and the management of chronic conditions for people ages 65+. While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (239) 320-8140 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Christopher Durando provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastroparesis: Regular check-ups with your internist can help identify and manage gastroparesis before it causes significant problems, thus promoting better overall health.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Preventing blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), is crucial for maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications like strokes or heart attacks.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and vaccinations, can significantly decrease your chances of getting a lower respiratory infection.
• Hypogonadism: Understanding the risk factors for hypogonadism, such as age and certain medical conditions, allows for proactive lifestyle changes and medical interventions to reduce its impact.
• Limb Pain: Don't ignore persistent limb pain; it might be a warning sign of a treatable condition, emphasizing the importance of routine check-ups.
• Migraine: Managing migraines effectively through early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce their frequency and severity, improving your overall quality of life.
• Wheezing: Preventive care includes monitoring for wheezing, as it could indicate asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases requiring timely intervention to prevent further damage.
• Gout: Early detection of gout through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent permanent joint damage and long-term disability.
• Chronic Pain: Understanding and addressing chronic pain is key to preventing its impact on your mental and physical health.
• Chronic Neck Pain: Proactive management of chronic neck pain through lifestyle changes and medical interventions, guided by your internist, is crucial for preventing further complications and maintaining your overall well-being.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Untreated ADHD or ADD can increase the risk of accidents, substance abuse, and mental health issues; proactive care can help mitigate these risks.
• Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Diabetic polyneuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like foot ulcers and falls.

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. Christopher Durando 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: Secure your peace of mind by creating an advance directive, which outlines your healthcare wishes at the end of life.
• 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps you and your doctor work together to prevent worsening of chronic conditions, improve your quality of life and avoid future health crises.
• Diabetes Counseling: Empower yourself with diabetes counseling, learning how to make lifestyle changes that can prevent or manage this chronic condition.
• 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Obesity Counseling: Partner with your physician to receive personalized advice and support to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, preventing future health complications.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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. Christopher Durando 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 scheduling regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their gastroparesis, preventing further complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient gained peace of mind knowing they were proactively managing their risk of blood clots. This empowered them to confidently live their life to the fullest.
• By prioritizing preventive measures like vaccinations and hand hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of contracting an acute lower respiratory infection, enjoying a healthier, more comfortable life.

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. Christopher Durando:

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

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

How does Dr. Christopher Durando manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Durando expertly manages patients with multiple chronic conditions by coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens to prevent interactions, and prioritizing the patient's overall well-being. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, ensuring comprehensive and integrated care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Durando's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, 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 promotes well-being and addresses any concerns.

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. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

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

Dr. Durando and our team take a careful and thorough approach to medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions. We regularly review all medications (polypharmacy management) to check for interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most simple and effective treatment plan.

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

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

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

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Durando will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

13813 Metro Pkwy Ste G
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 320-8140

Dr. Christopher Durando, 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): 1376598276

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. Christopher Durando 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.