Dr. Claire Verna, MD

Dr. Claire Verna, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journeys.

Dr. Verna serves adults (18 years and older) and is affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (512) 730-3056. Dr. Claire Verna provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cachexia: Because cachexia often indicates an underlying serious illness, prioritizing preventative care through regular checkups and addressing any health concerns promptly can help prevent its development.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, a condition where your arteries become clogged, is preventable and manageable with healthy habits like diet and exercise; catching it early is key to avoiding major health issues later.
• Folic Acid Deficiency: Preventing folic acid deficiency is crucial for your overall health, as it helps avoid serious complications like anemia and birth defects.
• Acute Kidney Infection: Regular blood and urine tests can help detect kidney infections early, allowing for prompt treatment and minimizing potential complications.
• Difficulty With Walking: Preventive health focuses on identifying and managing conditions like heart disease and stroke that can cause walking difficulties. Early intervention helps prevent further complications.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues. Preventive care helps you identify and address it effectively.
• 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.
• Kidney Infection: Prompt treatment of a kidney infection is crucial to prevent long-term kidney damage and improve your overall well-being through effective preventive measures.
• Prostatitis: Preventive measures like maintaining good hydration and practicing safe sexual habits can help reduce the risk of developing prostatitis and improve overall prostate health.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Regular skin checks and early treatment of seborrheic dermatitis are part of a holistic approach to preventive care, helping to maintain healthy skin and prevent associated complications.
• Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Catching secondary diabetes early through regular check-ups with your internist is vital for preventing long-term damage to your organs.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively, through regular consultations and appropriate medication as prescribed by your internist, prevents potentially serious complications like long-term stiffness and reduced mobility.

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. Claire Verna 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: Empower yourself and your loved ones with an advance directive to guide your healthcare journey during end-of-life care.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• 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: 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: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Puncture Aspiration: To proactively safeguard your health, a puncture aspiration may be recommended to analyze fluid samples and detect underlying conditions before they become major health issues.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.

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. Claire Verna 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 attending regular checkups and addressing minor health concerns promptly, a patient was able to identify and effectively manage a potential risk factor for cachexia, improving their overall well-being and peace of mind.
• By focusing on a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of atherosclerosis, achieving peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively avoided a potential folic acid deficiency, ensuring a healthier future for themselves and their family.

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. Claire Verna:

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

An internist, like Dr. Verna, 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 many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Claire Verna manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Verna expertly manages patients with multiple chronic conditions by acting as a quarterback, coordinating care between specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on improving overall quality of life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Verna's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan for each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. We work together to develop strategies that minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Verna 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. Verna acts as a central coordinator, managing your overall health, including aspects like heart health and kidney function, that can be affected by autoimmune diseases. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Verna ensures comprehensive care by monitoring these related health concerns.

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

Dr. Verna's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps optimize health and well-being in later life.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a crucial opportunity to create a proactive health plan. We'll develop a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses in older adults. Important vaccines include high-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance, and Pneumovax 23. These protect against serious complications and help maintain health and well-being.

1 Shircliff Way
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (512) 730-3056

Dr. Claire Verna, 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): 1376830984

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. Claire Verna 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.