Dr. Danica Stephens, MD

Dr. Danica Stephens, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Palliative Care in Hudson, FL. She is 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). 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. Please call (727) 435-8268 to schedule.

Dr. Danica Stephens, MD is an internist in Hudson, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Stephens completed rigorous medical training at renowned institutions, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of adults (18 years and older). To further specialize, she pursued fellowship training in HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital GME Program/Hospice & Palliative Medicine, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stephens provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Long COVID Disorder: Long COVID's impact on various systems highlights the importance of comprehensive preventive care, minimizing potential damage through timely diagnosis and management.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Don't underestimate the significance of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT); addressing the underlying causes through regular health assessments and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your health and independence.
• Dehydration: Early detection of dehydration is vital, as it can quickly escalate into serious complications, especially in individuals with chronic illnesses.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Managing diabetes effectively is key to safeguarding kidney health; timely intervention through your internist helps avoid serious kidney complications and improves your quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful substances into your bloodstream, highlighting the importance of regular checkups to catch and manage underlying health issues early.
• Cachexia: Preventing cachexia involves managing chronic illnesses like cancer and heart failure, as these conditions can contribute to significant muscle and fat loss.
• Lipid Disorders: Keeping your lipids in check is a crucial step in preventing or delaying serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Addressing tobacco use disorder through professional help and support systems is essential for preventing long-term health complications and promoting well-being.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, a common type of joint pain, can be better managed with early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and disability.
• Pharyngitis: Understanding the risk factors for pharyngitis, such as viral infections or allergies, can aid in timely prevention and management strategies.
• 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.

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. Danica Stephens 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• 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.
• Stitches: By using stitches to close deep wounds, we reduce infection risks and promote faster, more complete healing, supporting your body's restorative ability.
• Muscle Biopsy: A muscle biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from a muscle to help your doctor diagnose muscle disorders and plan the best treatment approach.
• Mobility Exercise: Incorporate mobility exercises into your routine to strengthen your muscles and joints, reducing the risk of chronic pain and stiffness.
• Myelography: As a proactive step in managing spinal conditions, a myelogram helps detect problems like tumors, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis, enabling earlier intervention.

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. Danica Stephens 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 proactively scheduling regular check-ups and discussing potential symptoms, a patient gained valuable insights into managing potential long-term effects of COVID-19, fostering a sense of control and peace of mind.
• By addressing potential underlying health issues early, a patient proactively managed their lifestyle and significantly reduced the risk of adult failure to thrive, gaining renewed confidence in their health and well-being.
• By proactively managing fluid intake and recognizing early signs, a patient significantly reduced their risk of dehydration-related complications, ensuring 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. Danica Stephens:

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

An internist, like Dr. Stephens, 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 wide range of medical conditions adults can experience.

How does Dr. Danica Stephens manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Danica Stephens excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing your medications to avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Stephens' approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), alongside lifestyle recommendations to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. We work in partnership with you to achieve your health goals.

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

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

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

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Stephens will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Stephens can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver problems.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccines 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 especially important for this age group. These vaccines can help protect against serious complications.

HCA Florida Bayonet Point Palliative Care
14100 Fivay Rd Ste 340
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (727) 435-8268

Dr. Danica Stephens, 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): 1821653213

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. Danica Stephens 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.