Dr. David Bernstein, MD

Dr. David Bernstein, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Clearwater, 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 is committed to helping adults (18 years and older) achieve and maintain their best health through proactive measures. Please call (727) 799-6255 to confirm if Dr. Bernstein is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. David Bernstein, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Albany Medical College in 1981 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Mease Dunedin Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital and is accepting telehealth appointments. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Bernstein's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to be active participants in their health journey. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cold Sore: Preventing the spread of cold sores involves understanding how the virus transmits and practicing good hygiene to protect yourself and others.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early identification of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms allows for prompt intervention, minimizing long-term health impacts and improving your quality of life.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Managing calcium metabolism disorders effectively helps to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, kidney stones, and other related conditions.
• Heartburn: Regular check-ups with your internist help detect and treat heartburn, preventing its progression into chronic conditions.
• Abdominal Pain: Regular checkups with your internist are crucial for early detection of abdominal pain causes, helping you manage risk and stay healthy.
• Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia can be a sign of other medical issues; preventive screenings can help identify these issues before they lead to more severe health problems.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Hypertension: Even slightly elevated blood pressure increases your risk of developing serious complications, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Insomnia: Addressing insomnia early can improve your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being, reducing the risk of developing other health problems.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Early detection of diverticulitis through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Viral Enteritis: Good handwashing and safe food preparation practices are crucial preventive measures against viral enteritis, protecting you from illness.
• Animal Allergies: Preventing severe allergic reactions to animals requires early diagnosis and development of a personalized management plan to minimize long-term effects.

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. David Bernstein 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): 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: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• 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: This easy test checks for hidden blood in your stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, giving you the chance to take action and protect your health.
• Geriatric Assessment: Safeguard your future health by undergoing a geriatric assessment; it's a forward-thinking approach that identifies subtle health changes and empowers you to manage them effectively.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses, safeguarding your health and well-being.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.

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. David Bernstein 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 understanding the virus's transmission and practicing meticulous hygiene, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of cold sores, gaining greater control over their health.
• By recognizing and addressing IBS symptoms early, a patient experienced significant relief from discomfort and improved their daily life, fostering a more positive outlook on their overall health.
• By understanding and managing their calcium metabolism, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing osteoporosis and related health concerns, fostering a greater sense of well-being and confidence in their future health.

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. David Bernstein:

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

An internist, like Dr. Bernstein, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the many medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. David Bernstein manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Bernstein excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Bernstein'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 partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through lifestyle recommendations and appropriate medical interventions.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations 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 to protect against these common but serious conditions.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Bernstein can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent progression to more serious liver issues.

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

Dr. Bernstein carefully reviews all of a patient's medications (polypharmacy management) to check for potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

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

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

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Bernstein 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.

2424 Enterprise Rd Ste C
Clearwater FL 33763
Phone: (727) 799-6255

Dr. David Bernstein, 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): 1790722874

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. David Bernstein 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.