Dr. David Franco, MD

Dr. David Franco, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to 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. Dr. Franco serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to providing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Please call (813) 870-4000 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. David Franco, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL, affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, emphasizing a patient-centered partnership in health management. He believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to make informed choices about their health, understand their conditions, and actively participate in their long-term well-being. Dr. Franco provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hidradenitis: Managing hidradenitis suppurativa effectively reduces the risk of severe infections, functional limitations, and emotional distress, making preventive strategies vital.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively, with the help of your doctor, means controlling uric acid levels to reduce pain, inflammation, and the risk of future flares.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Preventive healthcare includes being aware of symptoms like painful urination as it helps in the early detection and treatment of infections and other conditions.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through diet, stress management, and medication, as recommended by your doctor, helps prevent debilitating symptoms and maintains overall well-being.
• Acute Bronchitis: Catching acute bronchitis early can prevent it from turning into a more serious lung infection, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention and preventive strategies like good hand hygiene.
• Viral Infection: Early detection of viral infections through symptom awareness and timely medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Early intervention and consistent adherence to a comprehensive care plan is vital to prevent the debilitating complications associated with sickle cell disease.
• Skin Ulcer: Preventing skin ulcers starts with good foot care and regular checks for early signs, such as redness or swelling, to avoid serious complications.
• 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.
• Pericardial Disease: Pericardial disease, affecting the sac around your heart, can be detected early through regular checkups, helping prevent serious complications like heart failure.
• Dysentery: Managing dysentery effectively, including proper hydration and potentially antibiotic treatment as prescribed by your doctor, prevents it from becoming a chronic or debilitating condition.
• Asthma: With proper asthma management, you can control your symptoms and avoid severe attacks, reducing your risk of long-term lung damage and improving your lung function.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of your comprehensive care, incision and drainage quickly addresses localized infections, improving your comfort and preventing severe illness.
• 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): 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: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• 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: 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: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.

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 Franco 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 actively managing hidradenitis suppurativa with a proactive health plan, a patient experienced significantly reduced flare-ups, improving their quality of life and preventing potential long-term complications.
• By following a personalized plan and diligently managing uric acid levels, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of gout attacks, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By recognizing and addressing the symptom of painful urination early, a patient avoided potential complications and maintained a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing further discomfort.

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 Franco:

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

An internist, like Dr. Franco, 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 various medical conditions affecting adults.

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

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Franco's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Does Dr. David Franco provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Franco provides comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital, either directly as a hospitalist or by coordinating with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless transition of care upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity of treatment throughout your stay.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are especially important. These vaccines can significantly reduce your risk of complications from these common infections.

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. Franco can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver damage.

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. Franco will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their impact on your personal risk.

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

Dr. Franco's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screenings, memory evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

3001 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 870-4000

Dr. David Franco, 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): 1831460989

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 Franco 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.