Dr. Donna Stephens, MD

Dr. Donna Stephens, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing the overall wellness journey for all ages, from newborns to seniors. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from childhood to senior years. Patients should call (727) 321-9614 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Donna Stephens, MD is a family medicine physician in Saint Petersburg, FL, affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. She is accepting telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in 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. Donna 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. Donna 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. Donna 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:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Proactive management of IBS, through diet, stress reduction techniques, and medication if needed, prevents debilitating symptoms and improves your ability to participate fully in life.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Finding blood in your urine warrants a doctor's visit for proper diagnosis and management, as it could indicate an underlying condition that's best addressed early.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, often shows no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular blood tests to catch it early and prevent future heart complications.
• Acute Sinusitis: Catching sinusitis early can prevent it from turning into a more serious infection, saving you discomfort and potential complications down the line.
• Abdominal Pain: Unexplained abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious underlying issue, so seeking medical attention early helps ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential complications.
• Anxiety: Preventive care helps identify and address anxiety early, reducing the risk of developing more serious mental health issues or physical health complications.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is a slow heart rhythm that, if detected early, can help your doctor prevent serious complications through proactive monitoring and treatment.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Manage your risk of vitamin B12 deficiency by eating foods rich in B12 or considering supplementation, especially if you're a vegan or have digestive issues, to maintain optimal health.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Managing restless legs syndrome is a key aspect of preventive care, as it helps maintain good sleep hygiene, reduce fatigue, and improve your overall well-being in the long run.
• Tremor: Managing tremors effectively through proactive healthcare helps prevent the progression of potential neurological problems and improves your overall quality of life.
• Fibromyalgia: Preventive care plays a vital role in identifying fibromyalgia early, allowing for proactive strategies to reduce pain, improve sleep, and prevent related issues like depression.
• Urinary Incontinence: Proactive steps, such as regular pelvic floor exercises and open communication with your healthcare provider, can effectively prevent or reduce the severity of urinary incontinence and its negative impacts.

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

• STD Screening: Regular STD screenings are a proactive step in protecting your sexual health and preventing the spread of infections.
• Pregnancy Test: Knowing your pregnancy status early empowers you to make informed choices about your health and the health of your baby.
• Vaccination: Protecting yourself and your loved ones from vaccine-preventable diseases starts with scheduling your immunizations.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Take a proactive step towards better health by getting your sleep evaluated – we can identify and treat sleep disorders to improve your overall well-being.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: To ensure your body's hormone production is functioning optimally, an ACTH stimulation test can provide valuable insights and guide appropriate interventions.
• Melanoma Screening: Taking proactive steps for your health includes regular melanoma screenings to identify any suspicious skin changes and prevent serious health issues.
• Obesity Counseling: Let's work together to create a customized weight management plan tailored to your specific needs and goals, empowering you to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively managing your multiple health conditions becomes easier with coordinated care, ensuring all your specialists work together for optimal outcomes.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: A urine pregnancy test is a simple, early way to confirm pregnancy and allows for proactive planning of prenatal care.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Take charge of your health with a bacteriuria screening: a test that can reveal the presence of bacteria in your urine, helping prevent serious kidney complications.
• Syphilis Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a syphilis screening – it's a simple test that can detect this treatable infection early, preventing serious long-term complications.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Protecting your sexual health is a key part of overall wellness, and gonorrhea screening is a proactive step to identify and address this infection before complications arise.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Donna Stephens is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By focusing on stress reduction techniques and dietary changes, a patient significantly lessened IBS symptoms, increasing their overall quality of life and reducing the need for medication.
• A patient, concerned about blood in their urine, proactively scheduled a visit with a family medicine provider. Early detection allowed for prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential complications and providing peace of mind.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Donna Stephens:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Stephens and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive, lifelong healthcare for people of all ages. We focus on treating the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, emphasizing prevention.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Stephens is a key opportunity to build a partnership with her. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Donna Stephens, even when you're healthy, is a valuable long-term investment. An established relationship provides a crucial baseline for your health history, enabling faster, more personalized care if needed, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Stephens is your primary care quarterback. She will expertly refer you to specialists when needed and then coordinate your care with them to ensure a smooth transition and comprehensive treatment plan.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Stephens, for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Donna Stephens and our practice offer comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care conveniently in one location.

I have multiple health issues. How do you coordinate my care?

Dr. Stephens is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. She's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring your treatments and medications are safe and work together effectively for your overall health.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screening tests might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Stephens will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

2815 1st Ave N
Saint Petersburg FL 33713
Phone: (727) 321-9614

Dr. Donna 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): 1376529503

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Donna 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.