Dr. Dorothy Christman, MD

Dr. Dorothy Christman, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Largo, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Christman is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (727) 593-9848 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Dorothy Christman, MD is a family medicine physician in Largo, FL, with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Christman earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1998 and completed an internship at Morton Plant Hospital in 1999, gaining foundational clinical experience. She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. Dr. Christman is not accepting new patients. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hernia: While some hernias are asymptomatic, regular self-exams and checkups with your family doctor can help catch them early, allowing for less invasive treatment options.
• Diabetes: Preventing diabetes involves understanding your risk factors and making lifestyle changes to keep your blood sugar levels healthy, reducing your chances of developing this serious condition.
• Heart Disease: Regular screenings and early detection of heart disease are crucial for preventing serious complications and improving your quality of life.
• Injuries: Preventing injuries starts with understanding and minimizing risks in your home and environment, protecting yourself from potential harm and avoiding costly and painful consequences.
• Bladder Infection: Early detection of bladder infections is key to preventing more serious complications, such as kidney infections, so don't delay seeking medical attention if you suspect one.
• High Cholesterol: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive cholesterol checks are key to preventing future heart problems associated with high cholesterol.
• Menopause: Preventive care during and after menopause, like bone density screenings and cardiovascular health checks, can significantly reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and heart disease.
• Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, can sometimes indicate a more serious infection; prompt identification through regular health check-ups helps prevent its spread and potential complications.
• Osteoporosis: Don't wait for a fracture to address osteoporosis. Regular bone density scans and lifestyle modifications can help maintain bone strength and prevent future complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are simple preventive measures that significantly reduce your risk of developing an acute upper respiratory infection.
• Asthma: By proactively addressing asthma symptoms and triggers, you can significantly reduce your risk of severe respiratory problems and maintain better lung health.
• Obesity: Obesity significantly increases your risk of various health problems; proactive lifestyle changes can help you prevent or manage this condition.

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

• Wart Removal: Protect yourself from the discomfort and social implications of warts by seeking early removal.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that measures your bone density, helping you proactively prevent osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Ensure you're getting the restorative rest you need; our sleep disorder evaluation helps detect problems early and prevent potential health complications.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): Taking a proactive step with an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential issues with your respiratory or metabolic systems.
• Patch Testing: Prevent prolonged skin irritation by undergoing patch testing; this screening method identifies allergy sources, promoting healthier skin in the long run.
• Hepatitis A Screening: A hepatitis A screening is a simple, proactive measure you can take to safeguard your health and prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Skin testing can reveal moles or lesions needing attention, paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: Empower your child by seeking an independent educational evaluation; it's a proactive way to uncover any underlying learning challenges and develop a personalized education plan.
• Skin Screenings: Protecting your skin is key to preventing skin cancer. A skin screening allows for early detection and treatment of potential skin cancers.
• Dementia Evaluation: Ensure you're on the path to optimal brain health by scheduling a dementia evaluation; this assessment can help diagnose conditions like Alzheimer's disease early on.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: A spinal and postural screening is a simple check-up that can help prevent future problems and provide early detection of conditions affecting your back and posture.
• VAP Lipid Testing: Protecting your future health is easy with VAP Lipid Testing; it's a simple blood test that measures your cholesterol levels and helps determine your risk of developing heart problems.

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. Dorothy Christman 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 scheduling regular checkups and learning self-exam techniques, a family proactively identified a potential hernia early, allowing for a minimally invasive procedure and a swift recovery.
• By understanding their family history and making healthy dietary choices, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing diabetes, gaining valuable 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. Dorothy Christman:

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

Dr. Christman and our team are family physicians, meaning we're primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on preventing illness and coordinating all aspects of your family's health. We treat the whole person, not just a specific condition.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Christman is a vital opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. 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. Dorothy Christman is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a baseline for your medical history, ensuring faster, more personalized care if you become ill. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

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

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

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Christman's practice is happy to help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

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

Dr. Christman is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. She's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring all treatments work together safely and effectively, and that your overall health plan is cohesive.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Christman's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. We discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on the latest guidelines, and also manage other men's health concerns like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

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

Dr. Dorothy Christman's practice provides comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This makes it a convenient option for women seeking both primary and gynecologic care in one location.

13670 Walsingham Rd
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (727) 593-9848

Dr. Dorothy Christman, 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): 1427029743

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. Dorothy Christman 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.