Dr. Douglas Spriggs, MD

Dr. Douglas Spriggs, 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 445-1911 to schedule.

Dr. Douglas Spriggs, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. His extensive experience includes Interventional Cardiac Procedures, Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, and Heart Conditions. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a patient-centered approach to his practice, prioritizing personalized care for each patient and their family. He earned his medical degree from University Of Cincinnati, Medical Center in 1984 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital. Dr. Spriggs is committed to providing the latest technologies and highest standards of service, offering comprehensive personalized patient-focused cardiovascular care. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: Regular check-ups with your internist are vital for early detection and management of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, contributing to improved quality of life and preventing serious complications.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Preventing the worsening of congestive heart failure involves consistent management of your condition through medication, diet, and exercise, protecting your heart's function.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: The Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern, identified through an electrocardiogram (ECG), signals an extra electrical pathway in your heart that may trigger rapid heart rates and other problems; preventive care helps manage this condition and its complications.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is a common heart condition where one or both of your heart's mitral valve leaflets bulge back into the heart's upper chamber, which, while often harmless, requires regular monitoring to prevent potential complications.
• Syncope: Early detection of the cause of syncope is key to preventing future episodes and potentially life-threatening events; proactive healthcare can significantly reduce this risk.
• Angina: Angina, or chest pain, is a warning sign that your heart isn't getting enough blood, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent a heart attack.
• Pulmonary Edema: Understanding and managing your risk factors, such as smoking, heart disease, and kidney problems, is crucial for preventing the development of pulmonary edema.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: Managing mitral valve stenosis through appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications helps prevent the progression of the disease and protects your quality of life.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication, when needed, helps prevent serious health problems like kidney failure and vision loss later in life.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can weaken your bones and increase your risk of fractures, so regular checkups and supplementation can help you stay healthy.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through regular exercise and hydration is crucial to avoid potentially life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism.
• Hyperlipidemia: By addressing high cholesterol through preventive measures, you can protect yourself against severe long-term health complications such as heart disease.

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

• Cardiac Ultrasound: Taking a proactive step towards heart health, a cardiac ultrasound provides detailed images of your heart's structure and function, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues.
• Tilt_Testing: This test helps your doctor understand why you might be experiencing lightheadedness or fainting, leading to better prevention and treatment strategies.
• Cholesterol Screening: Ensure a healthy heart by getting a cholesterol screening; this simple test helps uncover potential risks for heart disease and empowers you to make informed health decisions.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: A peripheral artery catheterization is a proactive step to check your blood flow and help diagnose potential circulatory problems early.
• Thoracentesis: This simple procedure involves removing fluid from around your lungs to diagnose conditions like pneumonia or cancer, enabling your doctor to start treatment sooner.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protecting your heart starts with an arrhythmia screening, which helps identify and manage irregular heart rhythms to promote overall well-being.
• Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging helps us take a closer look at your heart to detect potential problems early, allowing for timely interventions and preventing future heart-related issues.
• Tilt Table Testing: If you experience unexplained dizziness or fainting, tilt table testing can be a proactive measure to uncover the root cause, enabling effective management and helping you avoid potentially dangerous falls.
• 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.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: Taking a proactive approach to heart health, this test is a valuable tool in identifying any areas of reduced blood flow to your heart, allowing for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.
• Cardioversion: To proactively manage your heart health, cardioversion is a treatment option that corrects abnormal heart rhythms, reducing the risk of stroke and other heart-related issues.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This test is a proactive way to evaluate your heart's ability to handle stress, helping us detect and prevent the development of serious cardiovascular conditions.

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. Douglas Spriggs 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 scheduling regular check-ups and discussing potential risk factors, a patient proactively managed their health, reducing the likelihood of developing reflex sympathetic dystrophy and maintaining a positive outlook.
• By consistently adhering to a personalized plan of medication, diet, and exercise, a patient significantly reduced the risk of worsening congestive heart failure, gaining confidence in their ongoing health management.
• Knowing the Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern was manageable through proactive care gave a patient peace of mind and empowered them to make lifestyle choices that reduced their risk of future heart problems.

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. Douglas Spriggs:

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

An internist, like Dr. Spriggs, 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 many medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Douglas Spriggs manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Spriggs 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. Spriggs and his team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to develop a plan that supports a healthy lifestyle and early detection of potential issues.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Spriggs excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

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

Dr. Spriggs carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This allows us to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Spriggs's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a multi-faceted strategy, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. We offer a comprehensive approach, including regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

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

455 Pinellas St Ste 400
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 445-1911

Dr. Douglas Spriggs, 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): 1811986698

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. Douglas Spriggs 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.