Dr. Ernest Frierson, MD

Dr. Ernest Frierson, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Frierson understands that 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. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to a collaborative approach to patient care, ensuring that every patient feels empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (727) 576-8900.

Dr. Ernest Frierson, MD is a family medicine physician in Saint Petersburg, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Medical University of South Carolina in 1977. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Frierson's 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. He is committed to comprehensive, proactive care, emphasizing the importance of prevention and healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Frierson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Low Back Pain: Managing low back pain through exercise, stretching, and ergonomic adjustments prevents disability and maintains mobility.
• Overactive Bladder: Managing overactive bladder effectively through lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, if necessary, can prevent more serious urinary problems later in life.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Protecting your hip joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise, reducing the likelihood of developing this condition.
• Viral Infection: Early detection of viral infections, through symptom awareness and timely medical evaluation, enables quicker treatment and minimizes the potential for long-term health issues.
• Bunion: Addressing bunions early through conservative treatments like orthotics and pain management can prevent further joint damage, preserving mobility and overall foot health.
• Atherosclerosis: By actively managing conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes, you can help slow or prevent the progression of atherosclerosis and safeguard your cardiovascular health.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, may not always have symptoms, but routine check-ups with your family doctor can help detect it and avoid potential health issues.
• Hyperlipidemia: Preventive care includes screenings for hyperlipidemia as high cholesterol can silently damage your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of serious cardiovascular events.
• Enteritis: Enteritis, or inflammation of the intestines, can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and food safety, thus reducing your risk of infection and the need for extensive treatment.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition causing numbness and tingling in the hand, can be managed through early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent long-term nerve damage.
• Polyneuropathy: Protecting your nerves from damage is vital, as polyneuropathy, a condition affecting many nerves at once, can be prevented or slowed with proactive healthcare and lifestyle choices.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Early detection and treatment of herpes simplex infection can prevent serious complications like eye infections or neurological issues.

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

• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment screening for various health conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Take a proactive step towards better health with anemia and iron deficiency screening, helping detect low red blood cell counts early.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of your preventive care, incision and drainage helps manage painful fluid collections and ensures proper healing, supporting your well-being.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital part of your comprehensive health checkup, providing a snapshot of your heart's health and helping to prevent or manage potential cardiac issues.
• Thyroid Screening: A thyroid screening helps detect potential thyroid problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term health complications.
• Immunization Administration: Protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases by staying up-to-date on your recommended immunizations.
• Pulmonary Function Test: This simple lung function test helps ensure your respiratory system is working optimally, preventing future issues and promoting your overall health.
• Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: Addressing skin infections promptly through drainage or aspiration helps reduce pain, heal the affected area, and prevent future problems.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Protecting your mental well-being starts with a simple screening for depression and dementia; early diagnosis can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Diabetes Counseling: Don't wait for a diagnosis: our diabetes counseling helps you understand your risk and develop a plan to prevent or manage diabetes through healthy habits and lifestyle changes.
• Cholesterol Screening: Protecting your future self starts with a simple cholesterol screening, which helps detect high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
• Pregnancy Test: Knowing your pregnancy status early empowers you to make informed choices about your health and the health of your baby.

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. Ernest Frierson 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 incorporating regular stretching and ergonomic adjustments into their daily routine, a family reduced their risk of debilitating low back pain, maintaining a comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By implementing lifestyle changes recommended by a family medicine professional, a patient significantly reduced overactive bladder symptoms, improving their quality of life and preventing future urinary 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Ernest Frierson:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Frierson, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of your care, emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Frierson is a key opportunity to partner with him. 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. Frierson, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your medical history and can provide faster, more personalized care if needed. This relationship also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

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

Dr. Frierson's practice can 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.

How does Dr. Ernest Frierson approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Frierson understands that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. Our practice provides a supportive environment to discuss concerns like anxiety and depression, offering initial assessments, managing common medications, and coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Frierson and our team are experienced in treating joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal concerns like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Dr. Frierson and our team are equipped to handle many common skin concerns in our office. We can perform procedures like removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses. This allows for convenient care and a streamlined approach to your health needs.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Frierson works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, including regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your health and well-being.

8950 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N Ste 180
Saint Petersburg FL 33702
Phone: (727) 576-8900

Dr. Ernest Frierson, 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): 1841306651

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. Ernest Frierson 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.