Dr. Florenda Fortner, MD

Dr. Florenda Fortner, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. Dr. Fortner is committed to helping adults (18 years and older) achieve their best health possible through preventive measures. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (727) 380-2645 to schedule.

Dr. Florenda Fortner, MD is an internist in New Port Richey, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Fortner earned her medical degree from American University Of The Caribbean School Of Medicine, followed by an internship at Waterford Regional Hospital. She then completed residency training in Internal Medicine at Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older), and further specialized with fellowship training at Shands Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Fortner approaches patient care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She offers consultations in Greek.

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

• Common Cold: A common cold might seem minor, but recognizing its early signs and practicing preventative measures like rest and hydration supports a quicker recovery and reduces overall health risks.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath shouldn't be dismissed; it could signal a heart, lung, or other serious condition, emphasizing the need for regular preventive care to manage and mitigate risk.
• Pharyngitis: A sore throat, or pharyngitis, can be a sign of infection and early detection helps prevent complications like strep throat or pneumonia.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Muscle Spasm: Prompt treatment of muscle spasms helps avoid more severe problems like limited mobility and chronic pain, highlighting the significance of timely intervention in preventive healthcare.
• Limb Pain: Don't ignore persistent limb pain; it might be a warning sign of a treatable condition, emphasizing the importance of routine check-ups.
• Cachexia: Cachexia, characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, can significantly impact your quality of life; proactive lifestyle changes and medical care are essential in mitigating its effects.
• Urinary Incontinence: Early detection of urinary incontinence allows for prompt treatment, preventing more serious problems such as falls, infections, and reduced social participation.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Catching a common cold early can prevent it from turning into something more serious, like pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures.
• Dizziness: Regular health check-ups help identify the causes of dizziness, allowing for timely treatment and preventing potential falls or other injuries associated with imbalance.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as sexual activity or anatomical factors, allows for proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing one.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: Proactively manage your work-related injury with a timely worker's compensation evaluation, helping facilitate a smoother return to work and optimal recovery.
• 24-Hour Ambulatory Electrocardiogram: For comprehensive heart health evaluation, a 24-hour ambulatory ECG provides continuous monitoring, allowing for early identification and management of heart conditions before they worsen.

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. Florenda Fortner 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:

• Recognizing the early symptoms of a common cold, a patient was able to quickly implement preventative measures, accelerating recovery and minimizing potential complications. This proactive approach ensured a quicker return to daily activities and reduced overall health risks.
• By understanding headache triggers and implementing stress-reducing techniques, a patient significantly decreased the frequency and intensity of their headaches, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing lifestyle changes, a patient proactively managed potential shortness of breath triggers, gaining confidence in their overall well-being.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Florenda Fortner:

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

An internist, like Dr. Fortner, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions adults may experience.

How does Dr. Florenda Fortner manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Fortner excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being. Our team works collaboratively to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Fortner's practice emphasizes 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 addresses your specific health concerns and goals.

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

Dr. Fortner's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We work with you to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure goal, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication as needed.

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 (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting against these common but potentially severe conditions.

Does Dr. Florenda Fortner provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Fortner works closely with a hospitalist team to ensure seamless care during a hospital stay. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care, from admission to discharge, providing comprehensive and coordinated medical management.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Fortner will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

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

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

5535 Grand Blvd Ste C
New Port Richey FL 34652
Phone: (727) 380-2645

Dr. Florenda Fortner, 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): 1891781126

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. Florenda Fortner 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.