Dr. Francis Decandis, MD

Dr. Francis Decandis, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He 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. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 633-0340 to schedule.

Dr. Decandis, a board-certified family medicine physician at UF Health Jacksonville, brings over 40 years of dedicated experience to his practice. He is an assistant professor of community health and family medicine at the University of Florida, having earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in 1984. Following his medical degree, he completed his family medicine residency at Geisinger Health System in Danville, PA, and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Decandis's care philosophy prioritizes thorough patient education and collaboration to support healthy lifestyle choices. He understands the importance of preventative care and emphasizes empowering patients to take an active role in their well-being. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Vitamin B Deficiency: Addressing vitamin B deficiency is a vital aspect of preventive care, helping protect against fatigue, neurological problems, and other serious complications.
• Muscle Spasm: Managing muscle spasms effectively through preventive care, including physical therapy and ergonomic adjustments, helps maintain overall mobility and quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Addressing joint pain promptly can help prevent the progression to chronic conditions, improving your overall quality of life and reducing the need for extensive treatment.
• Bronchitis: By taking steps to strengthen your immune system through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your chances of contracting bronchitis and other respiratory infections.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Heavily bleeding during your period can be a sign of an underlying issue, so talking to your doctor can help prevent future health problems.
• 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.
• Scrotal Pain: Regular self-checks and seeking medical advice for persistent scrotal pain are crucial steps in preventive healthcare for men's health.
• Mononucleosis: By understanding mononucleosis and seeking medical attention when symptoms arise, you can prevent potential long-term health issues and ensure a speedy recovery.
• Vascular Disease: Vascular disease develops gradually, often without noticeable symptoms, making early detection vital; consistent preventive care, including regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, can help avoid severe complications.
• 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.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) starts with good hygiene practices and recognizing symptoms early to avoid complications like kidney infections.
• Down Syndrome: Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can be detected before birth, allowing for early intervention and support to improve the child's long-term health and development.

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

• Skin Testing and Screening: Skin testing can reveal moles or lesions needing attention, paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Take charge of your heart health by using HeartAware to assess your risk of heart disease and take proactive steps toward prevention.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Ensure your body is aligned and functioning optimally by undergoing a spinal and postural screening; catch issues before they become significant health concerns.
• Memory Evaluation: Ensure your brain's optimal performance by scheduling a memory evaluation, enabling proactive management of memory-related concerns.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Take control of your health by undergoing drug allergy testing to prevent serious or life-threatening reactions to medications.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Enhance your mental health journey by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation – a key step in preventing serious mental health issues and promoting long-term well-being.
• Psychological Evaluation: Invest in your overall health by scheduling a psychological evaluation; it's a proactive step toward identifying any underlying mental health concerns and accessing appropriate support.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: Take charge of your child's educational success by pursuing an independent educational evaluation; it can identify learning disabilities or other challenges early on.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: A simple blood test, Hepatitis B screening helps detect the virus early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious liver damage.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Protect yourself and your community: a tuberculosis screening is a proactive step to identify and treat this infectious disease before it spreads.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future starts now: a fecal occult blood test is a vital step in screening for colorectal cancer and improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Vaccination: Protecting yourself and your loved ones from vaccine-preventable diseases starts with scheduling your immunizations.

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. Francis Decandis 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 understanding their individual risk factors and adopting a proactive vitamin B supplement plan, a family felt more empowered to maintain optimal energy levels and overall well-being.
• By implementing a proactive physical therapy regimen and ergonomic adjustments, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of muscle spasms, improving their overall mobility and daily comfort.

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. Francis Decandis:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Decandis, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive, lifelong care for patients of all ages. They are uniquely trained to treat the whole person, manage the health of the entire family, and focus on prevention, coordinating all aspects of a patient's care.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Decandis is a key opportunity to partner with us. We review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals to help you stay healthy.

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

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Francis Decandis is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your history and can offer faster, more personalized care if needed, and helps you stay on track with preventive care.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on age and individual risk factors. Dr. Decandis will work with you to create a personalized screening schedule, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

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

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

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

Dr. Francis Decandis's practice provides 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.

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

Dr. Decandis 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.

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

Dr. Decandis is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. He's skilled at managing multiple health conditions, ensuring all treatments work together safely and effectively. We strive to create a cohesive health plan for your well-being.

3122 New Berlin Rd
Jacksonville FL 32226
Phone: (904) 633-0340

Dr. Francis Decandis, 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): 1346358892

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. Francis Decandis 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.