Dr. Gary Buffington, MD

Dr. Gary Buffington, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. 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 fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (850) 494-6561 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Gary Buffington, MD is a family medicine physician in Pensacola, FL and has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1971. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, emphasizing a patient-centered approach that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Dr. Buffington's commitment to comprehensive care, combined with his extensive experience, makes him a trusted partner in your health journey. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a preventable lung condition, and early detection through regular checkups can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent serious complications.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms, emphasizing the importance of proactive health screenings to detect it early and prevent future health problems.
• Muscle Pain: Unexplained muscle pain can be a sign of an underlying condition, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help prevent more serious problems.
• Oral or Facial Cleft: Early detection of oral or facial clefts allows for timely intervention, including surgeries and therapies that improve speech, eating, and facial development.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Preventing serious complications from autoimmune diseases starts with understanding your risk factors and working with your doctor to create a personalized prevention and management plan.
• Cleft Lip and Palate: Early detection of cleft lip and palate during pregnancy or shortly after birth allows for timely intervention, minimizing potential feeding difficulties and speech problems later in life.
• Hypercholesterolemia, Autosomal Dominant: Having a family history of high cholesterol significantly increases your risk of heart disease, so regular checkups and lifestyle changes are crucial for early detection and prevention.

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

• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Protect your energy levels and overall well-being by getting screened for anemia and iron deficiency – it's a simple test that can make a big difference.
• Thyroid Screening: Protecting your overall well-being starts with a thyroid screening, a simple test that can uncover imbalances and help maintain your health.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening helps check your blood cholesterol levels, allowing you to proactively manage your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Memory Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards maintaining sharp mental function by scheduling a memory evaluation to detect potential cognitive decline early.
• Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is a crucial first step in accessing vital prenatal services and reducing potential risks associated with pregnancy.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a valuable tool for proactive heart health management, offering a visual assessment of your heart to aid in early detection of diseases and improve your overall wellbeing.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge and schedule an ovarian cancer screening – it's a crucial step in preventing this devastating disease.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: Taking proactive steps towards a successful surgery, a pre-operative evaluation helps screen for underlying health issues that could complicate your operation or recovery.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Osteoporosis screening helps detect weak bones early, allowing for proactive treatment to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Cancer Screening: Protecting your future health involves participating in age-appropriate cancer screenings, which can help prevent serious illness and death.
• Disability Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards a healthier future by scheduling a disability evaluation to identify and address potential limitations early.
• 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.

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. Gary Buffington 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 proactively managing their risk factors and attending regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing COPD, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular checkups and adopting a heart-healthy diet, a family proactively managed their hypertension risk, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Gary Buffington:

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

A family physician is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They are skilled in treating a wide range of conditions and coordinating care for the whole family, focusing on preventive health. They are uniquely positioned to manage your health needs and the health of your family members.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Buffington is a crucial opportunity to partner with us. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion of personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

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

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Buffington now, even if you're healthy, is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. It provides a crucial baseline for your health history, enabling faster, more personalized care should you become unwell, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Buffington acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, he will not only make the referral, but also coordinate with the specialist to ensure a smooth and integrated course of care.

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

Dr. Buffington 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 well-being.

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

Dr. Buffington is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. He's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring your treatments and medications work together safely and effectively. Your overall health plan will be cohesive and well-managed.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Buffington and our team are happy to treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include advice on rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and potentially joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, Dr. Buffington and our team are happy to see you for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor for these acute illnesses is ideal because we know your health history and can diagnose and treat them, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

2357 Greenbrier Blvd
Pensacola FL 32514
Phone: (850) 494-6561

Dr. Gary Buffington, 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): 1477979359

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. Gary Buffington 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.