Dr. Gary Laubacker, DO

Dr. Gary Laubacker, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at our MaxHealth Primary Care Clinic in Ellenton, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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. Laubacker serves Adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (941) 847-1101 to schedule.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Laubacker brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010 and completed an internship at St John Medical Center. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at St John Medical Center, graduating in 2014, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Laubacker is part of our network of doctors, nurse practitioners, and healthcare specialists who provide outstanding care to patients with Medicare. If you're looking for personalized healthcare near you, become a patient today for in-person or telehealth check-ups. Dr. Gary Laubacker offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol or other lipid problems can seriously harm your heart, but regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Hypokalemia: Regular check-ups are important for detecting hypokalemia early, preventing muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening heart rhythms.
• Loss of Taste: Protecting your overall health involves paying attention to subtle changes like a loss of taste; discussing this with your internist can help ensure early intervention and prevent long-term health issues.
• Osteoporosis: By understanding your individual risk factors for osteoporosis and adopting a preventive strategy that includes diet, exercise, and medication if needed, you can maintain bone health and prevent debilitating fractures.
• Obesity: Early detection of obesity allows for timely interventions, such as lifestyle changes and medical support, to reduce the risk of serious complications.
• Dysentery: Dysentery, a severe intestinal infection, is preventable through good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and safe food preparation, thus reducing your risk of contracting it.
• Limb Pain: Managing limb pain effectively is part of comprehensive preventive care, helping to avoid disability and maintain mobility.
• Dehydration: Early detection of dehydration is vital, as it can quickly escalate into serious complications, especially in individuals with chronic illnesses.
• Venous Insufficiency: Managing venous insufficiency through lifestyle changes and medical interventions helps prevent serious complications like skin breakdown and infections, improving your overall quality of life.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Regular checkups with your doctor are important for identifying risk factors and implementing preventative strategies to reduce your risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Regular health screenings can help detect low blood pressure early, allowing for proactive management and preventing potential complications associated with consistently low readings.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Early diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis are essential for preventing severe pain, bladder damage, and other potential complications, thereby promoting overall wellness.

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

• Obesity Counseling: Take proactive steps towards a healthier weight with personalized guidance and support to improve your overall well-being.
• Immunization: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses; regular immunizations are a key part of your overall wellness plan.
• Lab Service: Through routine lab services, we can monitor your vital health markers, such as cholesterol and blood sugar, to effectively manage chronic conditions and maintain your well-being.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent serious infections, sometimes a simple procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection is necessary – a key part of your overall health plan.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Empower yourself and your loved ones with an advance directive to guide your healthcare journey during end-of-life care.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): OMT is a non-invasive technique that helps improve posture, reduce pain, and increase mobility, contributing to your overall health and preventing chronic pain development.
• Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: Protect your heart health with cardiovascular disease counseling; we'll assess your risk factors and help you make lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Spirometry: Protecting your lungs starts with a spirometry test; it's a quick way to screen for conditions like asthma and COPD before they become severe.

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. Gary Laubacker 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 proactively managing lipid levels through regular checkups and dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease and stroke, enjoying a healthier future with greater peace of mind.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their potassium levels, avoiding the risk of muscle weakness and potential heart problems. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their health management.
• A patient, concerned about a gradual loss of taste, proactively discussed their symptoms with their internist. Early intervention allowed for a thorough evaluation and addressed potential underlying causes, preventing further deterioration and restoring their quality of life.

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. Gary Laubacker:

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

An internist, like Dr. Laubacker, 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 various medical issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Gary Laubacker manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Laubacker excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to avoid interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Laubacker's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan, 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.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Laubacker can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent it from progressing.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and coordinating all of your healthcare for maximum effectiveness.

Does Dr. Gary Laubacker provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Laubacker and our team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and management of in-patient needs. We work closely with our hospitalist colleagues to ensure smooth transitions between the hospital and outpatient care. This collaborative approach guarantees continuity of care throughout your entire experience.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Laubacker 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.

7915 US Highway 301 N Ste 107
Ellenton FL 34222
Phone: (941) 847-1101

Dr. Gary Laubacker, DO 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): 1760793517

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. Gary Laubacker 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.