Dr. Gilbert Fortus, MD

Dr. Gilbert Fortus, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He 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. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journey. He serves adults (18 years and older) and patients should call (321) 725-4500 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Gilbert Fortus, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of The East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 1981. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Orlando and AdventHealth Waterman. Dr. Fortus is dedicated to preventive medicine and providing comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the best possible outcomes. He is committed to helping patients understand their health and actively participate in managing it. Dr. Gilbert Fortus provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Pharyngitis: Regular check-ups can help detect underlying issues that increase your risk of acute pharyngitis, emphasizing the value of preventive care in maintaining overall health.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Practicing good hygiene and getting enough rest can significantly lower your risk of developing acute upper respiratory infections, showing that preventive measures play a crucial role in overall health.
• Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): Addressing nighttime urination is key to preventing falls and injuries related to disrupted sleep, improving your quality of life and long-term health.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Preventing complications from allergic rhinitis starts with identifying your triggers and using strategies like allergy shots or medication to minimize your exposure and control symptoms.
• Sinusitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage sinusitis before it leads to more severe health problems.
• Herpes Zoster Without Complication: While your shingles case was uncomplicated, it’s a reminder to discuss preventive health strategies with your doctor, such as vaccination, to minimize your risk of future occurrences.
• Headache: While many headaches are benign, proactively managing them through lifestyle changes and medical advice can prevent potential complications.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Careful foot care, including regular inspections and prompt attention to any wounds, can be extremely effective in preventing the formation of leg and foot ulcers and their associated complications.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Maintaining healthy mineral balance is crucial for preventing long-term health problems such as osteoporosis and kidney stones; proactive testing and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce your risks.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Understanding your risk factors for HIV and taking preventive measures, such as safe sex practices, can help you avoid infection.
• Bladder Infection: Managing bladder infections promptly can help prevent recurrent episodes and preserve your kidney health over time.
• Intertrigo: Catching intertrigo early is crucial, as it can quickly become infected if not properly treated, impacting your overall well-being and potentially leading to more serious health 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. Gilbert Fortus 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a proactive checkup designed to identify potential health risks and concerns common among older adults, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Vaccination: Regular vaccination helps your immune system fight off harmful infections and strengthens your overall health.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future complications.

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. Gilbert Fortus 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 attending regular check-ups, a patient identified and addressed potential risk factors for acute pharyngitis, fostering peace of mind and proactive health management.
• By consistently practicing good hygiene and prioritizing rest, a patient significantly reduced their susceptibility to acute upper respiratory infections, enjoying a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
• By addressing nighttime urination through a proactive plan, a patient experienced improved sleep quality, reducing their risk of falls and enhancing 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. 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. Gilbert Fortus:

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

An internist, like Dr. Fortus, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the various medical issues common in adults.

How does Dr. Gilbert Fortus manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Fortus excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Fortus and our team use a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with you 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 your individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals.

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

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Fortus carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Fortus will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their implications for your risk.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Fortus can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver problems.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a crucial opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

1223 Gateway Dr
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 725-4500

Dr. Gilbert Fortus, 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): 1356311385

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. Gilbert Fortus 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.