Dr. Gina Schell, DO

Dr. Gina Schell, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. 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. She is committed to helping adults (18 years and older) take control of their health journey, fostering a collaborative partnership based on evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment. Please call (727) 822-9497 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Gina Schell, DO is an internist in Saint Petersburg, FL, with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Allopathic Medicine in 2001 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. With a strong commitment to evidence-based medicine, she fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Dr. Schell is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. She strives to provide the highest quality care, and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• High Cholesterol: High cholesterol, often silent and undetected, significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, making early detection and management crucial for preventing future health problems.
• Thyroid Disease: Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and preventing long-term health issues.
• Epigastric Pain: Experiencing persistent or recurring epigastric pain could signal an underlying health issue, making early detection and medical attention crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Regular blood tests and check-ups are crucial for early detection of myeloproliferative neoplasms, enabling timely intervention and preventing disease progression.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: By proactively managing conditions that contribute to ventricular fibrillation, such as high cholesterol and diabetes, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing this serious heart event.
• Canker Sore: While usually harmless, recurring canker sores can signal underlying nutritional deficiencies, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for preventing frequent outbreaks.
• Melasma: Managing melasma involves protecting your skin from sun exposure to prevent darkening and worsening of the patches, highlighting the importance of proactive skincare.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure helps identify and treat infections swiftly, reducing potential long-term health risks associated with untreated abscesses and fluid collections.
• Rapid Flu Test: A rapid flu test is a simple, proactive step in managing your respiratory health; early detection of the flu allows for prompt intervention and faster recovery.
• Pulmonary Function Test: To proactively safeguard your lung health, a pulmonary function test measures how well your lungs work, aiding in the early detection of conditions like asthma or COPD.
• Diabetes Screening: Take a proactive step towards better health with a diabetes screening; it can identify prediabetes, giving you time to make lifestyle changes.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Hepatitis Screening: Protecting your liver's future is easier than you think: a hepatitis screening can reveal hidden infections, enabling prompt treatment and reducing long-term health risks.
• Thyroid Screening: Proactive thyroid screening allows for early detection of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, enabling timely treatment and improved well-being.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Early detection saves lives. Hepatitis C virus screening offers peace of mind by identifying this treatable infection, preventing liver cirrhosis and cancer.
• Liver Function Test: Regular liver function tests can help you and your doctor monitor your liver health, preventing potentially serious problems before they arise.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Don't wait for a fracture to address bone health concerns; osteoporosis screening provides early detection of bone thinning, helping you take steps to strengthen your bones.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Early detection is key to managing prostate cancer effectively. Prostate cancer screening is a simple step that can significantly impact your long-term well-being.

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. Gina Schell 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 following a proactive plan, a patient successfully lowered their high cholesterol levels, significantly reducing their risk of heart disease and enjoying greater peace of mind.
• By following a proactive screening plan, a patient felt empowered to manage potential thyroid issues, reducing anxiety and promoting long-term health.
• Recognizing persistent epigastric pain as a potential sign of an underlying issue, a patient proactively scheduled a visit with a physician. Early intervention allowed for a timely diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

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. Gina Schell:

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

An internist, like Dr. Schell, 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 many medical conditions adults face.

How does Dr. Gina Schell manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Schell excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your care team, coordinating specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Schell's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This partnership involves key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors, to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Schell will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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 (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this age group. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and complications from these diseases.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

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

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Schell will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

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

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

560 Jackson St N Ste 302
Saint Petersburg FL 33705
Phone: (727) 822-9497

Dr. Gina Schell, 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): 1679533897

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. Gina Schell 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.