Dr. Heather Ross, MD

Dr. Heather Ross, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Pensacola, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus is firmly rooted in prevention, recognizing that 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. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and patients should call (850) 908-1950 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Heather Ross, MD is a family medicine physician in Pensacola, FL, affiliated with Baptist Hospital. She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and her approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her goal is to build trusting relationships with her patients, fostering a partnership that prioritizes proactive health management and well-being. Dr. Heather Ross provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Fever: A fever, often a sign of infection, highlights the importance of early detection and prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Understanding your own body's signals and seeking medical attention when experiencing symptoms can help prevent an acute upper respiratory infection from worsening and leading to more serious health issues.
• Cluster Headache: While we can't prevent cluster headaches entirely, proactive management strategies with your family doctor can significantly lessen their impact on your daily life and prevent long-term complications.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Early detection of a UTI is crucial for preventing serious health issues and ensuring timely treatment to minimize discomfort and potential long-term problems.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Manage your risk of vitamin B12 deficiency by eating foods rich in B12 or considering supplementation, especially if you're a vegan or have digestive issues, to maintain optimal health.
• Scurvy: Managing scurvy effectively involves addressing the vitamin C deficiency through dietary changes or supplements, preventing more severe symptoms from developing.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acute Bronchitis: Regular checkups with your family doctor can help you identify and manage risk factors for acute bronchitis, improving your overall respiratory health and preventing severe symptoms.
• Muscle Spasm: Catching muscle spasms early can help prevent them from becoming chronic problems, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Addressing vitamin B deficiency is a vital aspect of preventive care, helping protect against fatigue, neurological problems, and other serious complications.
• Nausea: Nausea can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions. Regular health screenings and open communication with your doctor are essential for early detection and management.

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

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: An advance directive lets you communicate your healthcare wishes for end-of-life situations, ensuring your voice is heard.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, allowing your doctor to monitor and manage conditions affecting your breathing and circulation.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions and efficient management of your complex health needs and procedures with our specialized care coordination services.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting your heart starts with an EKG. This painless test helps identify hidden heart problems, allowing for early intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Take charge of your colorectal health with a fecal occult blood test – a proactive screening that can help find cancer early, when it's most treatable.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a simple yet powerful way to bolster your immune system and prevent serious infections throughout your life.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting expert guidance to help you break free from nicotine addiction and reduce your risk of serious diseases.

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. Heather Ross 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of a fever allowed a family to seek prompt treatment, preventing potential complications and ensuring a quick recovery. The proactive approach fostered peace of mind and a healthier outcome for everyone.
• Recognizing early symptoms of an acute upper respiratory infection and seeking prompt medical attention helped a family avoid a more serious illness and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By understanding their body's signals, they prioritized their well-being and enjoyed a swift recovery.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Heather Ross:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Heather Ross, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for people of all ages. They focus on preventing illness and coordinating all aspects of your health, including managing the health of your whole family. They treat the whole person, not just a specific condition.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Ross is a key opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. 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. Heather Ross, even when you're healthy, is a long-term investment in your well-being. Having a known baseline for your health history allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill, and ensures you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

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

Dr. Ross 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 quality of life.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Ross is your primary care quarterback. She will expertly handle referrals to specialists, coordinating care to ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration of all aspects of your health journey.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Ross is experienced in providing care for children and infants, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members makes care convenient and coordinated.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age, health conditions, and lifestyle. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Heather Ross and her team will ensure you're up-to-date on the latest recommendations.

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

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

2115 W Nine Mile Rd Ste 2
Pensacola FL 32534
Phone: (850) 908-1950

Dr. Heather Ross, 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): 1912319401

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. Heather Ross 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.