Dr. Heather Wells, DO

Dr. Heather Wells, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Port St. Joe, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 229-5661 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Heather Wells, DO is a family medicine physician in Port St. Joe, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014 and completed her residency training in Family Medicine at the University of Minnesota in 2017. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she is Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She is affiliated with Hilo Medical Center and Ka’U Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Wells' approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, providing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a warning sign of potential osteoporosis, a severe bone disease; addressing osteopenia through diet, exercise, and medication can prevent more serious bone loss and fractures.
• Laryngitis: Understanding the risk factors for laryngitis, such as smoking and frequent shouting, is key to practicing preventative care and protecting your vocal health.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively through lifestyle changes and medical treatments can reduce the need for more extensive interventions later on.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can be effectively managed through regular checkups and blood tests, preventing serious long-term health problems.
• Tremor: While some tremors are benign, others signal neurological conditions. Preventive care, including regular health assessments, allows for timely intervention and minimizes potential future health problems.
• Motion Sickness: Early identification of motion sickness triggers allows you to implement preventative strategies, minimizing discomfort and improving quality of life.
• Acute Pharyngitis: Preventing acute pharyngitis involves practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with those who are ill, thus lowering the risk of infection.
• Hypotension: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise can help prevent low blood pressure (hypotension) and its associated risks.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Regular check-ups and attention to any shoulder pain can help detect osteoarthritis early, enabling timely intervention to minimize the long-term effects on mobility and independence.
• Bronchitis: Preventing bronchitis can involve reducing exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke and air pollution which often exacerbate symptoms and potentially lead to chronic respiratory conditions.
• Abdominal Disorders: Regular checkups with your family doctor can help detect abdominal problems early, potentially preventing serious complications down the line.
• Rash: Don't ignore that rash; seeking medical advice early can help determine the cause and prevent it from worsening or spreading.

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

• Memory Evaluation: Invest in your cognitive well-being with a memory evaluation – a simple step towards early detection and management of potential memory issues.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Protecting your baby's future starts with fetal cardiac screening, a vital step in detecting and addressing potential heart conditions early on.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: For a smoother path to weight loss, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps identify any underlying mental health conditions that may affect your recovery and results.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Take charge of your health with a tuberculosis screening, a simple test that helps detect this preventable disease early.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: A spinal and postural screening is a simple check-up that can help prevent future problems and provide early detection of conditions affecting your back and posture.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: As part of your comprehensive checkup, a dipstick urinalysis is a simple urine test that can detect hidden problems in your kidneys and urinary tract, enabling early diagnosis and intervention.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protect yourself from potential heart problems with an arrhythmia screening, which helps identify abnormal heart rhythms that may need attention.
• Diabetes Screening: Early detection of diabetes is key to managing the disease and preventing future health problems; schedule a diabetes screening today.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Ensure you're getting the right amount of iron for your body's needs with an anemia and iron deficiency screening, helping prevent future health problems.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Early detection of urinary tract infections is key, and a bacteriuria screening is a crucial tool for achieving this, helping you stay healthy and comfortable.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a valuable tool for assessing your mental and emotional state, allowing for early detection of issues that may interfere with your physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening for dementia and depression, allowing for early detection and intervention.

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 Wells 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 osteopenia and following a personalized plan of diet and exercise, a patient felt empowered to proactively manage their bone health, gaining peace of mind about their future well-being.
• By understanding the link between smoking and laryngitis, a family proactively reduced their risk of vocal cord issues, ensuring enjoyable family gatherings for years to come.

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 Wells:

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

Dr. Heather Wells and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of your care, emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Wells is a great 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?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Heather Wells is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship now, when you're well, provides a crucial baseline for your health history. This allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill and helps you stay on track with preventive care to remain healthy.

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

Dr. Heather Wells works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Wells acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, she will expertly make the referral and then coordinate with the specialist to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of care.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Heather Wells and our practice offer comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both their primary and gynecologic care in one convenient location.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Heather Wells is fully equipped to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for the entire family is convenient and allows for continuity of care.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Heather Wells and her team can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

3871 E Highway 98 Ste 203
Port St. Joe FL 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5661

Dr. Heather Wells, 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): 1326458159

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 Wells 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.