Dr. Hector Guevara-Garay, MD

Dr. Hector Guevara-Garay, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his Lakeland, FL clinic. 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 currently welcoming new adult patients (18 years and older) to begin their proactive health journey. Call (863) 853-7822 to schedule.

Dr. Guevara-Garay, MD is an internist in Lakeland, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Tampa. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. As part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams, Dr. Guevara-Garay is proud to provide care for people ages 65+ with a focus on total well-being, preventing health problems, and managing chronic conditions. He is committed to helping you reach your personal health goals. Dr. Guevara-Garay offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Hector Guevara-Garay 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. Hector Guevara-Garay 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. Hector Guevara-Garay 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:

• Interstitial Cystitis: By actively managing interstitial cystitis through lifestyle changes and medical treatments, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms and potentially prevent future bladder problems.
• Sleep Apnea: Preventing serious health problems later in life starts with addressing sleep apnea; its early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of developing other chronic conditions.
• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety proactively through preventive strategies like therapy or lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing other health problems.
• Bronchitis: Managing bronchitis effectively through prompt treatment and lifestyle changes helps reduce the risk of recurrent infections and long-term respiratory issues.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Early intervention and adherence to a treatment plan are crucial for preventing the progression of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis and improving your quality of life.
• Common Cold: Promptly addressing cold symptoms, especially if they worsen or persist, helps avoid unnecessary complications and ensures that you don't develop other health issues.
• Ringworm: Ringworm, if left untreated, can become persistent and problematic; timely management is key to preventing long-term skin issues.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Addressing tobacco use disorder through professional help and support systems is essential for preventing long-term health complications and promoting well-being.
• Heart Palpitations: Regular check-ups with your internist, especially if you experience heart palpitations, are crucial for early detection of cardiovascular disease and timely intervention.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Early detection of GERD through recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice can help prevent long-term damage to your esophagus and improve your overall health.
• Rash: Managing a rash effectively, with the guidance of your internist, can prevent secondary infections, scarring, or worsening of underlying conditions, promoting overall wellness.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Untreated chronic depression can lead to a cascade of negative consequences affecting both physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of regular mental health check-ups as part of comprehensive preventive care.

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. Hector Guevara-Garay 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: Secure your peace of mind by creating an advance directive, which outlines your healthcare wishes at the end of life.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Obesity Counseling: Take proactive steps towards a healthier weight with personalized guidance and support to improve your overall well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• 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.

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. Hector Guevara-Garay 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 diligently following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their interstitial cystitis symptoms and improved their overall bladder health, leading to a greater sense of well-being and confidence in their future.
• By addressing sleep apnea early, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing other serious health issues, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing anxieties through therapy and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing related health concerns, gaining a renewed sense of calm and 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. Hector Guevara-Garay:

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

An internist, like Dr. Guevara-Garay, 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 wide range of medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Hector Guevara-Garay manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Guevara-Garay 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. Guevara-Garay's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Guevara-Garay coordinates your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, while a rheumatologist focuses on specialized medications. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive care for your autoimmune disease.

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. We will create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

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.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are important to help protect against these common but potentially serious conditions.

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

Dr. Guevara-Garay meticulously reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This ensures we identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and create the simplest, most effective treatment plan possible.

4316 US Highway 98 N
Lakeland FL 33809
Phone: (863) 853-7822

Dr. Hector Guevara-Garay, 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): 1376719971

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. Hector Guevara-Garay 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.