Dr. James Cocco, MD

Dr. James Cocco, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Sarasota, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. 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 serves Adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journeys. Currently, Dr. Cocco is not accepting new patients, but you can call (941) 953-9080 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. James Cocco, MD is an internist in Sarasota, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 2000, followed by an internship at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (graduated 2004). Subsequently, he completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Tampa General Hospital/University of South Florida (graduated 2004), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). Dr. Cocco is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. He is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital. With this extensive background and his dedication to proactive care, Dr. Cocco brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Limb Swelling: Managing limb swelling effectively prevents further complications like infections or decreased mobility, highlighting the importance of regular health assessments with your doctor.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Vascular Disease: Understanding your family history and risk factors for vascular disease allows for early intervention and personalized preventive strategies to minimize your chances of developing this condition.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Understanding your personal risk factors for DVT helps to create a proactive prevention strategy, keeping you healthier and active for longer.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Preventing complications from mineral metabolism disorders, such as weak bones and kidney damage, requires awareness of risk factors and regular monitoring of your mineral levels.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and vaccinations, can significantly decrease your chances of getting a lower respiratory infection.
• Malnutrition: Good nutrition is essential for disease prevention and management. Recognizing and addressing malnutrition helps your body fight illness and maintain its strength.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Neurogenic bladder, caused by nerve damage affecting bladder control, can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney problems, highlighting the importance of preventative care and prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms.
• Bladder Atony: Bladder atony, or weak bladder muscles, can lead to urinary problems, but regular checkups and proactive lifestyle changes can help you detect and manage it before it causes serious complications.
• Gastroparesis: Understanding your risk factors for gastroparesis, such as diabetes or previous stomach surgery, empowers you to take preventative steps to reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Muscle Cramping: Addressing muscle cramps proactively through preventive health strategies, like hydration and balanced nutrition, can minimize their frequency and improve your quality of life.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can be a sign of underlying respiratory problems, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent serious complications.

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. James Cocco 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a fecal occult blood test helps screen for colorectal cancer, significantly improving the odds of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Bladder Scan: Taking a proactive step towards better urinary health, a bladder scan helps detect urinary retention, a condition that can lead to infections and other complications if left untreated.
• 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.

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. James Cocco 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 scheduling regular checkups and discussing any swelling with their physician, a patient proactively identified and addressed a potential limb swelling issue, preventing further complications and maintaining their mobility.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing concerns about occasional shortness of breath, a patient identified and addressed an underlying condition early, preventing potential future complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By understanding their family history and risk factors for vascular disease, a patient developed a personalized preventive plan, reducing their risk and gaining peace of mind.

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. James Cocco:

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

An internist, like Dr. Cocco, 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 can experience.

How does Dr. James Cocco manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Cocco excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to avoid interactions, and focusing on improving your overall quality of life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Cocco's approach to preventive care for adults is personalized and evidence-based, focusing on a partnership between patient and physician. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are incorporated, along with lifestyle recommendations, to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

Dr. Cocco carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and optimize your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness and safety.

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Cocco will order the test and take the time to explain your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride results, and how they relate to your personal risk.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Cocco will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

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 as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

1921 Waldemere St Ste 814
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 953-9080

Dr. James Cocco, 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): 1629068028

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. James Cocco 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.