Dr. James Flanagan, DO

Dr. James Flanagan, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He practices at his clinic in Largo, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Dr. Flanagan is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and HCA Florida Largo Hospital. Please call (727) 588-5200 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. James Flanagan, DO is an internist in Largo, FL, with extensive board certifications. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. His expertise and dedication to preventive care extend beyond his clinical practice, emphasizing proactive strategies to maintain optimal health. He prioritizes a patient-centered approach, working closely with patients to develop personalized plans that address their unique health needs and promote long-term well-being. Dr. Flanagan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dyslipidemia: Managing dyslipidemia through lifestyle changes and/or medication helps reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions in the future, thereby improving your long-term health.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can significantly impact your overall health; proactive screening and management are key to maintaining well-being.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is often easily preventable through mindful hydration habits, protecting you from a range of health issues and improving your overall well-being.
• Thyroid Goiter: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing any iodine deficiency can significantly reduce your risk of developing a goiter, demonstrating the importance of preventive measures.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a preventable condition; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lower your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Understanding your risk factors for DVT, such as prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions, helps you take preventive measures and protect your health.
• Hypertension: Even slightly elevated blood pressure increases your risk of developing serious complications, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Insomnia: Untreated insomnia can increase your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, highlighting the importance of early intervention for better overall health.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Managing conditions like statin-induced myopathy can prevent rhabdomyolysis, demonstrating the value of comprehensive preventive care in reducing the risk of this severe muscle breakdown.
• Pneumonia: Vaccination against pneumonia, particularly for high-risk individuals, is a vital preventive measure that significantly reduces your chances of contracting this potentially serious infection.
• Limb Pain: Don't ignore persistent limb pain; it might be a warning sign of a treatable condition, emphasizing the importance of routine check-ups.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Preventive care includes monitoring your blood pressure to identify hypotension, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to reduced organ perfusion and other health issues.

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 Flanagan 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: Empower yourself and your loved ones with an advance directive to guide your healthcare journey during end-of-life care.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Bursa Injection: This injection targets inflamed bursae, reducing pain and stiffness so you can maintain your daily activities without limitations.
• Blood Thinner Administration: Proactive blood thinner management helps prevent dangerous blood clots and strokes, keeping you healthier for longer.

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 Flanagan 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 understanding their cholesterol levels and making healthy dietary choices, a patient proactively lowered their risk of future heart problems, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By proactively scheduling regular thyroid screenings, a patient identified potential hypothyroidism early, enabling them to implement lifestyle changes and maintain optimal health. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind regarding their long-term well-being.
• By consistently tracking their fluid intake and making simple dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of dehydration, fostering a healthier and more energetic lifestyle.

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 Flanagan:

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

An internist, like Dr. Flanagan, 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 affecting adults.

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

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Flanagan's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy in partnership with patients. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive health management.

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

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

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. Flanagan will order the test and take the time to explain your results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Flanagan 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 related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

Does Dr. James Flanagan provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Flanagan provides comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital, either directly as a hospitalist or by coordinating with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless care transitions upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity of your treatment plan.

201 14th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 588-5200

Dr. James Flanagan, 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): 1124476379

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 Flanagan 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.