Dr. John Abernathy, DO

Dr. John Abernathy, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Inverness, 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 collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (352) 726-1551 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. John Abernathy, DO is an internist in Inverness, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care prioritizes a patient-centered, proactive strategy, helping you understand your health status and develop personalized plans that enhance wellness. He is dedicated to providing thorough, evidence-based medical advice, creating a supportive environment for open communication, and guiding you toward making informed decisions about your health. Dr. Abernathy provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so addressing it early helps prevent more serious complications.
• Gout: Preventing gout attacks starts with understanding your risk factors, like diet and weight, and making lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Regular monitoring and proactive treatment for sickle cell disease are crucial for preventing painful crises and long-term organ damage.
• 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.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Early detection of leg and foot ulcers is crucial; prompt treatment prevents infections, amputations, and other severe health issues, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
• Hypoglycemia: Through proactive lifestyle changes and careful monitoring, you can effectively prevent or minimize the occurrence of hypoglycemia and maintain better health.
• Cellulitis: Proper management of cellulitis, often involving antibiotics, is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of recurring episodes.
• Folliculitis: Early detection of folliculitis is key to preventing complications such as scarring or more widespread infection; see your doctor if you notice any inflamed or infected hair follicles.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early identification of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms allows for prompt intervention, minimizing long-term health impacts and improving your quality of life.
• Hyperlipidemia: By addressing high cholesterol through preventive measures, you can protect yourself against severe long-term health complications such as heart disease.
• Mild Asthma: Mild asthma, if left unmanaged, can worsen and lead to more severe breathing problems, emphasizing the importance of early detection and proactive treatment to prevent future complications.
• Pericardial Disease: Understanding your family history and managing underlying conditions are key preventive measures to reduce your chance of developing pericardial disease.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Empower yourself to breathe easier and live longer by receiving expert guidance and support to quit smoking.
• Placement of Pulmonary Artery Catheter: To help prevent a critical cardiac event, a pulmonary artery catheter can provide real-time information on your heart's performance, leading to prompt treatment and improved outcomes.

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. John Abernathy 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:

• Recognizing persistent nausea as a potential sign of a larger issue, a patient developed a proactive plan with their physician. This early intervention helped prevent further complications and restore their overall well-being.
• By understanding their dietary triggers and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of painful gout attacks, gaining greater control over their overall well-being.
• By adhering to a proactive treatment plan, a patient with sickle cell disease significantly reduced the frequency and severity of painful crises, improving their overall quality of life. This proactive approach allowed the patient to lead a more fulfilling and stable life.

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. John Abernathy:

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

An internist, like Dr. Abernathy, 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 conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. John Abernathy manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Abernathy 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 focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Abernathy's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle recommendations to promote healthy aging. We partner with you to proactively identify and address potential health risks, minimizing health problems and promoting wellness.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Abernathy 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.

Does Dr. John Abernathy provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Abernathy and his team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations. They either directly manage inpatient care or work closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions and optimal patient outcomes during hospital stays. This coordinated approach guarantees continuity of care from your initial visit to your discharge.

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

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

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 inhalers, providing oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Dr. Abernathy and our team carefully review all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This allows us to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and optimize your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness and safety.

502 W Highland Blvd
Inverness FL 34452
Phone: (352) 726-1551

Dr. John Abernathy, 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): 1265847438

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. John Abernathy 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.