Dr. John Ness, MD

Dr. John Ness, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he 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. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and strives for a patient-centered, ethical relationship with each patient.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, Dr. Ness brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 1978 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and, while he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (850) 385-1839 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. John Ness provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Restless Leg Syndrome: Don't let restless legs syndrome control your life; proactive healthcare and early intervention strategies can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term sleep deprivation and other health issues.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are simple preventive measures that significantly reduce your risk of developing an acute upper respiratory infection.
• Bunion: Bunions, or bunion deformities, are bony bumps that can develop at the base of the big toe, and early detection through regular foot exams can help prevent painful progression and limit the need for surgery.
• Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis, a common respiratory infection, highlights the importance of early symptom recognition and prompt treatment to prevent serious complications like pneumonia.
• Pollen Allergy: Don't let pollen allergies control your life! Preventive steps, such as allergy testing and immunotherapy, can help you enjoy the outdoors without suffering.
• Acne: Regular check-ins with your doctor can help identify and address acne triggers, preventing persistent breakouts and related concerns.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Preventing serious complications from Juvenile Chronic Arthritis involves proactive monitoring and managing symptoms, which helps ensure children maintain mobility and reduce future health challenges.
• Hypothyroidism: Early detection of hypothyroidism is crucial for preventing heart disease, weight gain, and other complications through timely treatment.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common condition that can be managed effectively through early identification of triggers and proactive treatment, preventing more serious respiratory problems.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: Early detection of iron metabolism problems is key to preventing irreversible damage. Talk to your doctor about screenings if you have risk factors.
• Blood Disorders: Early identification of blood disorders is crucial for preventing long-term health problems and improving quality of life.
• Iodine Deficiency: Regular checkups and awareness of iodine's role in thyroid health empower you to proactively manage your risk and prevent serious health issues associated with deficiency.

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

• Geriatric Assessment: Take charge of your health as you age! A geriatric assessment helps screen for common age-related issues, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that measures your bone density, helping you proactively prevent osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Take charge of your skin health: skin screenings help find skin cancer or other abnormalities early, improving treatment outcomes.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Osteoporosis screening helps detect weak bones early, allowing for proactive treatment to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): Protecting your future health starts with proactive steps, like a prostate exam, which can identify potential prostate issues.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: For children struggling in school, an independent educational evaluation provides an unbiased assessment to determine if learning disabilities or other educational needs exist, enabling tailored support.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Protecting your health starts with proactive steps like prostate cancer screening, which helps identify this cancer early for better outcomes.
• Health Screening: Investing in regular health screenings is an investment in your future well-being, allowing for early detection and intervention of various health issues, improving your chances of a long and healthy life.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test proactively assesses your heart's ability to handle stress, enabling early detection of blockages or other issues that could lead to heart-related complications.
• Dyslexia Assessment: Invest in your child's future by scheduling a dyslexia assessment; it helps pinpoint learning differences early, maximizing opportunities for educational success.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Take a proactive step towards heart health with an EKG; this quick test screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart rhythm issues that may need attention.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: An oral glucose tolerance test is a valuable screening tool that can identify hidden issues with your blood sugar, helping you make informed decisions to maintain optimal health and prevent future health complications.

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. John Ness 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:

• By understanding the triggers and adopting a proactive sleep hygiene routine, a patient significantly reduced the disruptive symptoms of restless legs syndrome, improving their overall sleep quality and daily well-being.
• By consistently practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with contagious individuals, a family significantly reduced their risk of experiencing acute upper respiratory infections, enjoying a healthier and more peaceful winter season.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. John Ness:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Ness, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, from prevention to treatment.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Ness is a key opportunity to partner with him on 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. John Ness, even when you're healthy, is a long-term investment in your well-being. Establishing a relationship provides a baseline for your health history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if you become unwell. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Ness understands the importance of coordinating care. When a referral to a specialist is needed, he will not only make the referral but also work closely with the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and comprehensive care for you.

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

Dr. John Ness and his team provide comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care conveniently in one location.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Ness, for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screening tests might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Ness will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

How does Dr. John Ness approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Ness understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Our practice provides a confidential environment to discuss concerns, offers initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.

616 Universal Dr
Tallahassee FL 32303
Phone: (850) 385-1839

Dr. John Ness, 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): 1922064203

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. John Ness 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.