Dr. Joseph Howard, MD

Dr. Joseph Howard, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to partnering with patients in crafting personalized preventive care plans. Your family medicine doctor 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 is dedicated to helping you maintain optimal health through every stage of life. Please call (239) 466-8838 to confirm if Dr. Howard is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Joseph Howard, MD is a family medicine physician in Fort Myers, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1980 and is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Howard is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to empowering patients to take control of their health, and his years of experience, combined with his dedication to preventive care, make him a trusted partner in your well-being. Dr. Joseph Howard provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ringworm: Early diagnosis of ringworm is key to minimizing its spread and preventing secondary bacterial infections, making preventive care crucial.
• Cold Sore: Recognizing the signs of a cold sore early allows for prompt treatment, minimizing discomfort and duration, improving your overall quality of life and reducing the chance of spreading the virus.
• Gastritis: Regular check-ups with your doctor are important for identifying and managing risk factors that may contribute to gastritis.
• Tinea Versicolor: Catching tinea versicolor early through regular skin checks is crucial for preventing its spread and minimizing the need for extensive treatment later on.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD can be better managed with preventative measures like vaccination against influenza and pneumonia, reducing the risk of severe infections and hospitalizations.
• Gout: Preventing gout involves understanding your risk factors, like diet and genetics, and taking steps to manage them, reducing the likelihood of painful attacks and long-term joint damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Hip osteoarthritis can significantly impact mobility and daily activities, making preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your muscles essential to delay its onset or slow its progression.
• Esophagitis: Preventing complications from esophagitis, such as ulcers or scarring, involves prompt diagnosis and management, often through lifestyle modifications and medication.
• Dehydration: Maintaining proper hydration helps your body function optimally, reducing your risk of heatstroke, kidney stones, and constipation.
• Urinary Incontinence: Proactive steps, such as regular pelvic floor exercises and open communication with your healthcare provider, can effectively prevent or reduce the severity of urinary incontinence and its negative impacts.
• Hypothyroidism: Don't let hypothyroidism impact your quality of life – proactive monitoring and treatment help maintain overall health and well-being.
• Wheezing: If you experience wheezing, don't ignore it – it could be a sign of a developing respiratory problem that's manageable with early intervention and proactive 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. Joseph Howard offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Nail Avulsion and Excision: Addressing nail issues promptly can prevent further discomfort and complications. Nail avulsion and excision provides a solution for painful or damaged nails.
• Memory Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards maintaining sharp mental function by scheduling a memory evaluation to detect potential cognitive decline early.
• Rapid Flu Test: Don't wait to feel better – a rapid flu test offers early diagnosis of influenza, facilitating effective treatment and preventing further spread within your community.
• Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that can detect precancerous cell changes and cervical cancer early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing more serious health problems.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Proactive drug allergy testing helps identify potential allergic reactions to medications, ensuring safer and more effective treatments.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Knowing your family history isn't enough; genetic screening provides a more precise assessment of your personal breast cancer risk, paving the way for personalized prevention strategies.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: Proactively assess your child's learning needs and development through an independent educational evaluation to ensure they receive appropriate support and interventions.
• Dementia Evaluation: A dementia evaluation helps detect early signs of cognitive decline, allowing for timely intervention and potentially slowing its progression.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Don't wait for symptoms – get screened for Hepatitis C to detect the virus early and begin treatment if needed.
• Mole Evaluation: Early detection is key for skin cancer prevention: schedule a mole evaluation to assess your risk and ensure early intervention if needed.
• Health Screening: Screenings help your doctor assess your overall health and identify any risks for future diseases, providing personalized advice and preventive strategies to keep you healthy.
• Vaccination: Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations is a simple way to significantly reduce your risk of contracting infectious illnesses.

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. Joseph Howard 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 promptly addressing a skin rash and following preventative measures, a family avoided the spread of ringworm, ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment for everyone.
• Recognizing the early signs of a cold sore allowed a family to implement prompt treatment, minimizing discomfort and reducing the chance of spreading the virus. This proactive approach significantly improved their overall quality of 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Joseph Howard:

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

Dr. Howard and our team are family physicians, providing comprehensive primary care for all ages. We focus on the whole person and family, managing health from prevention to treatment, and coordinating all aspects of your care.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Howard is a key opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Joseph Howard when you're healthy is a valuable investment. It provides a crucial baseline for your health, ensuring someone knows your history and can provide personalized care if needed. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Joseph Howard works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This plan includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to help prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We're committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Howard acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, he will not only make the referral but also coordinate with the specialist to ensure a smooth and integrated course of care.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Joseph Howard's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. We discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and manage other men's health concerns like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

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

Dr. Joseph Howard and our 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 in one convenient location.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Joseph Howard is fully equipped to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for the whole family makes care convenient and coordinated.

15740 New Hampshire Ct Ste B
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 466-8838

Dr. Joseph Howard, 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): 1932131042

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. Joseph Howard 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.