Dr. Joseph Kaplan, MD

Dr. Joseph Kaplan, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Kaplan is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 953-2381 to schedule.

Dr. Joseph Kaplan, MD is a pulmonologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2005 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, Dr. Kaplan is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

Dr. Kaplan's approach emphasizes prevention and proactive management of respiratory health. He is deeply invested in helping patients understand their individual needs and develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal lung function and overall well-being. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Asthma: Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial for preventing severe asthma episodes. Through proactive monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan, you can keep your asthma under control.
• Bronchitis: Managing bronchitis effectively prevents its progression to more severe and chronic lung diseases, highlighting the significant role of early detection and proper treatment in maintaining long-term respiratory health.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, making it harder to breathe, and early detection through regular checkups can help slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Cough: A persistent cough could be a sign of an underlying respiratory problem, so seeing your doctor for evaluation is crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Wheezing: Preventative healthcare includes paying attention to your body. Wheezing warrants a doctor's visit to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment to avoid further issues.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: If you have risk factors for primary pulmonary hypertension, proactive health monitoring and regular medical checkups are essential for early detection and timely management to prevent serious long-term consequences.
• Sleep Apnea: Managing sleep apnea, even if symptoms are mild, is crucial for preventing its damaging effects on your heart and brain, underlining the value of proactive healthcare.
• Emphysema: By actively managing emphysema through medication and lifestyle changes, you can lessen symptoms, prevent further lung damage, and maintain your independence.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively, often through rest and supportive care, is crucial for preventing further lung damage and complications in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Managing risk factors like smoking and certain medical conditions can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a collapsed lung, a potentially life-threatening event.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Preventing blood clots that travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism) is crucial for preventing serious complications, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, so maintaining healthy habits and getting early diagnosis is vital.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): By recognizing the risk factors for COPD, such as long-term exposure to irritants, and taking steps to minimize those risks, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this chronic lung condition.

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 Kaplan 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): Taking charge of your respiratory health, an arterial blood gas test offers a quick and precise way to evaluate your blood's gas levels, supporting prompt intervention if needed.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Proactively address sleep apnea with CPAP therapy to improve your daytime energy levels and overall well-being.
• Respiratory Management: Take charge of your lung health with respiratory management, a proactive approach to identify and address potential breathing problems early.
• Sleep Study: A sleep study helps identify sleep disorders like apnea that can worsen heart and lung health, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Thoracentesis: Taking a proactive step in managing your lung health, a thoracentesis involves removing fluid from your lungs for analysis, potentially preventing complications and improving breathing.
• Open Lobectomy: An open lobectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a lobe of the lung, often used to treat lung cancer early and prevent its spread.
• Pleural Evacuation: Taking a proactive step towards better lung health, pleural evacuation helps diagnose and treat fluid buildup that might be impacting your breathing.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Joseph Kaplan 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 Patient's life:

• By attending regular check-ups and adjusting their asthma treatment plan, a patient maintained control over their condition, preventing severe episodes and enjoying a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a proactive treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their bronchitis, preventing further complications and maintaining excellent respiratory health. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind, enabling them to confidently approach daily activities.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Joseph Kaplan:

What is a Pulmonologist?

Dr. Kaplan is a pulmonologist, a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They are experts in conditions ranging from asthma and COPD to lung cancer and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is key, and this screening can help catch the cancer when it's most treatable. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Kaplan to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue thickens and scars over time, making breathing difficult. While the scarring can't be reversed, early diagnosis by a specialist like Dr. Joseph Kaplan is key to starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

How can I prevent my asthma or COPD from getting worse?

Preventing asthma or COPD from worsening is a partnership with Dr. Kaplan. Key strategies include correctly using your prescribed inhalers, avoiding triggers like smoke and pollen, getting recommended vaccinations, and having a clear action plan for flare-ups.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. Kaplan can perform a thoracentesis to drain and test the fluid, helping determine the underlying cause, which can range from heart failure to infection.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. It's a small, quiet machine that delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improving sleep quality.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2381

Dr. Joseph Kaplan, 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): 1811987662

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Joseph Kaplan 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.