Dr. Joseph Stafford, MD

Dr. Joseph Stafford, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Naples, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), working as a vital partner in preventive health. 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. Stafford's focus is on helping adults (18 years and older) achieve and maintain their best possible health through proactive strategies. Please call (239) 624-0320 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Joseph Stafford, MD is an internist in Naples, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from MICHIGAN STATE University in 1985 and earned his medical degree. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Naples Community Hospital. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and empowering patients to take an active role in their health management. Dr. Stafford offers consultations in French.

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

• Difficulty With Walking: Changes in your ability to walk may indicate developing problems with your muscles, nerves, or joints. Regular checkups for preventive care can help catch these early.
• Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism, a hormonal imbalance affecting sex hormones, can be detected early through regular checkups, preventing long-term health problems like osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass.
• Constipation: Managing constipation proactively through diet and lifestyle changes is a key aspect of preventive health, reducing your risk of complications like fecal impaction and abdominal discomfort.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Don't ignore blood in your urine – it's a vital warning sign that could signal kidney disease or bladder cancer; proactive health management can help identify and address these conditions early.
• Malaise and Fatigue: Experiencing persistent fatigue and a general feeling of illness? Early detection through preventive care can pinpoint causes like vitamin deficiencies or chronic conditions, leading to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Addressing diverticulitis promptly with your doctor's guidance prevents its progression to more severe stages, improving your overall long-term health.
• Torticollis: Regular visits with your internist for monitoring and managing existing conditions can help detect and address torticollis early, preventing severe complications.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Managing dysuria effectively through proper diagnosis and treatment prevents potential long-term kidney problems and other health issues.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol use can lead to serious liver problems, so mindful drinking habits and proactive health monitoring are key to preventing irreversible damage.
• Muscle Spasm: Addressing muscle spasms early can prevent them from becoming chronic and impacting your daily life, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
• Anxiety: Untreated anxiety can worsen over time, impacting your overall health and well-being, so early detection and management are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Hypotension: Understanding your risk factors for hypotension is a vital step in preventive care, enabling proactive strategies to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

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 Stafford 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): 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Chronic Care Management: Proactive Chronic Care Management helps you stay ahead of health problems by regularly checking your health and addressing any issues early.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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. Joseph Stafford 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 scheduling regular checkups, a patient identified and addressed early signs of potential mobility issues, ensuring they could maintain their active lifestyle for years to come. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind regarding their long-term mobility.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing potential concerns with their physician, a patient proactively addressed potential hypogonadism, reducing their risk of future health issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By incorporating dietary fiber and regular exercise into their routine, a patient successfully managed their constipation, reducing discomfort and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of control and confidence in their daily health.

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. Joseph Stafford:

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

An internist, like Dr. Stafford, 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 various medical conditions common to adults.

How does Dr. Joseph Stafford manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Stafford 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. Stafford's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle recommendations. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive care.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Stafford can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, including weight loss and diet, to prevent it from progressing.

Does Dr. Joseph Stafford provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Stafford coordinates care for patients in the hospital, working closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure smooth transitions upon admission and discharge. This collaborative approach guarantees seamless and high-quality care throughout your hospital stay.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Stafford excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Stafford acts as a central coordinator, managing your overall health, including aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, which can be affected by autoimmune diseases. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Stafford ensures holistic care by managing these other health concerns.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

11181 Health Park Blvd Ste 1165
Naples FL 34110
Phone: (239) 624-0320

Dr. Joseph Stafford, 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): 1922008655

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. Joseph Stafford 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.