Dr. Joseph Stepp, MD

Dr. Joseph Stepp, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, 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 collaborating with patients to achieve their health goals. Please call (904) 396-0450 to confirm if Dr. Stepp is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Joseph Stepp, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1975 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stepp provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Joint Pain: Joint pain can be a sign of underlying health issues, so early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent long-term complications.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Swollen limbs from excess fluid can signal underlying health problems, so regular check-ups help detect and manage these issues early to prevent serious complications.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Venous Insufficiency: Prevent the progression of venous insufficiency by prioritizing proactive measures such as wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore persistent abdominal pain – it could signal a problem requiring early intervention, reducing your risk of long-term complications.
• Ataxia: Regular visits to your internist for comprehensive preventive care can help detect ataxia early, enabling timely treatment to reduce long-term complications and improve overall health and well-being.
• Bronchiectasis: Preventing severe complications from bronchiectasis requires consistent healthcare management, including vaccinations and prompt treatment of infections, to minimize lung damage and maintain quality of life.
• Shortness of Breath: Preventing future health problems often starts with recognizing symptoms like shortness of breath; schedule a check-up to identify any potential causes and receive appropriate care.
• Gait Abnormality: Addressing gait abnormalities early prevents falls and related injuries, improving your overall health and quality of life.
• Pneumonia: Preventing pneumonia starts with healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and practicing good hygiene to bolster your immune system and reduce your risk of infection.
• Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help identify and manage potential problems before they worsen.
• Muscle Weakness: Unexplained muscle weakness can be a sign of underlying health issues, making early detection through regular checkups crucial for preventing serious complications.

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 Stepp 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a proactive checkup designed to identify potential health risks and concerns common among older adults, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses, safeguarding your health and well-being.
• Management of VNS Devices for the Treatment of Epilepsy: Proactive management of your VNS device ensures optimal epilepsy treatment and helps prevent seizures.
• Hemodialysis and IV Access Surgery: Regular checks and procedures for optimal hemodialysis access are a crucial step in effectively managing your kidney disease and preventing emergencies.

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 Stepp 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 and discussing joint pain concerns, a patient identified a treatable condition early, avoiding potential long-term joint problems and maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Regular check-ups allowed a patient to identify and address limb swelling early, preventing potential complications and promoting a healthier lifestyle. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their risk factors for COPD, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their respiratory 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 Stepp:

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

An internist, like Dr. Stepp, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the medical care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the diverse health issues common in adulthood.

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

Dr. Stepp excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your care team, coordinating specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Stepp and his team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, focusing on partnerships with patients. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive health management.

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

Dr. Stepp is part of our team that coordinates care for patients admitted to the hospital. He works closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care throughout your stay. This collaborative approach allows for comprehensive and high-quality medical management.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Stepp's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

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

Dr. Stepp and our team carefully review all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. We look for potential interactions, unnecessary prescriptions, and ways to simplify your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness and safety.

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

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Stepp 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. Stepp plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, coordinating overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Stepp manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

8614 Baymeadows Way # 100
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 396-0450

Dr. Joseph Stepp, 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): 1659357713

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 Stepp 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.