Dr. Karen Pennington, MD

Dr. Karen Pennington, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Pensacola, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a partner in preventive health, recognizing that internists are your primary partners in lifelong health. This means creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and patients should call (850) 469-7406 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Karen Pennington, MD is an internist in Pensacola, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from University Of Mississippi, Medical Center in 1981, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Affiliated with Baptist Hospital, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Pennington's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Her dedication to patient well-being is evident in her extensive experience and commitment to preventative care. Dr. Karen Pennington provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Long COVID Disorder: Addressing Long COVID symptoms promptly through proactive healthcare reduces the risk of developing long-term complications like fatigue and organ damage.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can significantly impact your overall health; proactive screening and management are key to maintaining well-being.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis, small pouches in your colon, is often preventable through a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, reducing your risk of painful complications.
• Herpes Zoster Without Complication: Even without complications, having shingles highlights the importance of preventive care, including vaccines, to minimize your risk of future health issues.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Managing DVT effectively reduces your chances of developing serious complications, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare for long-term well-being.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. Preventive measures like adopting a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk and severity of symptoms.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is often easily preventable through mindful hydration habits, protecting you from a range of health issues and improving your overall well-being.
• Joint Pain: Addressing joint pain proactively, whether through physical therapy or medication, is a key part of comprehensive preventive care and improves your quality of life.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: By proactively addressing the symptoms and risks associated with menopausal and postmenopausal disorders, you can improve your quality of life and prevent future health issues.
• Headache: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify the cause of your headaches and prevent serious underlying conditions.
• Dysentery: Dysentery, a severe intestinal infection, is preventable through good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and safe food preparation, thus reducing your risk of contracting it.
• Lipid Disorders: Keeping your lipids in check is a crucial step in preventing or delaying serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

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. Karen Pennington 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Ultrasound, Cardiac: Taking proactive steps for your heart health, a cardiac ultrasound allows for early detection of issues like heart valve problems, blockages, or other structural abnormalities, paving the way for timely interventions.
• Sickle Cell Screening: Ensure you're informed about your risk of sickle cell disease through proactive screening; early detection enables prompt medical intervention and improved long-term health.
• Anorectal Manometry: For comprehensive digestive health, anorectal manometry provides valuable insights into the pressures and coordination within your rectum and anus, aiding in the early diagnosis of various conditions.

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. Karen Pennington 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 proactively addressing potential Long COVID symptoms through regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing lasting complications, fostering a sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By proactively scheduling regular thyroid screenings, a patient maintained optimal thyroid function and avoided potential future health issues, ensuring a healthier and more energetic lifestyle.
• By adopting a high-fiber diet and increasing physical activity, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intestinal diverticulosis complications, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Karen Pennington:

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

An internist, like Dr. Pennington, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for people of all ages, internists have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of complex adult medical conditions.

How does Dr. Karen Pennington manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Pennington excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications to prevent interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Pennington's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), and promotes healthy lifestyle choices to minimize health risks and encourage healthy aging, in partnership with the patient.

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

Dr. Pennington carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important to protect against these common but serious conditions.

Does Dr. Karen Pennington provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Pennington and her team provide comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital. They work closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care transitions upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity of care throughout the entire hospital stay.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A Welcome to Medicare or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Pennington will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

1000 W Moreno St
Pensacola FL 32501
Phone: (850) 469-7406

Dr. Karen Pennington, 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): 1093859746

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. Karen Pennington 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.