Dr. Karen Ray, MD

Dr. Karen Ray, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to crafting personalized plans for every stage of life. 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. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 946-0121 to schedule.

Dr. Karen Ray, MD is a family medicine physician in Port Charlotte, FL, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Texas A&M University, Main Campus in 1993, and is affiliated with HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she approaches her practice with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Ray is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and Board Certified in Hospice Care and Palliative Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Ray provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage UTIs before they escalate, protecting your overall health and well-being.
• Arthrosis: While arthrosis can't be cured, consistent preventive strategies such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and managing underlying conditions can significantly lessen its impact.
• Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Early detection of ankle or Achilles tendon problems is key to preventing lasting damage; promptly addressing any pain or swelling can help avoid chronic issues.
• Actinic Cheilitis: Actinic cheilitis is a precancerous lip condition often caused by sun exposure, so regular lip protection is key to preventing it and its potentially serious consequences.
• Muscular Dystrophy (MD): Regular screenings and genetic testing can help detect muscular dystrophy early, allowing for timely interventions to support muscle function and prevent disability.
• Fall: Early detection of balance problems and gait instability can help prevent falls and improve your overall mobility and safety.
• Drug Abuse: By actively monitoring your lifestyle and seeking help when needed, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing a substance use disorder.

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 Ray 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): As part of your comprehensive health plan, an arterial blood gas test can help diagnose and monitor lung diseases, metabolic disorders, and other health conditions requiring timely intervention.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential problems early and preventing serious heart conditions.
• Cancer Counseling: Take proactive steps to reduce your cancer risk with personalized counseling tailored to your family history and lifestyle.
• Gallbladder Scan: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider a gallbladder scan, a valuable tool for detecting abnormalities early on, which aids in prompt treatment and the avoidance of potential complications.
• Juvéderm Ultra: Juvéderm Ultra treatments can help you proactively address aesthetic concerns, supporting your journey toward improved self-esteem and confidence.
• Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: To proactively manage neurological conditions, a DBS evaluation assesses your suitability for this therapy, potentially preventing further decline in function.
• Splenectomy: A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, sometimes necessary to address certain medical conditions and prevent complications like overwhelming infection.

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. Karen Ray 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 scheduling regular check-ups and following preventative measures, a family significantly reduced their risk of urinary tract infections, enjoying greater peace of mind and overall well-being.
• By focusing on maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating regular low-impact exercise into their routine, a family significantly reduced their risk factors for arthrosis, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Karen Ray:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Karen Ray, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on preventative care and coordinate all aspects of a patient's care, treating the whole person and the entire family.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Ray is a key opportunity to partner with us. We will 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?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Karen Ray establishes a long-term relationship for your health. This baseline knowledge of your history allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill, and helps you stay on track with preventive care for optimal well-being.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Ray will only order tests appropriate for your age and risk factors.

I have multiple health issues. How do you coordinate my care?

Dr. Ray is skilled at coordinating care for patients with multiple health concerns. She acts as a central hub, ensuring all your specialists' treatments work together seamlessly and safely, and that your overall health plan is cohesive.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Ray's practice can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations (like Typhoid or Hepatitis A), and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

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

Dr. Karen Ray and our team provide comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This makes us a convenient option for women seeking primary and gynecologic care in one place.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Ray is experienced in caring for children and infants. We provide comprehensive well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and necessary immunizations, making it convenient to have one doctor for all your family's health needs.

Tidewell Hospice
1144 Veronica St
Port Charlotte FL 33952
Phone: (239) 946-0121

Dr. Karen Ray, 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): 1710984281

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. Karen Ray 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.