Dr. Karol Fortich, MD

Dr. Karol Fortich, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Winter Haven, FL. He is 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). 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (863) 299-6700 to schedule.

Dr. Karol Fortich, MD is an internist in Winter Haven, FL. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. As a Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Fortich is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He understands the importance of preventative care and works with his patients to develop personalized strategies for achieving and maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Fortich offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Anxiety: Regular check-ins with your doctor about anxiety symptoms enable early intervention and personalized strategies, aiding in prevention and effective management.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular checkups and staying hydrated can help detect and manage UTIs, preventing them from becoming chronic or recurring problems.
• Heart Palpitations: Regular check-ups with your internist, especially if you experience heart palpitations, are crucial for early detection of cardiovascular disease and timely intervention.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Addressing diverticulitis promptly with your doctor's guidance prevents its progression to more severe stages, improving your overall long-term health.
• Sinusitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage sinusitis before it leads to more severe health problems.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common condition that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment to prevent worsening symptoms and long-term respiratory problems.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Catching pinkeye early helps reduce the risk of it spreading to others and helps ensure prompt treatment to prevent more serious eye issues.
• Abnormal Thyroid: Protecting your health involves understanding your thyroid. Regular checkups and proactive management of abnormal thyroid function help prevent potentially debilitating complications.
• Vitamin A Deficiency: Preventing vitamin A deficiency is crucial for maintaining good vision and a strong immune system, reducing your risk of infections and other health problems.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Careful foot care, including regular inspections and prompt attention to any wounds, can be extremely effective in preventing the formation of leg and foot ulcers and their associated complications.
• Venous Insufficiency: Early detection of venous insufficiency is crucial for preventing complications like leg ulcers and blood clots; regular checkups with your internist help identify and manage this condition effectively.
• Esophagitis: Early diagnosis of esophagitis is key to preventing long-term damage to your esophagus and reducing the risk of more serious health issues down the line.

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. Karol Fortich 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• 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.
• Intervention: An intervention might include a specific treatment plan or lifestyle changes based on your risk factors, designed to keep you healthy and prevent future health issues.
• Holter Monitoring: To proactively identify potential heart problems, a Holter monitor tracks your heart's electrical activity, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious issues.
• Non-Surgical Pain Management: Invest in your well-being by discussing non-surgical pain management strategies with your doctor to identify and address the root causes of your pain.

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. Karol Fortich 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 check-ups and discussing anxiety symptoms, a patient developed a personalized plan to proactively manage their well-being, fostering a greater sense of calm and control.
• By prioritizing regular checkups and staying well-hydrated, a patient successfully avoided recurring urinary tract infections, gaining confidence in their long-term health management.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing heart palpitations, a patient gained valuable insights into their cardiovascular health, reducing anxieties and empowering proactive management.

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. Karol Fortich:

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

An internist, like Dr. Fortich, 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 wide range of adult medical conditions.

How does Dr. Karol Fortich manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Fortich's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, focusing on a partnership between patient and physician. Key screenings for adults, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks, as well as cancer screenings (colorectal, breast, prostate), are incorporated to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

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

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

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Fortich will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their impact on your personal risk.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Fortich will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

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

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

199 Avenue K SE
Winter Haven FL 33880
Phone: (863) 299-6700

Dr. Karol Fortich, 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): 1124284468

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. Karol Fortich 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.