Dr. Kathleen Peditto, MD

Dr. Kathleen Peditto, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her Clearwater, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She serves Adults (18 years and older). Currently, Dr. Peditto is not accepting new patients, but you can call (727) 799-6385 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Kathleen Peditto, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Medical College Penn in 1986 and completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Main Line Hospital - Lankenau in 1989. With this extensive background, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Peditto is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Peditto provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Untreated chronic depression can lead to a cascade of negative consequences affecting both physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of regular mental health check-ups as part of comprehensive preventive care.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Protecting your liver from alcohol-related damage starts with understanding your limits and making informed choices about your alcohol consumption to prevent future health issues.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Knowing the symptoms of an acute upper respiratory infection allows for early treatment, reducing the severity of the illness and preventing missed work or school, a key aspect of preventive wellness.
• Outer Ear Infection: Regular self-checks for ear pain, discharge, or itching can facilitate early intervention and minimize the impact of outer ear infections.
• Acute Kidney Infection: Catching a kidney infection early through regular checkups and awareness of symptoms can prevent serious long-term kidney damage.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Painful urination, or dysuria, can signal a urinary tract infection (UTI) and early detection is crucial for preventing kidney damage and other complications.
• Dysphagia: Protecting your health includes being aware of swallowing difficulties; discussing any changes with your doctor can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term issues.
• Bronchiectasis: Through proactive management, including vaccinations, and addressing underlying risk factors, the progression of bronchiectasis can be slowed, preventing frequent hospitalizations and enhancing overall well-being.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Addressing tobacco use disorder through professional help and support systems is essential for preventing long-term health complications and promoting well-being.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Addressing diverticulitis promptly with your doctor's guidance prevents its progression to more severe stages, improving your overall long-term health.
• Rash: A rash, even if seemingly minor, could signal an underlying health issue, making early detection through regular checkups crucial for preventing complications.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Early identification of vitamin B deficiency is vital to prevent potentially irreversible damage to your nervous system and other organs.

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. Kathleen Peditto offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Protect your family from difficult decisions by establishing clear instructions about your healthcare in an advance directive.
• 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Prevent health crises by proactively managing your multiple medical conditions with a coordinated care approach focused on early diagnosis and intervention.
• Chronic Care Management: Prevent serious health issues down the road by participating in Chronic Care Management – it's a proactive approach to managing your health.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

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. Kathleen Peditto 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 depressive symptoms, a patient was able to identify and manage early warning signs, reducing their risk of chronic depression and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and hope for a healthier future.
• By understanding their alcohol limits and making conscious choices, a patient proactively reduced their risk of liver damage, gaining peace of mind about their future health.
• Knowing the early warning signs of an acute upper respiratory infection, a patient was able to take steps to lessen the illness's severity, avoiding missed work and maintaining a healthy routine.

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. Kathleen Peditto:

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

An internist, like Dr. Peditto, 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 many medical conditions that can affect adults.

How does Dr. Kathleen Peditto manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Peditto'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), as well as lifestyle recommendations to promote healthy aging. We partner with patients to minimize health risks and achieve optimal well-being.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Peditto will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing oxygen when needed, and promoting pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Cholesterol screening is vital for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Peditto will order the test and thoroughly explain the results, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, and how they relate to your personal risk.

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. We will create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Peditto 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.

3251 N McMullen Booth Rd Ste 103
Clearwater FL 33761
Phone: (727) 799-6385

Dr. Kathleen Peditto, 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): 1114970670

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. Kathleen Peditto 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.