Dr. Kenneth Hitz, MD

Dr. Kenneth Hitz, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in St Augustine, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (904) 829-2530 to confirm if Dr. Hitz is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kenneth Hitz, MD is a family medicine physician in St Augustine, FL, with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Augusta University Medical College Of Georgia in 2001. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Hitz is deeply committed to preventive medicine, prioritizing health screenings and education to support optimal wellness. He strives to understand each patient's unique needs and create personalized strategies for maintaining and improving their health. Dr. Kenneth Hitz provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Bronchitis: By adopting healthy habits like avoiding smoking and practicing good hand hygiene, you can significantly lower your risk of developing acute bronchitis and safeguard your respiratory health.
• Acute Sinusitis: Understanding the risk factors for sinusitis, such as allergies or weakened immunity, allows for proactive measures and preventative strategies.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Preventive strategies such as vaccination against influenza (flu) can greatly reduce your risk of contracting acute upper respiratory infections and experiencing severe symptoms.
• Back Pain: Regular checkups with your family doctor are essential for early detection and management of back pain, allowing for proactive interventions to prevent complications.
• Bronchitis: Preventing bronchitis can involve reducing exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke and air pollution which often exacerbate symptoms and potentially lead to chronic respiratory conditions.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Early diagnosis of COPD through screenings and monitoring symptoms allows for timely intervention, minimizing damage and improving breathing over time.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Early detection of a UTI is crucial for preventing serious health issues and ensuring timely treatment to minimize discomfort and potential long-term problems.
• Viral Infection: Understanding how viral infections spread and implementing preventive measures like handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are crucial for minimizing your risk.

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

• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Prioritize your health with a comprehensive sleep assessment: early diagnosis of sleep disorders can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce long-term health risks.
• Vaginosis Screening: Ensure optimal vaginal health: regular vaginosis screening is a simple step that can prevent infections and associated complications like pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Take charge of your bone health with a DEXA scan – a simple test that detects early signs of bone loss, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future problems.
• Rapid Flu Test: Take charge of your health with a rapid flu test; it helps detect the influenza virus early, enabling faster recovery and reducing the spread of illness.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Fetal cardiac screening uses ultrasound to check your baby's heart for any potential problems early in pregnancy, allowing for timely intervention if needed.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a valuable tool for proactive heart health management, offering a visual assessment of your heart to aid in early detection of diseases and improve your overall wellbeing.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunization appointments to prevent contracting vaccine-preventable diseases and maintain peak physical condition.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Don't let allergies control your life. Blood allergy testing helps determine which substances cause your reactions, empowering you to live more comfortably and safely.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Drug allergy testing provides vital information to your doctor, helping you avoid potentially dangerous drugs and leading to better health outcomes.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: For a comprehensive view of your health, a dipstick urinalysis provides valuable insights into your kidney function and urinary system by detecting markers of infection, disease, or imbalances.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Take charge of your bone health with an osteoporosis screening; it's a simple test that can identify bone loss before it causes problems.
• Mole Evaluation: Protecting your skin's health starts with proactive mole checks to identify and address potentially cancerous spots.

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. Kenneth Hitz 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 understanding the importance of handwashing and avoiding known respiratory irritants, a family significantly reduced their risk of acute bronchitis, enjoying a healthier and more comfortable respiratory season.
• By understanding their allergy triggers and strengthening their immune system, a family proactively reduced their risk of recurrent sinusitis, enjoying a healthier, more comfortable life.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Kenneth Hitz:

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

Dr. Hitz and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages. We focus on preventative care and coordinating all aspects of your health, from newborns to seniors, and for the entire family. We treat the whole person, not just specific conditions.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Hitz is a key opportunity to partner with us. We'll 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?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Hitz now, even if you're healthy, is a long-term investment in your well-being. Having a known baseline for your health history allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

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

Dr. Hitz is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. He's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring all treatments work together safely and effectively for your overall health.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Hitz and our team regularly perform sports physicals for children and teens. This isn't just a form to sign; it's a comprehensive health evaluation to ensure your young athlete is healthy and ready for a safe season. We'll assess their overall well-being and identify any potential risks.

How does Dr. Kenneth Hitz approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Hitz understands that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. He provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, performs initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Hitz is fully trained to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. It's convenient to have one doctor for all your family's healthcare needs.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Hitz, for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

1955 US Highway 1 S
St Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 829-2530

Dr. Kenneth Hitz, 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): 1326022195

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. Kenneth Hitz 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.