Dr. Laura Duren, MD

Dr. Laura Duren, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at Florida Health Care Plans in Port Orange, FL. She is dedicated to empowering her 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. Dr. Duren specializes in preventive medicine and provides these services to adults (18 years and older). She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, so please call (386) 763-1000 to schedule. Dr. Duren, with over 30 years of dedicated experience, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Ohio State University in 1992 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Recognizing the importance of community health, Dr. Duren is part of Florida Health Care Plans, a local company with a strong commitment to providing reliable health insurance plans coupled with high-quality, integrated care, offering a range of educational programs designed to promote optimal health and wellness. She approaches care collaboratively, using evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Laura Duren provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Laura Duren 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. Laura Duren 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. Laura Duren 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 Upper Respiratory Infection: Practicing good hygiene and getting enough rest can significantly lower your risk of developing acute upper respiratory infections, showing that preventive measures play a crucial role in overall health.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Effective headache management is crucial for improving your overall well-being and preventing chronic pain and disability.
• Fever: A fever, or elevated body temperature, can be a sign of infection and prompt attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Quitting tobacco products is a key step in preventive care, reducing your risk of numerous health problems and improving your long-term health outlook.
• Vascular Disease: Taking proactive steps to prevent vascular disease, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, is crucial for a long and healthy life.
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Regular health monitoring is vital for individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) to catch and treat blood clots early, minimizing the long-term effects on your body.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of your comprehensive care, incision and drainage quickly addresses localized infections, improving your comfort and preventing severe illness.
• 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): 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.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future complications.
• Refractive Lens Exchange: As a proactive step towards better vision, RLE can help reduce the risk of vision impairment caused by cataracts or other age-related changes in your eye lens.
• Point of Care A1C Testing: A quick finger-prick blood test, point-of-care A1C testing helps detect prediabetes and diabetes early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.

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. Laura Duren 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 consistently practicing good hygiene and prioritizing sleep, a patient significantly reduced their risk of experiencing acute upper respiratory infections, enjoying a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
• By understanding their headache triggers and developing a proactive management plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity, regaining a sense of control over their daily life.
• Recognizing the early signs of a fever and following a proactive health plan, a patient quickly addressed the underlying cause, preventing potential complications and ensuring a swift recovery.

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. Laura Duren:

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

An internist, like Dr. Duren, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have specialized training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Laura Duren manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Duren excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Duren's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that supports optimal wellness throughout adulthood.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Duren 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.

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 supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Dr. Duren carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. She looks for potential drug interactions and unnecessary prescriptions to simplify your treatment plan and maximize effectiveness. This ensures your medications work together safely and efficiently.

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

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

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 crucial for protecting against these common but potentially severe conditions.

Florida Health Care Plans
740 Dunlawton Ave
Port Orange FL 32127
Phone: (386) 763-1000

Dr. Laura Duren, 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): 1689918831

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. Laura Duren 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.