Dr. Laurence Hood, MD

Dr. Laurence Hood, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He 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. He serves adults (18 years and older) and welcomes the opportunity to discuss preventive care strategies. Please call (352) 376-1611 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Laurence Hood, MD is an internist in Gainesville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Eclectic Medicine University in 1998 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Hood is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management.

His approach to care emphasizes a proactive, holistic understanding of each patient's health journey. He focuses on preventing illness and promoting well-being through preventive measures, early detection, and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Laurence Hood provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dyslipidemia: High cholesterol or other unhealthy fats in your blood, if left unmanaged, increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and proactive lifestyle changes.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Regular monitoring of your lung function is crucial for managing COPD, helping you catch problems early and avoid hospitalizations.
• Bladder Infection: Managing bladder infections promptly can help prevent recurrent episodes and preserve your kidney health over time.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Regular check-ups with your internist are key for managing GERD and spotting any warning signs that could lead to severe health issues.
• Constipation: Don't ignore persistent constipation; it could indicate an underlying medical condition. Seeking preventive care helps ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
• Radiculopathy: Managing risk factors like obesity and maintaining good posture can help prevent radiculopathy, a condition affecting the nerves branching from your spine, underscoring the value of proactive health management.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Protecting your kidneys involves taking diabetes seriously – healthy lifestyle choices, medication adherence, and regular screenings can prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease.
• Pneumonia: Regular health checkups, especially for those with underlying health conditions, can help detect pneumonia early and allow for effective management, minimizing long-term health consequences.
• Low Back Pain: Understanding the risk factors for low back pain, such as poor lifting techniques and obesity, helps you make proactive choices to safeguard your spinal health.
• Lipid Disorders: Keeping your lipids in check is a crucial step in preventing or delaying serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a preventable condition; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lower your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
• Shortness of Breath: Preventing future health problems often starts with recognizing symptoms like shortness of breath; schedule a check-up to identify any potential causes and receive appropriate care.

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. Laurence Hood 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Cardiac Electrophysiology: Take a proactive step towards heart health with cardiac electrophysiology; this test helps identify hidden heart rhythm issues that could lead to strokes, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
• Vaccination: Vaccinations are a key part of comprehensive preventive care, reducing your risk of developing serious health issues.
• Hearing Screening: Take charge of your auditory health with a hearing screening. This simple test can reveal hidden hearing loss and allow for appropriate management.
• Lumbar Sympathetic Block: A lumbar sympathetic block is a procedure that can help manage chronic pain in your lower back and legs by targeting specific nerves.
• Epidural Block: For individuals facing significant pain from injuries or illnesses, an epidural block can offer targeted pain relief, reducing the need for higher doses of other pain medications.

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.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Laurence Hood:

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

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

How does Dr. Laurence Hood manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

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

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

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

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Does Dr. Laurence Hood provide care for patients in the hospital?

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

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

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

1601 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 376-1611

Dr. Laurence Hood, 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): 1730136920

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. Laurence Hood 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.