Dr. Lawrence Friedman, MD

Dr. Lawrence Friedman, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Tampa, 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. Dr. Friedman is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. To confirm if he is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 972-2000.

Dr. Lawrence Friedman, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Noreste, Tampico Tamps in 1987, and completed an internship at New York Hospital Medical Center Of Queens in 1989. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital Suny Health Sciences Center in 1991, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Winthrop - University Hospital in 1994, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Friedman provides consultations primarily in English. He is committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care, and encourages all patients to actively participate in their health management. Patients should contact the office at (813) 972-2000 to inquire about scheduling appointments and to confirm Dr. Friedman's current patient acceptance status.

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

• Heart Disease: Heart disease, often preventable, can be detected early through regular checkups and lifestyle changes, reducing your risk of serious complications.
• Anxiety: Anxiety left unmanaged can contribute to various health issues; proactive care helps maintain your well-being and prevents more serious problems from developing.
• Partial Lung Collapse: A partial lung collapse, or atelectasis, highlights the importance of regular check-ups to detect and address potential respiratory issues early, preventing further complications like pneumonia.
• Anemia: Preventive measures such as a balanced diet rich in iron and B12 vitamins, as well as timely medical treatment, are vital to reduce the risk of developing anemia and its associated complications.
• Bronchitis: Understanding your risk factors for bronchitis, such as smoking or exposure to allergens, allows for personalized preventive strategies discussed with your internist.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders, like problems with calcium or phosphorus levels, can weaken bones and increase your risk of fractures, so early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Phosphorus metabolism disorders, if left unchecked, can severely impact your health. Preventative screenings and lifestyle changes are essential for early intervention and managing this condition.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for magnesium imbalance and making lifestyle changes, like adjusting your diet, can significantly improve your health and well-being.
• Migraine: Early intervention and proactive management of migraines can prevent the development of chronic migraine, a more severe and disabling condition.
• Sleep Apnea: Preventing serious health problems later in life starts with addressing sleep apnea; its early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of developing other chronic conditions.
• Dermatitis Due to Drugs: Managing your medications effectively, including promptly reporting any skin changes to your doctor, helps prevent drug-induced dermatitis and ensures your overall skin health.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your individual risk factors and working with your doctor to manage your iron levels is a vital aspect of comprehensive preventive healthcare.

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

• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver's health is key – a liver function test allows for early detection of liver disease, enabling timely intervention.
• Venography: A venography is a test that uses X-rays to visualize your veins, helping your doctor detect any blockages or abnormalities that could lead to serious health problems.
• Mechanical Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation is a crucial intervention for severe respiratory illnesses, potentially saving your life by providing the necessary breathing support during critical times.
• Transseptal Catheterization: As part of proactive heart health management, a transseptal catheterization can be a valuable tool to diagnose and treat structural heart problems before they become life-threatening.
• Cardiac Ablation: For patients experiencing problematic heart rhythms, cardiac ablation offers a proactive solution to address these issues and significantly reduce the risks of future complications.
• Obesity Counseling: Proactive weight management through counseling can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
• Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis and Management: Proactively addressing erectile dysfunction helps your doctor understand your overall health and identify potential underlying medical conditions.

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. Lawrence Friedman 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 attending checkups and adopting a heart-healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease, gaining peace of mind about their future health.
• Recognizing early warning signs of anxiety and developing a personalized coping strategy, a patient gained valuable tools to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook on life. This proactive approach prevented anxiety from escalating into more significant health concerns.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and following a proactive respiratory health plan, a patient successfully minimized the risk of a partial lung collapse, ensuring continued comfort and well-being. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered the patient to confidently manage their health.

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. Lawrence Friedman:

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

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

How does Dr. Lawrence Friedman manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Friedman excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Friedman'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), and a partnership to proactively minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Friedman's practice is dedicated to helping manage type 2 diabetes. We offer comprehensive care, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin), and detailed counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Friedman can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver damage.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Friedman acts as a central coordinator, managing your overall health, including aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density. While a rheumatologist may specialize in medication for autoimmune diseases, Dr. Friedman ensures comprehensive care by managing these other health concerns.

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

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

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Lawrence Friedman, 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): 1043283153

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. Lawrence Friedman 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.