Dr. Lourdes Loreto, MD

Dr. Lourdes Loreto, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, 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 specializes in preventive care for adults (18 years and older) and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (813) 877-3902 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lourdes Loreto, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL and has over 60 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1962 and is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital. With over 60 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Loreto's commitment to comprehensive care extends beyond the clinical setting, emphasizing the importance of patient education and shared decision-making. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Sinusitis: Understanding your risk factors for sinusitis, such as allergies or nasal polyps, can help you proactively take steps to prevent it.
• Diabetes Type 2: Preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes involves regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, adherence to a prescribed treatment plan, and proactive lifestyle modifications to minimize the risk of severe complications.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may signal a more serious health problem, so early detection through regular medical evaluations is crucial.
• Diabetes: Effective management of diabetes, through lifestyle changes and medication if needed, helps prevent serious health problems and improves your overall quality of life.
• Dyslipidemia: Regular blood tests to screen for dyslipidemia are vital for preventive care, allowing early identification and treatment of abnormal fat levels and lowering your risk of heart disease.
• 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.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Limb swelling caused by fluid retention is a warning sign that requires attention; through proactive health management, you can prevent further complications and protect your overall wellbeing.
• Hypercalcemia: Managing underlying conditions like overactive parathyroid glands is key to preventing dangerously high calcium levels.
• Gait Abnormality: Preventive care includes assessing how you walk; identifying problems early can significantly reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions.
• Abnormal Thyroid: Abnormal thyroid function can affect many aspects of your health, but proactive management and regular monitoring can mitigate potential complications and improve your quality of life.
• Asthma: Understanding your asthma triggers and following your doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing future respiratory problems.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) starts with good hygiene and recognizing symptoms early to avoid complications like kidney infections.

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. Lourdes Loreto 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: Proactively plan your end-of-life care wishes to ensure your preferences are respected and your family is supported.
• 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): 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.
• Physical Examination: Invest in your health with a thorough physical; this check-up allows your doctor to monitor your overall health, assess your risks, and recommend personalized preventative measures.
• Preventive Care: Preventive care includes vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle counseling designed to protect your well-being and maintain optimal health.
• Insurance Physical Examination: This annual insurance physical is your opportunity for a complete health evaluation, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being, and potentially avoiding more serious health problems later on.
• Point of Care A1C Testing: This convenient in-office blood test measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months; early detection of high blood sugar with point-of-care A1C testing allows for timely lifestyle changes and medical management.

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. Lourdes Loreto 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 understanding their allergy triggers and implementing preventative measures, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of sinusitis episodes, improving their overall quality of life.
• By closely monitoring blood sugar levels and adopting a healthier lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, gaining peace of mind about their future health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing persistent headaches, a patient identified an underlying condition early, reducing the risk of more serious complications and gaining peace of mind.

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. Lourdes Loreto:

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

An internist, like Dr. Loreto, 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 conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Lourdes Loreto manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Loreto 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 prioritizing your overall well-being. This approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care to help you live your best life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Loreto's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized and evidence-based plan, partnering with you 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 your individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a proactive strategy for maintaining optimal health throughout your life.

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

Dr. Loreto carefully reviews all of your medications (polypharmacy management) to look for potential interactions, unnecessary prescriptions, and to ensure your treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

Does Dr. Lourdes Loreto provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Loreto sees patients in the hospital as part of our team, ensuring smooth transitions between the office and the hospital. We work closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to provide comprehensive care throughout your stay. This continuity of care is crucial for your well-being.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Loreto excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against complications. These vaccinations can significantly reduce your risk of serious illness.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Loreto can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver problems.

4710 N Habana Ave Ste 202
Tampa FL 33614
Phone: (813) 877-3902

Dr. Lourdes Loreto, 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): 1508045774

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. Lourdes Loreto 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.