Dr. Mark Baker, MD

Dr. Mark Baker, MD is a Urology specializing in proactive, comprehensive care at Bay Area Urological Associates in Wimauma, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your urologist is your primary partner in preventing urinary and male reproductive health problems, crafting personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and ensuring your overall wellness. Dr. Baker serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 634-9231 to schedule.

Dr. Baker, Board Certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology, graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2000 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His extensive training, including a general surgery internship and urology residency at the University of South Florida, provided him with invaluable experience at Tampa General Hospital, James A. Haley VA, Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, and Moffitt Cancer Center. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Urologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Arkansas in 2000 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College. He has been in private practice in Brandon and Sun City Center since August of 2005 and offers consultations in Spanish. His care philosophy centers on providing complete Urological care in a compassionate manner while making available all the latest technological advances in Urology.

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

• Kidney Infection: Early diagnosis and treatment of a kidney infection are crucial to prevent complications like sepsis or chronic kidney disease, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups.
• Prostatitis: Early detection of prostatitis symptoms like painful urination and pelvic pain allows for timely treatment, preventing potential damage to the prostate.
• Irradiation Cystitis: Irradiation cystitis is a potential consequence of radiation treatment, but proactive monitoring and early intervention strategies can minimize its impact on your urinary health.
• End-Stage Renal Disease: While ESRD is a serious condition, proactive steps like managing chronic illnesses and keeping your blood pressure and glucose in check can help prevent it from developing.
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Managing chronic bacterial prostatitis effectively through proper medication and lifestyle changes prevents further complications like recurring infections and potential damage to the prostate.
• Chronic Prostatitis: Chronic prostatitis, while often manageable, can severely affect quality of life if neglected. Regular checkups and adherence to treatment plans are vital for prevention of worsening symptoms and complications.
• Chronic Kidney Infection: A chronic kidney infection means a recurring or persistent bacterial infection in your kidneys, which can be prevented through proactive measures like staying well-hydrated and practicing good hygiene to avoid recurring infections.
• Bladder Carcinoma: Managing bladder cancer effectively starts with prevention – understanding your risk factors and participating in recommended screenings to detect potential problems early.
• Kidney Stones: Early detection of kidney stones can prevent serious complications like kidney damage or infections, making proactive health monitoring crucial.
• Testicular Hypofunction: Testicular hypofunction can affect sexual health and fertility; proactive screenings and lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage the condition and its consequences.
• Urinary Tract Cancer: Urinary tract cancers, including bladder and kidney cancers, can be detected early through regular screenings and check-ups, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Priapism: Priapism is a urologic emergency that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible erectile dysfunction, highlighting the importance of swift medical 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. Mark Baker offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Urostomy: Taking a proactive step towards better urinary health, a urostomy can help prevent complications from bladder issues and improve bladder emptying.
• Nephrectomy: To address certain kidney conditions and potentially prevent life-threatening consequences, a nephrectomy may be recommended as a surgical solution.
• Ureteroneocystostomy: Ureteroneocystostomy is a surgical option that can help address urinary tract issues and prevent serious complications arising from blocked urine flow, promoting long-term kidney health.
• Bladder Scan: A bladder scan is a quick, painless test that measures how much urine is left in your bladder after you urinate, helping detect potential bladder emptying problems.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate cancer screenings are a proactive step in preventing serious health issues and ensuring better treatment chances.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): Protecting your future starts with proactive steps, and a DRE is a vital part of this plan, helping find prostate cancer at a stage when it's often most treatable.
• Kidney and Ureter Removal: While not a preventive measure itself, kidney and ureter removal can be a crucial step in treating life-threatening conditions like cancer, improving long-term survival and well-being.
• Nephrectomy with Robotic Assist: A minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery to remove a kidney, often used to treat kidney cancer or severe kidney damage, helping prevent further spread of disease.
• Uroflowmetry: Take charge of your urinary health: a uroflowmetry test can identify issues like bladder obstructions or weak bladder muscles before they become major problems.
• Urinary Bladder Reconstruction: Protecting your urinary system's health often involves addressing structural issues; bladder reconstruction is a surgical option to improve bladder capacity and reduce urinary problems.
• Penile Implants: For men experiencing erectile dysfunction, a penile implant can be a proactive step to restore sexual function and intimacy.
• Bladder Surgery: Bladder surgery offers a proactive approach to treating various bladder conditions, helping to improve symptoms and prevent more serious problems.

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 Urology in Florida.

Dr. Mark Baker 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 Patient's life:

• By understanding their risk factors and adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient proactively minimized the chance of developing a kidney infection, ensuring a healthier future.
• By promptly addressing early symptoms of painful urination and pelvic discomfort, a patient significantly reduced the risk of potential prostate complications and maintained a healthy lifestyle.
• By diligently following a proactive monitoring plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing irradiation cystitis, allowing them to maintain a healthy urinary system throughout their cancer treatment.

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 Urologic care with Dr. Mark Baker:

What is a Urologist?

Dr. Baker and our team of urologists are surgical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women, and the reproductive system in men. We manage everything from kidney stones and urinary tract infections to cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidneys.

At what age should men start discussing prostate cancer screening?

Discussions about prostate cancer screening, including the PSA blood test, typically begin around age 50 for average-risk men. However, for higher-risk men, such as African American men or those with a family history, this conversation should start earlier, around age 40-45. We believe this is best addressed as a shared decision-making process with Dr. Baker.

What is the most common sign of testicular cancer?

The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Monthly self-exams are crucial for early detection, as early diagnosis is key to the very high cure rate for this cancer.

What is robotic surgery, and what are its benefits?

Robotic surgery, like the da Vinci® system, is a minimally invasive technique. A surgeon uses a console to control robotic arms with tiny instruments, making smaller incisions. This often results in less pain, reduced blood loss, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a safe, simple, and highly effective form of permanent male contraception. It's a minor surgical procedure, often performed in the office, that blocks the tubes carrying sperm. Importantly, it does not affect testosterone levels or sexual function.

I have been diagnosed with a kidney stone. Will I need surgery?

Most small kidney stones can be passed naturally with increased fluids and pain management. For larger stones or those causing significant issues, Dr. Baker can use minimally invasive procedures like shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy to effectively remove the stone.

I am a woman experiencing urinary leakage. Should I see a Urologist?

Yes, a urologist like Dr. Mark Baker is an expert in the female urinary tract. Dr. Baker specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of female urinary incontinence, offering solutions from pelvic floor therapy to minimally invasive procedures.

How is Low Testosterone (Low T) diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis involves a simple blood test, typically performed in the morning, to measure testosterone levels. If levels are low and symptoms are present, Dr. Baker can discuss safe and effective treatment options, including gels, injections, or pellets.

Bay Area Urological Associates
16513 S US Highway 301
Wimauma FL 33598
Phone: (813) 634-9231

Dr. Mark Baker, 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): 1972599827

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. Urology like Dr. Mark Baker 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 urology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.