Dr. Matthew Calestino, MD

Dr. Matthew Calestino, 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 333-4000 to schedule.

Dr. Matthew Calestino, MD is an internist in Gainesville, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Pierre Et Marie Curie (Paris Vi), U.F.R. Brossais-Hotel-Dieu in 2000 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a dedicated experience to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and, as part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams, is focused on providing care for people ages 65+. Dr. Calestino's team and he help you reach your personal health goals, focusing on total well-being, preventing health problems, and supporting the management of any chronic conditions you may have. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Maintaining healthy calcium levels through diet and lifestyle choices is crucial for preventing bone fractures and other complications later in life.
• Skin Ulcer: Preventing skin ulcers starts with good foot care and regular checks for early signs, such as redness or swelling, to avoid serious complications.
• Bedsores: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and incontinence can significantly reduce your risk of developing bedsores, keeping you healthier and more mobile.
• Asthma: Understanding your asthma triggers and following your doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing future respiratory problems.
• Wheezing: Regular checkups with your internist are crucial, as they allow for early detection of wheezing and the implementation of preventive strategies, minimizing the long-term impact on your respiratory system.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for early detection and effective management of benign chronic pain, preventing disability and improving quality of life.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Regular health checkups with your internist, including urinalysis, allow for the early detection of blood in your urine, paving the way for timely treatment and improved long-term health outcomes.
• Hypertension: Even slightly elevated blood pressure increases your risk of developing serious complications, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Tonsillitis: Preventive strategies, like good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can reduce your risk of contracting tonsillitis.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Regular vitamin B12 checks can help prevent serious nerve damage and anemia, which are significant complications of deficiency.
• Rash: Managing a rash effectively, with the guidance of your internist, can prevent secondary infections, scarring, or worsening of underlying conditions, promoting overall wellness.

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. Matthew Calestino 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration: To proactively check for potential problems, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration to collect a small tissue sample for examination.
• Physical Rehabilitation: To maintain your health and well-being, consider physical rehabilitation to address any limitations and improve your overall physical function and independence.

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. Matthew Calestino 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 focusing on a balanced diet rich in calcium-rich foods and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing calcium metabolism disorders, empowering them to maintain strong bones and overall well-being.
• By diligently checking their feet for any signs of redness or swelling and following a personalized foot care plan, a patient avoided the development of a skin ulcer, maintaining their mobility and comfort.
• By addressing underlying health conditions like diabetes and incontinence, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing bedsores, allowing them to maintain their independence and mobility.

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. Matthew Calestino:

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

An internist, like Dr. Calestino, 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 various medical conditions that adults experience.

How does Dr. Matthew Calestino manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Calestino excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your care team, coordinating specialists, optimizing your medications, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Calestino's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy, partnering with patients to proactively address health risks. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) tailored to individual needs and risk factors, promoting healthy aging and minimizing future health problems.

Does Dr. Matthew Calestino provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Calestino provides comprehensive care for patients, including those requiring hospitalization. He works closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure smooth transitions and seamless care during your stay. This collaborative approach maintains continuity of care from your initial visit to your discharge.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Calestino and our team emphasize vaccinations as 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 this population. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and complications from these diseases.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Calestino 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.

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Calestino will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

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

Dr. Calestino and our team carefully review all medications (polypharmacy management) to look for potential interactions, unnecessary prescriptions, and to ensure your treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

6500 W Newberry Rd
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 333-4000

Dr. Matthew Calestino, 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): 1083690713

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. Matthew Calestino 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.