Dr. Mehmet Karaca, MD

Dr. Mehmet Karaca, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Vero Beach, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. Karaca is committed to this collaborative approach, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your health journey.

He serves adults (18 years and older) and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Dr. Karaca earned his medical degree from Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He utilizes evidence-based medicine to deliver exceptional care, focusing on preventative strategies to support your long-term well-being. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (772) 567-6340. Dr. Mehmet Karaca, MD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Muscle Cramping: Persistent muscle cramping could signal an underlying health issue, so addressing it promptly through preventive care can help avoid more serious problems.
• Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence, or accidental urine leakage, can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and early medical attention, improving your quality of life and preventing complications like skin infections.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Early detection of blood clot risk factors, such as prolonged immobility or genetic predisposition, is vital to implementing preventative measures and minimizing the chance of developing a venous embolism or thrombosis.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Addressing diverticulitis promptly with your doctor's guidance prevents its progression to more severe stages, improving your overall long-term health.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain can be an indicator of several conditions, highlighting the need for timely intervention to minimize potential long-term health risks.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Don't ignore persistent or severe headaches; proactive evaluation can lead to early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Cachexia: Cachexia is a severe weight loss that can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing further complications.
• Muscle Spasm: Prompt treatment of muscle spasms helps avoid more severe problems like limited mobility and chronic pain, highlighting the significance of timely intervention in preventive healthcare.
• 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.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: High blood pressure resulting from problems with your kidney's blood vessels (renovascular hypertension) is a serious condition, but early diagnosis and treatment through preventive health measures can help avoid life-threatening complications.
• Long COVID Disorder: Early detection and management of Long COVID can prevent the progression to chronic health issues and improve your long-term well-being.

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. Mehmet Karaca 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): 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Prevent health crises by proactively managing your multiple medical conditions with a coordinated care approach focused on early diagnosis and intervention.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps you and your doctor work together to prevent worsening of chronic conditions, improve your quality of life and avoid future health crises.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis and Management: A comprehensive evaluation for erectile dysfunction can reveal potential cardiovascular risks or hormonal imbalances, allowing for timely intervention.
• Nutritional Supplementation: Proactive nutritional supplementation, guided by your doctor, can be a personalized approach to optimizing your health and reducing your risk of certain health issues.

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. Mehmet Karaca 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 maintaining a consistent exercise routine and a healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful joint conditions, enjoying greater mobility and a higher quality of life.
• By understanding the potential causes of persistent muscle cramping and making adjustments to their diet and hydration, a patient significantly reduced their episodes, gaining greater confidence in their overall well-being.
• By discussing lifestyle changes and seeking early medical advice, a patient successfully managed urinary incontinence, improving their overall well-being and preventing further issues.

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. Mehmet Karaca:

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

An internist, like Dr. Karaca, 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 medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Mehmet Karaca manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Karaca's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy, partnering with patients 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 individual needs and risk factors. We work collaboratively to create a plan that addresses your specific health concerns and goals.

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

Dr. Karaca's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We use a multi-faceted approach that starts with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adds medication when needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

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

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

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Karaca 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.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

Cholesterol screening is vital for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Karaca will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), including their impact on your personal risk.

1265 36th St
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 567-6340

Dr. Mehmet Karaca, 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): 1336819705

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. Mehmet Karaca 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.