Dr. Mel Kaplan, MD

Dr. Mel Kaplan, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Naples, 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 while currently not accepting new patients, you can call (631) 477-0070 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Mel Kaplan, MD is an internist in Naples, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from New York University in 1976 and completed an internship at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in Nm Hosps. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital and NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. Dr. Kaplan is not accepting new patients.

Dr. Kaplan's approach to patient care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing exceptional care and fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Mel Kaplan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as sexual activity or anatomical factors, allows for proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing one.
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Regular health monitoring is vital for individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) to catch and treat blood clots early, minimizing the long-term effects on your body.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Understanding your personal risk for venous embolism and thrombosis and working with your doctor to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a serious health event.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Seeing blood in your urine could be a sign of a larger health problem, so early detection through regular checkups with your internist is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Polyuria: Polyuria, or excessive urination, can be a sign of underlying health issues like diabetes, so regular checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Myeloproliferative Disorders: Effective management of myeloproliferative disorders involves working closely with your doctor to control symptoms and minimize the risk of future complications.
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes: To prevent the progression of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and its potential complications, including anemia and infections, comprehensive monitoring and adherence to medical advice are essential.
• Lymphoma: Understanding your risk factors for lymphoma, such as family history or certain infections, allows for proactive monitoring and early intervention to prevent disease progression.
• Polycythemia Rubra Vera: Early detection of polycythemia vera, a condition causing your body to produce excessive red blood cells, is crucial for preventing dangerous blood clots and other complications through timely treatment and lifestyle changes.
• Muscle Weakness: Managing muscle weakness effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps maintain your independence and prevents further decline in physical function.
• Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help identify and manage potential problems before they worsen.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.

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

• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Protecting your health starts with prevention: an anemia and iron deficiency screening empowers you to identify and manage these common but treatable issues.
• 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.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a proactive step to detect early signs of blood cancers and other blood disorders, allowing for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a proactive checkup designed to identify potential health risks and concerns common among older adults, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses, safeguarding your health and well-being.
• Burn Care Services: Burn care services ensure proper wound healing, reducing the risk of infection and promoting faster recovery.

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. Mel Kaplan 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 risk factors for urinary tract infections, a patient proactively implemented lifestyle changes, significantly reducing their likelihood of future infections and gaining peace of mind.
• By diligently adhering to a proactive health monitoring plan, a patient successfully managed their antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), minimizing the risk of blood clots and ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind and empowered them to live life fully.
• By understanding their personal risk factors for venous embolism and thrombosis, and working with their physician to implement a proactive management plan, a patient gained the peace of mind to confidently pursue their active lifestyle.

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. Mel Kaplan:

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

An internist, like Dr. Kaplan, 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. Mel Kaplan manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Kaplan 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 your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Kaplan's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are incorporated into a tailored plan. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues early and empowers patients to make informed choices.

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

A pre-operative evaluation with Dr. Kaplan is a crucial safety step. He 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.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Kaplan's practice focuses on maintaining function and independence in older adults. Key assessments include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluation, and medication review to ensure safety and appropriateness for the aging process.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a crucial opportunity to create a personalized prevention plan. We'll review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective. This proactive approach helps us establish a strong foundation for your health moving forward.

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 vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe illness.

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. Kaplan will order the test and take the time to explain your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride results, and how they relate to your personal risk.

6101 Pine Ridge Rd
Naples FL 34119
Phone: (631) 477-0070

Dr. Mel Kaplan, 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): 1548244577

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. Mel Kaplan 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.