Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD

Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her Lakeland, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing the overall wellness journey for all ages, from newborns to seniors. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, ensuring a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term well-being.

Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD is a family medicine physician in Lakeland, FL, affiliated with IU Health West Hospital and AdventHealth Zephyrhills. She earned her medical degree from Medical University Of The Americas and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Ballengee's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journey. While she is not currently accepting new patients, inquiries about waitlists or future openings can be made by calling (863) 680-7190. Dr. Ballengee primarily provides consultations in English.

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

• Motion Sickness: Understanding and managing motion sickness can prevent travel disruptions and ensure you enjoy your planned activities.
• Iodine Deficiency: Regular checkups and awareness of iodine's role in thyroid health empower you to proactively manage your risk and prevent serious health issues associated with deficiency.
• Diverticulitis: Early detection of diverticulitis through regular checkups with your family doctor can help prevent serious complications like infection and bowel obstruction.
• Impetigo: Impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection, can be effectively prevented by practicing good hygiene, particularly among children, and seeking early medical intervention to avoid complications.
• Hypercalcemia: Early diagnosis of hypercalcemia, often through blood tests during preventive health visits, allows for timely intervention to reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Regular check-ups with your family doctor allow for early identification of eczema and contact dermatitis, enabling timely treatment and minimizing complications.
• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; addressing this issue early through preventive measures and regular check-ups with your doctor can significantly improve bladder control.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Don't ignore vaginal dryness and discomfort; these could be symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. Preventive care and early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce potential health risks.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as dehydration or infrequent urination, is key to proactive prevention and managing this common infection.
• Dysphagia: Regular health screenings and open communication with your doctor are important for early detection of dysphagia, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as dehydration and aspiration.
• Atherosclerosis: By actively managing conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes, you can help slow or prevent the progression of atherosclerosis and safeguard your cardiovascular health.
• Lipid Disorders: Protecting your heart health begins with understanding your lipid levels; regular checks and proactive management help lower your risk of future complications.

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

• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Prioritize your health with a comprehensive sleep assessment: early diagnosis of sleep disorders can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce long-term health risks.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Ensure you're addressing potential functional impairments by scheduling an impairment rating evaluation; it helps to create a personalized plan for managing your health.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Ensure your baby's heart is healthy with fetal cardiac screening, a non-invasive test that identifies potential structural problems before birth.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure helps diagnose and treat abscesses early, minimizing potential damage to surrounding tissues and improving your healing process.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: Proactively address your risk of Lyme disease with a comprehensive evaluation, facilitating early diagnosis and preventing long-term complications.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Take control of your health and receive personalized support to quit smoking and improve your lung health.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Protect your heart by getting a chest pain evaluation; it's a crucial step in detecting and preventing serious cardiovascular problems.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Taking charge of your breast health involves scheduling routine screenings to catch potential problems before they become serious.
• Pap Smear: As part of your routine wellness check, a Pap smear is a quick and painless test that screens for cervical cancer and abnormal cells in your cervix.
• Diabetes Screening: Protecting your long-term health starts with a diabetes screening, a proactive step to catch potential issues and manage your blood sugar effectively.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a simple yet powerful way to bolster your immune system and prevent serious infections throughout your life.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively managing your multiple health conditions becomes easier with coordinated care, ensuring all your specialists work together for optimal outcomes.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Melissa Ballengee is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 learning strategies to manage motion sickness, a family enjoyed a smooth and comfortable road trip, free from discomfort and disruptions. They felt empowered to confidently plan future adventures knowing they could proactively manage potential issues.
• By attending regular checkups and learning about iodine's role in thyroid health, a family proactively managed their risk of iodine deficiency, gaining peace of mind about their overall well-being.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Melissa Ballengee:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

A family physician is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on preventative care and treat the whole person, coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, from newborns to seniors. They're uniquely positioned to manage the health of the whole family.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Ballengee is a great opportunity to partner with us in maintaining your health. We'll review your health history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals to help you stay well.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Ballengee now, even if you're healthy, is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. Having a baseline established allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill, and ensures you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screening tests might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Ballengee will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Ballengee will create a personalized screening schedule for you, ensuring you get the appropriate tests at the right time to help detect cancer early.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Ballengee, for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

How does Dr. Melissa Ballengee approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Ballengee understands that mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety or depression, offering initial assessments and management of common medications. She can also coordinate referrals to therapists or psychiatrists as needed.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Ballengee and our team are experienced in treating musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. We often provide initial care, including advice on rest and ice, medication, and sometimes referrals to specialists for further treatment.

1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 680-7190

Dr. Melissa Ballengee, 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): 1093093296

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Melissa Ballengee 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.