Dr. Melissa Franco, DO

Dr. Melissa Franco, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Baptist Health Primary Care | Pinecrest in Pinecrest, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (786) 345-7208 to schedule.

Dr. Franco, a family medicine physician with Baptist Health Primary Care, a part of Baptist Health Medical Group, brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to her practice. With a focus on primary care, she treats a wide range of health problems, from simple to complex, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. She performs health-risk assessments and educates patients about healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Franco received her doctor of osteopathic medicine and master's of public health degrees from Nova Southeastern University, and completed her family practice internship and residency at Suncoast Hospital/Largo Medicine Center. She is Board-certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and is committed to your overall health and well-being. Dr. Franco's care team includes advanced practitioners, registered dietitians, social workers, and care coaches, utilizing the latest treatments and technologies to deliver individualized and comprehensive care. Dr. Franco provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Heartburn: While occasional heartburn is common, persistent heartburn needs medical attention to rule out more serious conditions and protect your health.
• 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.
• Animal Allergies: Early identification of animal allergies can help prevent the development of more severe respiratory issues later in life.
• Diabetes Type 2: Understanding your risk factors for type 2 diabetes and taking proactive steps to manage them can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Diabetes: Regular check-ups and proactive blood sugar monitoring, especially if you're at risk, help you catch diabetes early and start treatment to prevent serious health problems down the line.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Regular monitoring of your heart rate and addressing any concerning symptoms can help prevent sinus tachycardia from progressing and impacting your quality of life.
• Back Pain: Addressing back pain promptly can help avoid long-term disability and the need for more invasive treatments later.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Regular check-ups and proactive healthcare can significantly reduce the risks and severity of complications associated with sickle cell disease.
• Hair Loss: Preventive measures like a healthy diet and stress management can help mitigate some forms of hair loss and maintain healthy hair growth.
• Overweight: Managing your weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity helps to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, protecting your long-term health.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Preventing the spread of herpes simplex infection through safe practices protects both your health and the health of others.
• Ringworm: Early diagnosis of ringworm is key to minimizing its spread and preventing secondary bacterial infections, making preventive care crucial.

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

• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps ensure you're mentally prepared for the significant lifestyle changes involved, promoting long-term success.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: A quick urine test, dipstick urinalysis helps your doctor check for early signs of urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and diabetes, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious complications.
• Diabetes Counseling: Proactively manage your risk of diabetes: our counseling helps identify early warning signs and teaches you strategies for prevention and healthy living.
• Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is a crucial first step in accessing vital prenatal services and reducing potential risks associated with pregnancy.
• Memory Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards maintaining sharp mental function by scheduling a memory evaluation to detect potential cognitive decline early.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Take charge of your bone health with an osteoporosis screening; it's a simple test that can identify bone loss before it causes problems.
• Rapid Flu Test: Take charge of your health with a rapid flu test; it helps detect the influenza virus early, enabling faster recovery and reducing the spread of illness.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards better health with a diabetic evaluation, which screens for high blood sugar and other diabetes indicators.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Proactively assess your risk of breast cancer through genetic testing; understanding your genetic predisposition empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Take a proactive step towards early ovarian cancer detection with regular screenings, potentially saving your life.
• Disability Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards a healthier future by scheduling a disability evaluation to identify and address potential limitations early.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Ensure your body is aligned and functioning optimally by undergoing a spinal and postural screening; catch issues before they become significant health concerns.

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 Franco 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 understanding their heartburn triggers and implementing lifestyle changes, a patient experienced significant relief, improving their overall well-being and avoiding potential complications.
• Regular health screenings, guided by a proactive health plan, allowed a family to identify and address potential dysphagia concerns early, significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and empowered them to maintain their 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 Franco:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Franco, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Franco is a great opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

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

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Melissa Franco, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline for your medical history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if needed. It also helps ensure you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

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 Dr. Franco for 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.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Franco's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. She discusses the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening (PSA test) based on the latest guidelines and manages other men's health issues like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Dr. Franco and our team can often handle minor skin procedures in the office, such as removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses. This saves you time and effort, keeping your primary care needs conveniently addressed.

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

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

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Franco and our team are happy to treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Baptist Health Primary Care | Pinecrest
13101 S Dixie Hwy Ste 400
Pinecrest FL 33156
Phone: (786) 345-7208

Dr. Melissa Franco, DO 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): 1023266319

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 Franco 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.