Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, MD

Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Gonzalez serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, MD is an internist in Saint Petersburg, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as HCA Florida Northside Hospital and HCA Florida South Shore Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Her approach to care emphasizes the importance of proactive health management, working closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining well-being. She recognizes the value of preventative care and is dedicated to coordinating essential screenings and supporting patients in managing chronic conditions. Dr. Michelle Gonzalez offers consultations in Spanish. To schedule an appointment, please call (727) 381-8006.

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

• Contact Dermatitis: Proper identification of your contact allergens can stop future outbreaks, ensuring healthier skin and avoiding the discomfort of this common skin problem.
• Viral Hepatitis: Protecting yourself from viral hepatitis starts with understanding your risk factors and getting vaccinated if appropriate, preventing liver damage and long-term health issues.
• Arthritis: Regular visits with your physician for preventive care, including monitoring for arthritis, allow for early intervention and better long-term health outcomes.
• Low Back Pain: Managing low back pain effectively through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment reduces the risk of long-term complications like chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Catching pinkeye early helps reduce the risk of it spreading to others and helps ensure prompt treatment to prevent more serious eye issues.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Protecting your lungs starts with recognizing the signs of hypersensitivity pneumonitis—a lung inflammation triggered by inhaled substances—prompt treatment helps prevent irreversible lung damage.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive blood pressure monitoring to catch it early and reduce long-term health risks.
• Lipid Disorders: Keeping your lipids in check is a crucial step in preventing or delaying serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Experiencing symptoms like sudden weakness, numbness, or confusion, even if brief, could signal a TIA, emphasizing the need for prompt medical evaluation to reduce your stroke risk.
• Cachexia: Because cachexia often indicates an underlying serious illness, prioritizing preventative care through regular checkups and addressing any health concerns promptly can help prevent its development.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Regular check-ups and monitoring for risk factors like obesity and chronic respiratory illness help prevent asphyxia and hypoxemia by allowing for early intervention and management.
• Dysphagia: Regular check-ups with your internist are important for preventing problems related to swallowing. Early detection of dysphagia is key to managing potential health risks.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure helps identify and treat infections swiftly, reducing potential long-term health risks associated with untreated abscesses and fluid collections.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a fecal occult blood test helps screen for colorectal cancer, significantly improving the odds of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.
• Ultrasound, Cardiac: This simple ultrasound scan provides detailed images of your heart, helping your doctor identify potential issues and develop a personalized plan to maintain your cardiovascular well-being.

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. Michelle Gonzalez 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 identifying and avoiding specific contact allergens, a patient effectively prevented future outbreaks of contact dermatitis, enjoying a life free from the discomfort and frustration of this common skin issue.
• By understanding their risk factors and completing recommended vaccinations, a patient proactively protected their liver health, gaining peace of mind about their future well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and discussing potential risk factors, a patient proactively managed their joint health, leading to a lower risk of developing arthritis and greater peace of mind.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Michelle Gonzalez:

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

An internist, like Dr. Gonzalez, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Michelle Gonzalez manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Gonzalez excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Gonzalez's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. Key screenings for adults, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks, along with cancer screenings (colorectal, breast, prostate), are integral components. We work in partnership with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Dr. Gonzalez's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key components include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This holistic approach promotes healthy aging and addresses geriatric concerns proactively.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Gonzalez excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Gonzalez 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.

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

During a "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit with Dr. Gonzalez, we work together to establish a proactive health plan. This includes creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

6775 Crosswinds Dr N
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 381-8006

Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, 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): 1265852255

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. Michelle Gonzalez 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.