Dr. Nelson Charles, MD

Dr. Nelson Charles, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 938-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Nelson Charles, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Santo Tomas Faculty Of Medicine And Surgery in 1967 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With over 55 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 affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital, and is accepting new patients. Dr. Charles offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and patient-centered, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication to prevent heart disease and stroke later in life.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Proper management of magnesium metabolism disorders through diet, medication, or supplements, as directed by your physician, helps prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
• Constipation: Preventive health measures, including regular hydration and fiber intake, are crucial for preventing and managing constipation, thus avoiding future complications.
• Diabetes Type 2: Regular check-ups, including blood sugar screenings, can help detect type 2 diabetes early, allowing for timely interventions that significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications like heart disease and kidney failure.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Experiencing pain when you urinate could indicate an underlying health problem that, if left unaddressed, may worsen over time; regular checkups help detect such issues early.
• Anemia: Early detection of anemia through routine checkups is crucial as it helps prevent serious complications like fatigue, weakness, and potential organ damage.
• Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Managing chronic DVT effectively includes lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and regular check-ups with your doctor to minimize the risk of future clots and their potentially deadly consequences.
• Dyslipidemia: Keeping your cholesterol and other fats in your blood within a healthy range is vital for preventing heart disease and other serious health problems, so regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential.
• Dizziness: Regular health check-ups help identify the causes of dizziness, allowing for timely treatment and preventing potential falls or other injuries associated with imbalance.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA serves as a critical wake-up call, indicating underlying cardiovascular issues that require immediate attention and lifestyle changes to prevent a future, more debilitating stroke.
• Lipid Disorders: Keeping your lipids in check is a crucial step in preventing or delaying serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Hypokalemia: Managing underlying conditions that cause hypokalemia, like kidney disease, is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining overall health.

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. Nelson Charles 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Medical Marijuana: Talking openly about your medical marijuana use helps your doctor create a comprehensive treatment plan that considers all aspects of your health.
• Knee Injection: Knee injections can provide diagnostic information about the source of your knee pain, helping your doctor determine the best course of treatment and prevent unnecessary procedures.
• Aftercare for Substance Abuse: Proactively manage your recovery journey with aftercare services designed to support long-term sobriety and prevent relapse.
• HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medication that significantly reduces your chances of getting HIV if you're sexually active.
• Sick Patient Care: By addressing your current illnesses, we work together to create a personalized plan to manage symptoms, improve quality of life and avoid costly emergencies.

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. Nelson Charles 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 cholesterol levels and adopting a heart-healthy diet and exercise routine, a patient proactively managed their hyperlipidemia, significantly reducing their risk of future cardiovascular issues. This proactive approach empowered them to enjoy a healthier and more confident future.
• By working closely with their physician and adjusting their diet, a patient proactively managed their magnesium metabolism disorder, preventing potential long-term health problems and improving their overall well-being.
• By incorporating regular hydration and fiber-rich foods into their diet, a patient successfully managed their constipation, experiencing improved digestive health and increased 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. 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. Nelson Charles:

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

An internist, like Dr. Charles, 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. Nelson Charles manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Charles's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

Dr. Charles'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.

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

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

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

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

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. Charles will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their impact on your personal risk.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Charles can help you understand lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver issues.

1550 Barkley Cir
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 938-2000

Dr. Nelson Charles, 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): 1821026238

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. Nelson Charles 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.