Dr. Nicole Benovic, DO

Dr. Nicole Benovic, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Largo, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she recognizes the crucial role of preventive health in maintaining optimal well-being. 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 helping adults (18 years and older) achieve their health goals through proactive strategies and personalized care. Please call (727) 799-5077 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Nicole Benovic, DO is an internist in Largo, FL, affiliated with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and St. Anthony's Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, emphasizing a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach centers on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She strives to build strong, trusting relationships with her patients, understanding that proactive health management is key to a fulfilling life. Dr. Nicole Benovic provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Aspergillosis: By promptly addressing any symptoms suggestive of aspergillosis and diligently following your doctor's recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of this fungal infection progressing to a severe illness.
• Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes, often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, is a chronic condition where your body doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar; early detection and management are crucial to preventing serious complications.
• Dyslipidemia: High cholesterol or other unhealthy fats in your blood, if left unmanaged, increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and proactive lifestyle changes.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased function could be signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT). Early diagnosis through preventive care visits allows for prompt management and slows disease progression.
• Leukocytopenia: A low white blood cell count (leukocytopenia) weakens your body's ability to fight infections; proactive health monitoring can help identify and manage this condition, preventing serious illness.
• Pharyngitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor allow for early identification of pharyngitis, enabling swift treatment and minimizing long-term effects.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Early detection of diverticulitis through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Acute Bronchitis: Proper management of acute bronchitis symptoms, including sufficient rest and hydration, helps prevent complications and contributes to overall respiratory well-being, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventive interventions.
• Anemia: Regular monitoring for anemia, particularly in individuals with risk factors, is essential for early intervention and minimizing the impact on overall well-being.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke; proactive management through diet and medication can significantly lower this risk.
• Long COVID Disorder: Regular health monitoring and preventative strategies after a COVID-19 infection can help identify and manage Long COVID, preventing its disabling effects.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection of intestinal diverticulosis, even if asymptomatic, allows for preventive strategies like dietary adjustments, helping maintain gut 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. Nicole Benovic 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Puncture Aspiration: Taking a proactive approach to your health, a puncture aspiration helps diagnose and rule out conditions based on a sample taken, potentially saving you from more invasive procedures later.
• Weight Maintenance: Let us help you create a personalized weight management plan that fits your lifestyle, empowering you to take control of your health.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: As part of your ongoing health management, a cardiac MRI gives doctors a clearer picture of your heart and blood vessels, helping identify and treat problems before they worsen.
• Chest Tube Insertion: To ensure your lungs function optimally, a chest tube may be placed to remove excess fluid or air, supporting your overall respiratory health.

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. Nicole Benovic 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 promptly addressing potential symptoms and diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of aspergillosis progressing to a severe illness, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding their risk factors and adopting a healthier diet and exercise routine, a patient significantly lowered their likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health.
• By following a personalized plan, a patient lowered their unhealthy blood fats, reducing their risk of heart disease and stroke and gaining peace of mind. Their proactive approach ensured a healthier future.

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. Nicole Benovic:

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

An internist, like Dr. Benovic, 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 adults may face.

How does Dr. Nicole Benovic manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Benovic excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive and effective management of your health needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Benovic's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), and ongoing discussions about lifestyle choices to promote healthy aging. We partner with you to proactively minimize health risks and improve your well-being.

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

During your Welcome to Medicare or annual wellness visit with Dr. Benovic, 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.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Benovic will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Benovic and her team emphasize vaccination as a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix (for shingles), and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this population. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common illnesses.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Benovic carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and optimize your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness and safety.

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

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

801 West Bay Dr Ste 605
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 799-5077

Dr. Nicole Benovic, 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): 1467993923

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. Nicole Benovic 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.