Dr. Paige Barker, MD

Dr. Paige Barker, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at UF Health Internal Medicine - Medical Plaza in Gainesville, FL. 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. Dr. Barker's focus on prevention extends to her patient population of adults (18 years and older), and she is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 265-0140 to schedule an appointment.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Barker brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2012 and completed an internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in palliative medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, solidifying her expertise in this critical area of patient care. Dr. Barker is Board Certified in Hospice Care and Palliative Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. As an associate professor of medicine within the division of general internal medicine, she is also deeply committed to medical education and research. Dr. Barker provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; proactive healthcare and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce its impact and prevent associated health issues.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can sneak up on you, leading to fatigue and impacting your overall health; maintaining adequate fluid intake is a key part of preventive care.
• Muscle Cramping: Understanding the causes of your muscle cramps is key to preventive health; early intervention can prevent debilitating complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Pharyngitis: A sore throat, or pharyngitis, can be a sign of infection and early detection helps prevent complications like strep throat or pneumonia.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain, if persistent, could signal an underlying health issue, making early evaluation crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively through lifestyle changes or medication, as advised by your doctor, can prevent further health deterioration and improve your overall well-being.
• Fever: Managing a fever promptly, especially in vulnerable individuals, reduces the risk of severe illness and long-term health problems.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Recognizing symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as muscle pain and weakness, and seeking prompt medical attention can prevent kidney failure and other life-threatening complications.
• Cachexia: Preventing cachexia involves managing chronic illnesses like cancer and heart failure, as these conditions can contribute to significant muscle and fat loss.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Understanding your personal risk for venous embolism and thrombosis and working with your doctor to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a serious health event.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath may indicate an underlying condition, making regular health screenings vital for early detection and timely management to maintain your overall wellness.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.

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. Paige Barker 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• 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.
• 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: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Psychotherapy for Crisis: Investing in crisis psychotherapy ensures you get the support you need during a difficult time, promoting faster recovery and preventing long-term consequences.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a proactive approach to managing stress and preventing its negative impact on your overall health and 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. Paige Barker 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 proactively discussing lifestyle changes and undergoing regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of urinary incontinence, regaining control over their daily life and preventing potential complications.
• By consistently increasing their water intake and adjusting their diet, a patient successfully avoided the fatigue and discomfort associated with dehydration, maintaining their energy levels and overall well-being. This proactive approach provided them with the peace of mind to fully enjoy their daily activities.
• By understanding the underlying causes of their muscle cramps, a patient implemented lifestyle changes and preventive strategies, significantly reducing the frequency and severity of these episodes and improving their overall quality of life.

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. Paige Barker:

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

An internist, like Dr. Barker, 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 many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Paige Barker manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Barker 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.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Barker's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that supports your overall well-being.

Does Dr. Paige Barker provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Barker and her team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and coordination with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless transitions between the hospital and outpatient care, maintaining continuity of your treatment plan.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Barker's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted approach that starts with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adds medication when needed. The goal is to achieve a safe blood pressure level that minimizes your risk of future complications.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often related to metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Barker can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent it from progressing.

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. Barker will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

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

Dr. Barker and our team carefully review all medications (polypharmacy management) to look for potential interactions, unnecessary prescriptions, and ways to simplify your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.

UF Health Internal Medicine - Medical Plaza
1549 Gale Lemerand Dr Ste 4592
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-0140

Dr. Paige Barker, 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): 1558624999

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. Paige Barker 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.