Dr. Pat Tidwell, MD

Dr. Pat Tidwell, MD is a Family Medicine physician practicing at his clinic in Niceville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a valued partner in preventive health. 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. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 678-6735 to schedule. This physician is accepting telehealth visits. Dr. Tidwell earned his medical degree from the University of Florida School of Medicine in 1974, completing an Internship at the University of North Carolina in 1975 and a Residency at the University of North Carolina in 1977. He opened his own practice in Niceville, Florida in 1981, and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, followed by an internship at UNC Memorial Hospital, and a residency in Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He is committed to providing the best clinical care combined with communications and patient involvement to achieve the best outcomes for his patients. Dr. Tidwell provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Canker Sore: Regular checkups with your doctor can help identify any underlying conditions that might be contributing to your frequent canker sores, allowing for proactive management.
• Pulmonary Disease: Managing underlying conditions like asthma or COPD through proactive care with your doctor helps prevent further damage to your lungs and improves your quality of life.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol early can significantly reduce your chances of developing it.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; proactive management, including identifying potential risk factors, may prevent significant complications later in life.
• Impetigo: Early detection of impetigo is crucial for preventing its spread and minimizing the risk of serious complications like kidney infections, so prompt medical attention is vital.
• Dehydration: Mild dehydration can easily be prevented by paying attention to your fluid intake and recognizing early warning signs like thirst and dizziness.
• Acne: Acne can be a sign of underlying hormonal imbalances; addressing it early allows for better overall health management.
• Acute Pharyngitis: While many sore throats resolve on their own, recognizing symptoms early allows for appropriate management and reduces the potential for secondary bacterial infections.
• Hypercalcemia: Managing underlying conditions like hyperparathyroidism is key to preventing hypercalcemia and maintaining your overall health.
• Laryngitis: Regular checkups with your doctor can help identify and address underlying issues that could contribute to laryngitis, improving your overall vocal health.
• Hip Sprain: Early detection of a hip sprain is crucial for timely treatment, minimizing pain and preventing long-term mobility issues, emphasizing proactive health management.
• Diabetes Type 2: Regular check-ups and blood sugar monitoring are key to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes and its potential impact on your 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. Pat Tidwell offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Skin Screenings: Regular skin checks with your doctor are a crucial part of preventative care, helping detect skin cancer and other skin conditions in their early stages.
• 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.
• Hepatitis A Screening: Ensure your liver health is in top condition with a proactive hepatitis A screening, a vital step in preventing liver disease.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Take a proactive step toward better mobility; a wheelchair evaluation helps identify the most suitable chair to maintain your comfort and independence.
• Diabetes Screening: Diabetes screening helps detect high blood sugar levels early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.
• Geriatric Assessment: Protect your well-being in your later years through a geriatric assessment. It's a screening tool that helps identify and manage potential health challenges.
• Pap Smear: Taking proactive steps towards your health, a Pap smear helps screen for cervical cancer and abnormal cell growth, potentially saving your life.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Fetal cardiac screening uses ultrasound to check your baby's heart for any potential problems early in pregnancy, allowing for timely intervention if needed.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Protecting your health starts with ovarian cancer screenings; early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting expert guidance to help you break free from nicotine addiction and reduce your risk of serious diseases.
• Incision and Removal of Foreign Object: Protecting your body from further harm, the removal of a foreign object minimizes the risk of lasting injury and promotes faster healing.
• Nail Avulsion and Excision: Taking proactive steps towards nail health, nail avulsion and excision can help address issues like ingrown toenails and other painful conditions, improving overall foot 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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Pat Tidwell 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 scheduling regular checkups, a patient was able to identify and address potential contributing factors to their recurring canker sores, leading to a significant reduction in their frequency.
• By consistently following a proactive care plan with their family medicine provider, a patient successfully managed their underlying lung condition, leading to improved breathing and a greater sense of 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Pat Tidwell:

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

Dr. Tidwell and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive, lifelong healthcare for the whole family, from newborns to seniors. We focus on preventative care, and we coordinate all aspects of your family's healthcare needs.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Tidwell is a key opportunity to build a partnership with us. 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?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Pat Tidwell when you're healthy is a valuable investment. It provides a baseline for your health history and allows for faster, more personalized care if you become unwell. This relationship also helps you stay on track with preventive care, keeping you healthy in the long run.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing Dr. Tidwell for acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Pat Tidwell works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, including regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your health and well-being.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Pat Tidwell and our team provide comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care conveniently in one location.

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

Dr. Pat Tidwell's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. We discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and manage other men's health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Pat Tidwell's practice can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

4554 E Highway 20 Ste 100
Niceville FL 32578
Phone: (850) 678-6735

Dr. Pat Tidwell, 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): 1184758526

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. Pat Tidwell 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.