Dr. Patricia Stephens, MD

Dr. Patricia Stephens, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in your health journey. Please call (904) 202-8275 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Patricia Stephens, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine in 1977 and is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is Board Certified in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stephens provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dyslipidemia: Managing dyslipidemia through lifestyle changes and/or medication helps reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions in the future, thereby improving your long-term health.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a preventable condition; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lower your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
• Hypothyroidism: Early detection of hypothyroidism through routine blood tests allows for timely treatment, minimizing the risk of serious complications like heart disease and infertility.
• 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.
• Mild Asthma: Preventing serious asthma flare-ups begins with recognizing mild symptoms. Early intervention, through your internist, improves long-term lung health and quality of life.
• Urinary Incontinence: Early detection of urinary incontinence allows for prompt treatment, preventing more serious problems such as falls, infections, and reduced social participation.
• Hypokalemia: Regular check-ups are important for detecting hypokalemia early, preventing muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening heart rhythms.

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. Patricia Stephens 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): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Dexamethasone Suppression Test: A dexamethasone suppression test helps your doctor check your cortisol levels to screen for and help manage conditions like Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can cause serious health issues.
• Varicose Vein Procedure: A varicose vein procedure helps assess leg vein health, enabling early detection and treatment of venous insufficiency.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): To proactively address potential breathing issues during sleep, a CPAP assessment can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea, preventing serious health complications.
• Body Fat Analysis: A body fat analysis helps determine your overall health and risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes by measuring your body fat percentage.
• Psychotherapy Services: Psychotherapy offers a supportive environment to discuss mental health concerns and develop strategies for better mental health, potentially preventing future health complications.

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. Patricia Stephens 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 making dietary changes, a patient reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease, gaining confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding their cholesterol levels and following a tailored plan, a patient proactively managed their hyperlipidemia, significantly reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease and gaining peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular blood tests, a patient proactively detected hypothyroidism early, minimizing the risk of future complications and ensuring 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. Patricia Stephens:

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

An internist, like Dr. Stephens, is a primary care doctor specializing 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. Patricia Stephens manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Stephens' approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are integral components. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive measures and ongoing support.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Stephens 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 is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Stephens works as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Stephens manages other health concerns such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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

During your "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit with Dr. Stephens, we'll create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure your healthcare is coordinated effectively.

Does Dr. Patricia Stephens provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Stephens and our team provide seamless care, whether a patient is in the hospital or at our clinic. We work closely with our hospitalist colleagues to ensure excellent care during a hospital stay, coordinating admission and discharge plans. This collaborative approach prioritizes continuity of care for all our patients.

807 Childrens Way
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 202-8275

Dr. Patricia Stephens, 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): 1083705008

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. Patricia Stephens 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.