Dr. Peter Ruggiero Jr, MD

Dr. Peter Ruggiero Jr, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Longwood, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. 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 is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing collaboration and evidence-based medicine, to help you achieve and maintain your best possible health. He serves adults (18 years and older). Currently, Dr. Peter Jr is not accepting new patients, but you can call (407) 644-1111 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Peter Ruggiero Jr, MD is an internist in Longwood, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago School Of Dentistry in 1988 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His practice is rooted in a collaborative, patient-centered approach, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Peter Jr offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Back Pain: Addressing back pain proactively through lifestyle changes and early intervention can significantly reduce your risk of future disability and improve your overall quality of life.
• Sciatica: Early diagnosis of sciatica, through a comprehensive physical exam and imaging if necessary, can prevent the progression to long-term chronic pain.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Limb swelling due to fluid buildup may indicate heart, kidney, or liver problems; proactive health screenings can help catch these conditions before they worsen.
• 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.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage reflux esophagitis, reducing your risk of developing serious complications like Barrett's esophagus.
• Heart Disease: Early detection and treatment of heart disease can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent life-threatening events.
• 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.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Regular health checkups with your internist, including urinalysis, allow for the early detection of blood in your urine, paving the way for timely treatment and improved long-term health outcomes.
• Arthritis: Early detection of arthritis through regular check-ups with your internist can help manage symptoms and prevent irreversible joint damage.
• Hypercalcemia: High blood calcium levels, if detected early, can prevent serious kidney problems and bone weakening.
• Anemia: Preventive measures such as a balanced diet rich in iron and B12 vitamins, as well as timely medical treatment, are vital to reduce the risk of developing anemia and its associated complications.

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. Peter Jr offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Secure your peace of mind by creating an advance directive, which outlines your healthcare wishes at the end of life.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Irrigation of Ear: As part of your proactive healthcare, ear irrigation can clear blockages and reduce discomfort associated with excessive earwax buildup.
• Vitamin B12 Injection: Prevent potential long-term health issues by proactively assessing your vitamin B12 levels. An injection is a quick and effective way to treat or prevent a deficiency.

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. Peter Jr 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 incorporating regular exercise and ergonomic adjustments into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain frequency and improved their overall well-being. This proactive approach helped them maintain a fulfilling and active lifestyle.
• Recognizing the early symptoms of sciatica and following a proactive treatment plan, a patient avoided the progression to chronic pain, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By scheduling regular checkups and adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient identified potential issues with fluid buildup in their limbs early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing further complications. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and 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. 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. Peter Jr:

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

An internist, like Dr. Peter Jr., 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 complex medical conditions common in adults.

How does Dr. Peter Jr manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Peter Jr. excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He 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. Peter Jr.'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 a healthy lifestyle and early detection of potential issues.

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.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Peter Jr. will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are crucial for protecting this population. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

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

Dr. Peter Jr.'s practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform key geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

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. Peter Jr. can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver problems.

1200 W State Road 434 Ste 112
Longwood FL 32750
Phone: (407) 644-1111

Dr. Peter Ruggiero Jr, 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): 1124022058

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. Peter Jr 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.