Dr. Prakas D'Cunha, MD

Dr. Prakas D'Cunha, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at the Renal Hypertension Center in Hudson, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), working as a trusted partner in preventive health. 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 380-2464 to schedule.

Dr. Prakas D'Cunha, MD is an internist in Hudson, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He's affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. D'Cunha earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston McGovern Medical School in 1996 and completed an internship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1997. He then undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at the same institution, graduating in 2001, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of adults (18 years and older). His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Prakas D'Cunha provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Prakas D'Cunha 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. Prakas D'Cunha 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. Prakas D'Cunha 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.
• Chest Pain: Managing chest pain effectively, whether through lifestyle changes or medication, is key to preventing severe cardiovascular events and maintaining overall well-being.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may signal a more serious health problem, so early detection through regular medical evaluations is crucial.
• Swine Flu: Managing swine flu effectively through timely medical intervention prevents secondary infections and minimizes the risk of long-term health issues.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Addressing ADHD or ADD through preventive strategies like therapy and medication can help prevent relationship problems, career difficulties, and other negative consequences.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Preventive healthcare includes addressing anal or rectal pain to prevent chronic discomfort and ensure optimal digestive health.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is a neurological condition causing problems with coordination, balance, and movement, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent falls and injuries.
• Dysphagia: Protecting your health includes being aware of swallowing difficulties; discussing any changes with your doctor can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term issues.
• Hypokalemia: Early detection of hypokalemia through routine blood tests allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of serious consequences and improving quality of life.
• Animal Allergies: Understanding your animal allergies helps you take preventive steps like avoiding triggers, reducing exposure, and mitigating potential health risks and complications.
• Herpes Zoster Without Complication: While your shingles case was uncomplicated, it’s a reminder to discuss preventive health strategies with your doctor, such as vaccination, to minimize your risk of future occurrences.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Early diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis are essential for preventing severe pain, bladder damage, and other potential complications, thereby promoting overall wellness.

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. Prakas D'Cunha 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• 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.
• Non-Cosmetic Chemodenervation: Proactively managing excessive sweating, non-cosmetic chemodenervation helps improve your quality of life and reduce discomfort.
• Neurocritical Care: Neurocritical care provides intensive support for acute brain injuries and conditions; early intervention through this specialized service can significantly improve outcomes.

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. Prakas D'Cunha 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 improvements into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain and prevented future episodes, leading to increased mobility and overall well-being.
• By understanding their chest pain triggers and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future cardiovascular issues and gained confidence in their overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing their persistent headaches, a patient identified and addressed an underlying condition early, reducing the risk of more serious health issues.

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. Prakas D'Cunha:

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

An internist, or internal medicine physician like Dr. D'Cunha, is a primary care doctor who focuses exclusively on adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various health issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Prakas D'Cunha manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. D'Cunha 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 prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. D'Cunha's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

Dr. D'Cunha's practice prioritizes careful medication management, including a process called polypharmacy management. We regularly review all of a patient's medications to identify potential drug interactions and unnecessary prescriptions. The goal is to simplify the treatment plan and maximize effectiveness.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. D'Cunha 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.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. D'Cunha will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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, the Shingrix shingles vaccine, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against complications.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. We will create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Renal Hypertension Center
14134 Nephron Ln
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (727) 380-2464

Dr. Prakas D'Cunha, 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): 1740275239

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. Prakas D'Cunha 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.