Dr. Rafael Climaco, MD

Dr. Rafael Climaco, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, aligning with the principles of 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Please call (239) 482-4673 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rafael Climaco, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from Massachusetts General Hospital / Institute of Health Professions in 1987. His commitment to patient-centered care emphasizes the importance of proactive health management and empowers patients to make informed decisions about their well-being. Dr. Climaco is committed to providing high-quality Internal Medicine care, guided by evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of the complex needs of his adult patients. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Rafael Climaco 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. Rafael Climaco 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. Rafael Climaco 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 Tract Infection (UTI): Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent them from spreading to your kidneys, causing more severe health issues.
• Conductive Hearing Loss: Early detection of conductive hearing loss through regular checkups can prevent further hearing impairment and communication difficulties.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Protecting your kidneys from the damage of high blood pressure requires early detection and lifestyle changes to avoid serious complications down the line.
• Vitamin Deficiency: Early detection of vitamin deficiencies can help prevent long-term health problems and improve your quality of life.
• Narcolepsy and Cataplexy: Early diagnosis of narcolepsy and cataplexy is crucial for preventing excessive daytime sleepiness and improving your overall quality of life.
• Sideroblastic Anemia: Preventing severe health issues from sideroblastic anemia starts with understanding your risk factors and undergoing regular checkups, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment to manage this blood disorder.
• Chronic Kidney Infection: Chronic kidney infections can be managed effectively with prompt medical attention. Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans are key to preventing progression and preserving kidney function.

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

• Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings are proactive checks that can detect cancer early, when it's often most treatable.
• STD Screening: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, STD screenings are a crucial step in preventing serious health issues associated with undetected sexually transmitted infections.
• Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor check for infections, inflammation, or crystals that could be causing your joint pain and help prevent further damage.
• VAP Lipid Testing: This simple blood test helps prevent future heart issues by identifying elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, allowing for timely intervention.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards protecting your health with a Lyme disease evaluation, which helps detect this potentially debilitating infection early.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Invest in your future with a diabetic evaluation: a crucial step towards detecting and managing diabetes, enabling you to live a healthier life.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Take proactive steps towards better health by scheduling an evaluation and treatment for any sleep disorders that may be impacting your well-being and overall health.
• Rapid Flu Test: Proactively protect yourself and your loved ones: a rapid flu test provides fast results to help you manage flu symptoms effectively.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Genetic screening for breast cancer helps identify your risk of developing this disease, allowing for proactive steps like increased surveillance or preventative medications.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Proactive screening for anemia and iron deficiency is a vital step in maintaining your overall health and well-being, ensuring you have the energy you need.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Drug allergy testing is a crucial step in personalized medicine, allowing for safer treatment plans and avoiding future adverse reactions.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Early detection saves lives. Hepatitis C virus screening offers peace of mind by identifying this treatable infection, preventing liver cirrhosis and cancer.

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. Rafael Climaco 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 following a proactive health plan, a patient learned simple steps to reduce their risk of urinary tract infections, gaining confidence in managing their overall well-being. This proactive approach ensured they could confidently prevent future complications.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following recommended preventative measures, a patient proactively managed their risk factors for conductive hearing loss, ensuring clear communication and a vibrant lifestyle.
• By proactively managing blood pressure and adopting a healthier diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hypertensive chronic kidney disease, gaining 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. Rafael Climaco:

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

An internist, like Dr. Climaco, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the diverse health issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Rafael Climaco manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Climaco excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications carefully to avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Climaco'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) We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

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

Does Dr. Rafael Climaco provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Climaco and our team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and coordination with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless care transitions upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity of care throughout your stay.

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. Climaco can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent it from getting worse.

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

Dr. Climaco coordinates your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density. While a rheumatologist may focus on the autoimmune disease itself, Dr. Climaco ensures comprehensive care by addressing these other potential health concerns.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Climaco excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

9470 Healthpark Cir
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 482-4673

Dr. Rafael Climaco, 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): 1720058902

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. Rafael Climaco 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.