Dr. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam, MD

Dr. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Clearwater, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is committed to fostering a partnership in your lifelong health journey. 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 is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. Please call (727) 462-7907 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL, Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. She understands the importance of a proactive approach to health management, and strives to create a personalized plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Preventing kidney damage from diabetes starts with early detection and careful management of your blood sugar and blood pressure to reduce long-term complications.
• Acute Kidney Failure: Early detection of acute kidney failure is crucial for preventing long-term damage and preserving kidney function, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and proactive health management.
• Asthma: By actively participating in your asthma care, including regular monitoring and medication adherence, you can significantly reduce your risk of needing emergency care and improve your long-term health.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are a vital sign of good health. Addressing constipation early can prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential long-term digestive issues.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a condition where your heart beats too fast and irregularly; proactive healthcare helps catch and treat it, preventing potentially life-threatening consequences.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Early detection of leg and foot ulcers is crucial; prompt treatment prevents infections, amputations, and other severe health issues, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
• Shortness of Breath: Preventing future health problems often starts with recognizing symptoms like shortness of breath; schedule a check-up to identify any potential causes and receive appropriate care.
• Arrhythmias: Managing arrhythmias effectively through lifestyle changes and medication, as advised by your internist, reduces your risk of life-threatening heart events.
• Fever: A fever, or elevated body temperature, can be a sign of infection and prompt attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Bedsores: Regular skin care and maintaining good nutrition are essential preventive measures to avoid bedsores and their associated discomfort.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common condition that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment to prevent worsening symptoms and long-term respiratory problems.
• Mild Asthma: Don't underestimate the significance of mild asthma. Regular monitoring and proactive management with your doctor are crucial steps in preventing its progression and ensuring overall well-being.

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. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam 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: Proactively plan your end-of-life care wishes to ensure your preferences are respected and your family is supported.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• House Call: Ensure early diagnosis and management of chronic conditions through a house call, bringing convenient access to comprehensive medical care.
• Lumbar Sympathetic Block: As part of your comprehensive pain management plan, a lumbar sympathetic block can help determine if nerve-related pain is contributing to your discomfort.
• Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Skin Testing: This skin test helps identify potential allergies that could trigger reactions and impact your health, allowing for proactive management and avoidance of triggers.

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. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam 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 closely monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure, a patient proactively managed their diabetes, significantly reducing the risk of kidney damage and gaining peace of mind about their future health.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of acute kidney failure, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By meticulously tracking their asthma triggers and adhering to their medication regimen, a patient significantly reduced their asthma symptoms and enjoyed a more active and fulfilling life.

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. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam:

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

An internist, like Dr. Arunachalam, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions common in adults.

How does Dr. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Arunachalam 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 focusing on optimizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Arunachalam's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This involves key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers, tailored to individual risk factors. We partner with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through lifestyle recommendations and appropriate interventions.

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

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

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Arunachalam will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of 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, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this age group. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and complications from these common infections.

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

Dr. Arunachalam regularly reviews all of a patient's medications (polypharmacy management) to check for potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Arunachalam can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver damage.

300 Pinellas St
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 462-7907

Dr. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam, 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): 1033641436

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. Rajalakshmi Arunachalam 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.