Dr. Rashid Saba, DO

Dr. Rashid Saba, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his Lakeland, FL clinic, 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. Dr. Saba's commitment to evidence-based medicine and collaborative care fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is currently welcoming new adult (18 years and older) patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (863) 777-2740 to schedule.

Dr. Rashid Saba, DO is an internist in Lakeland, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is accepting new patients. His practice focuses on preventive medicine, with a strong emphasis on proactive health management and the coordination of essential screenings. Dr. Saba is fluent in Hindi and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Constipation: Managing constipation proactively through diet and lifestyle changes is a key aspect of preventive health, reducing your risk of complications like fecal impaction and abdominal discomfort.
• Fever: Regular health monitoring, including checking for fever, allows for early intervention and helps minimize the impact of infections on your well-being.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing serious complications from noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis starts with early detection and managing symptoms to avoid dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
• Difficulty With Walking: Experiencing trouble walking? Don't ignore it – early detection of conditions like arthritis or nerve damage through preventive care is crucial for maintaining mobility and independence.
• Peptic Ulcer: Managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing peptic ulcers, protecting your digestive system's health.
• Bladder Infection: Preventing bladder infections starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good hygiene to avoid complications.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Untreated chronic depression can lead to a cascade of negative consequences affecting both physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of regular mental health check-ups as part of comprehensive preventive care.
• Diabetes Type 1: Managing type 1 diabetes through regular blood sugar checks, insulin therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices helps prevent nerve damage, blindness, and other serious complications.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Hypogonadism: Managing hypogonadism effectively, often through hormone replacement, helps prevent related complications such as reduced energy levels, depression, and decreased libido.
• Overweight: Regular checkups with your internist allow for early detection of overweight-related risks, enabling timely intervention and preventing future health problems.

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. Rashid Saba 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): 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• 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: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Obesity Counseling: Partner with your physician to receive personalized advice and support to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, preventing future health complications.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future 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. Rashid Saba 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 fiber-rich foods and regular exercise into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their instances of constipation, improving their overall digestive health and promoting a more comfortable daily life.
• By consistently tracking their temperature and promptly addressing any fevers, a patient minimized the duration and severity of illness, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing further complications.
• Recognizing and addressing early symptoms of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, a patient proactively managed their condition, preventing serious complications and maintaining optimal health. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed them to focus on their daily activities without worry.

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. Rashid Saba:

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

An internist, like Dr. Saba, 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 many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Rashid Saba manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Saba's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are incorporated, along with lifestyle recommendations. This partnership between patient and physician aims to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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. It's often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Saba can help you make lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver problems.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

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

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

Dr. Saba plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on the specific disease, Dr. Saba manages other health aspects affected by the condition, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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

Dr. Saba takes a careful and thorough approach to medication management, regularly reviewing all medications (polypharmacy management) to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

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

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Saba will order the test and take the time to explain your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride results, and how they relate to your personal risk.

3305 US Highway 98 S
Lakeland FL 33803
Phone: (863) 777-2740

Dr. Rashid Saba, DO 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): 1376612481

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. Rashid Saba 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.