Dr. Rebecca Hemby, DO

Dr. Rebecca Hemby, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Clearwater, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your well-being. Please call (727) 462-7907 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rebecca Hemby, DO is an internist in Clearwater, FL, affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, demonstrating her commitment to the highest standards of care. Her approach to patient care emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based strategy, creating a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. She understands the importance of proactive health management and is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal well-being. Dr. Rebecca Hemby provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Managing your alcohol intake is a vital part of comprehensive preventive care, significantly reducing the risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease and its associated complications.
• Bedsores: Preventing bedsores starts with regular skin checks and repositioning to reduce pressure points, protecting you from painful wounds and potential infections.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Understanding your personal risk for venous embolism and thrombosis and working with your doctor to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a serious health event.
• Strep Throat: Understanding the symptoms of strep throat helps in early intervention, preventing the spread of infection and the development of long-term complications.
• Bladder Infection: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing bladder infections, promoting better long-term well-being.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D levels can impact your overall well-being and increase the risk of various chronic diseases, making proactive monitoring essential.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medical guidance, preventing more serious complications.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: Managing benign chronic pain early can prevent it from significantly impacting your daily life and overall well-being.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Preventing the spread of acute upper respiratory infections protects your overall health and reduces the risk of complications down the line, highlighting the importance of preventive care.
• Overweight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses; it's a vital aspect of preventive care.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for preventing serious health problems later in life; regular monitoring can help identify and address hypotension before it causes complications.
• Wheezing: Preventive care includes monitoring for wheezing, as it could indicate asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases requiring timely intervention to prevent further damage.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of your comprehensive care, incision and drainage quickly addresses localized infections, improving your comfort and preventing severe illness.
• 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): 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: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Skin Screenings: A skin screening helps your doctor detect skin cancer early, when it's most treatable.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse: Intensive outpatient treatment helps people struggling with substance abuse overcome addiction through regular therapy sessions and support, preventing further health complications and improving overall well-being.

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. Rebecca Hemby 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 understanding their alcohol consumption and making gradual lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease, gaining confidence in their health journey.
• By understanding and implementing proactive skin care techniques, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing bedsores, ensuring comfort and preventing potential complications. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their well-being.
• By understanding their personal risk factors for venous embolism and thrombosis and making lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their chances of experiencing a serious health event, gaining peace of mind in their daily 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. Rebecca Hemby:

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

An internist, like Dr. Hemby, 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 adults can experience.

How does Dr. Rebecca Hemby manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Hemby excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your care team, coordinating specialists and managing medications to prevent interactions. Her focus is on your overall well-being and quality of life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Hemby's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers, as well as lifestyle counseling. We partner with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

Dr. Hemby and our team carefully review all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. We look for potential interactions and unnecessary prescriptions to simplify your treatment plan and ensure maximum effectiveness. We strive to create the most efficient and safest medication regimen for you.

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.

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

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

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Hemby's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and use medication when needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target. This multi-faceted strategy is tailored to each patient's individual needs.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Hemby and her team can help manage your type 2 diabetes. We offer comprehensive care, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin), and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

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

Dr. Rebecca Hemby, 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): 1154772416

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. Rebecca Hemby 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.