Dr. Ricardo Navarro, DO

Dr. Ricardo Navarro, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Lake Wales, FL, 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. Navarro, a local physician with over 5 years of experience, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and earned his medical degree from Lecom in 2015. He is currently welcoming new adult patients (18 years and older) to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (863) 949-6541 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Navarro's approach to medicine is rooted in the philosophy that the body possesses remarkable healing abilities. He strives to educate patients on their conditions in a clear and understandable manner, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures and a healthy lifestyle. He believes that a combination of evidence-based medicine and a focus on nutrition can not only extend lifespan but also enhance its quality. Dr. Navarro provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Common Cold: Promptly addressing cold symptoms, especially if they worsen or persist, helps avoid unnecessary complications and ensures that you don't develop other health issues.
• Gastroparesis: Regular check-ups with your internist can help identify and manage gastroparesis before it causes significant problems, thus promoting better overall health.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Careful foot care, including regular inspections and prompt attention to any wounds, can be extremely effective in preventing the formation of leg and foot ulcers and their associated complications.
• Fibromyalgia: Managing fibromyalgia effectively, through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions discussed with your physician, is key to preventing its progression and associated complications.
• Laryngitis: Protecting your voice through early detection of laryngitis can prevent it from becoming a chronic problem and impacting your daily life.
• Constipation: Preventive health measures, including regular hydration and fiber intake, are crucial for preventing and managing constipation, thus avoiding future complications.
• Obesity: Obesity is a preventable condition; with proper guidance and support, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improving your overall well-being.
• Radiculopathy: Preventing further progression of radiculopathy, which involves compressed nerves in your back or neck, requires consistent monitoring and management, emphasizing the need for regular health screenings.
• Sleep Apnea: Don't underestimate the impact of sleep apnea on your long-term health. Managing this condition through lifestyle changes and/or medical treatment can prevent many serious complications.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: If you experience that irresistible urge to move your legs, especially at night, it could be RLS, so it's important to talk to your doctor to prevent long-term issues.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Don't ignore persistent or severe headaches; proactive evaluation can lead to early intervention and improved quality of life.
• 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.

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

• Spirometry: Protecting your lungs starts with a spirometry test; it's a quick way to screen for conditions like asthma and COPD before they become severe.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Thyroid Screening: Take charge of your health with a thyroid screening; it can identify problems like an underactive or overactive thyroid before noticeable symptoms appear.
• 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.
• INR Monitoring: Regular INR monitoring helps keep your blood thinner medication at the right level, preventing dangerous blood clots or excessive bleeding.
• 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.
• Urinalysis: A simple urine test, a urinalysis can proactively identify potential kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and other health issues before they become serious.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Diabetes Screening: Diabetes screening helps detect high blood sugar levels early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening is a proactive step towards a healthier heart, helping to identify high cholesterol and enabling timely treatment to reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Rapid Flu Test: Don't wait to feel better – a rapid flu test offers early diagnosis of influenza, facilitating timely treatment and potentially reducing the severity and duration of illness.

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. Ricardo Navarro 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 how to recognize and address early cold symptoms, a patient avoided potential complications and maintained a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured their well-being and prevented further health concerns.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their gastroparesis, minimizing potential complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By meticulously inspecting their feet and promptly addressing minor cuts, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing leg and foot ulcers, ensuring continued mobility and comfort.

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. Ricardo Navarro:

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

An internist, like Dr. Navarro, is a primary care doctor specializing 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. Ricardo Navarro manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Navarro excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens to prevent interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Navarro's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are integrated into the plan. This collaborative partnership empowers patients to actively participate in their health management and promote healthy aging.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Navarro's practice offers comprehensive type 2 diabetes management, including regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Dr. Navarro acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Navarro manages other health concerns, including heart health, kidney function, and bone density, for comprehensive care.

Does Dr. Ricardo Navarro provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Navarro provides comprehensive care for hospitalized patients, coordinating with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care throughout their stay. This collaboration ensures a seamless experience from admission to discharge.

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

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

2433 Highway 60 W
Lake Wales FL 33859
Phone: (863) 949-6541

Dr. Ricardo Navarro, 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): 1346628971

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. Ricardo Navarro 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.