Dr. Richard Edwards, DO

Dr. Richard Edwards, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands the vital role of preventive medicine in maintaining optimal health throughout life. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to providing the highest quality of care in a supportive environment. While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (727) 824-0780 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Richard Edwards, DO is a family medicine physician in Tampa, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. His experience at medical facilities such as AdventHealth Orlando and HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, combined with his deep understanding of Family Medicine, allows him to deliver compassionate care and a wealth of clinical knowledge. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their health. Dr. Edwards provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Esophagitis: Preventing complications from esophagitis, such as ulcers or scarring, involves prompt diagnosis and management, often through lifestyle modifications and medication.
• Urinary Stones: By proactively addressing risk factors for kidney stones, such as dehydration and certain dietary habits, you can significantly reduce your likelihood of experiencing painful episodes.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Preventing worsening symptoms of eczema and contact dermatitis through proactive avoidance of irritants and consistent treatment reduces the need for more intensive medical interventions later on.
• Thrush: Preventing the spread of thrush, especially among infants and those with weakened immune systems, is crucial for maintaining good preventive health.
• Rash: A rash, while sometimes harmless, can be a sign of an underlying condition, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing complications.
• Acute Pharyngitis: Preventing acute pharyngitis involves practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with those who are ill, thus lowering the risk of infection.
• Phimosis: Phimosis, or the inability to retract the foreskin, can be managed through proactive healthcare to prevent infections and complications later in life.
• Adhesive Capsulitis Shoulder: Regular exercise and physical therapy can prevent adhesive capsulitis by improving shoulder range of motion and reducing the risk of stiffness.
• Intertrigo: Intertrigo is a skin rash that develops in skin folds, and preventing it involves keeping these areas clean and dry to avoid infection and discomfort.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can significantly impact your overall well-being, highlighting the need for proactive prevention strategies and prompt medical attention to avoid persistent symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Early diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis is crucial; timely intervention, such as physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, helps slow disease progression and improve your quality of life.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be silently damaging your heart and blood vessels, so regular check-ups are vital for early detection and prevention of serious complications.

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

• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test helps assess the health of your joints by analyzing the fluid within them, aiding in the early detection and management of conditions like gout or osteoarthritis.
• Joint Drainage: To maintain healthy joints and prevent long-term complications, joint drainage can help diagnose and address underlying issues like infection or inflammation.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: Ensure your health by scheduling a Lyme disease evaluation; this assessment helps identify this tick-borne illness early, maximizing your chances of a full recovery.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Proactively assess your risk for heart problems with the convenient HeartAware online screening tool – a simple step towards a healthier heart.
• Hepatitis Screening: Investing in your health starts with a hepatitis screening; this simple test can help detect a potentially serious condition before it becomes life-threatening.
• Suture Removal: Getting your stitches removed allows your healthcare provider to check your wound's healing progress and address any potential complications.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Take charge of your liver health: Hepatitis B screening is a proactive step to identify infection and protect yourself from long-term complications.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Blood allergy testing helps identify specific substances that trigger allergic reactions, allowing you to proactively avoid them and prevent future symptoms.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a chlamydia screening – it's a simple test that can detect this common infection early, preventing potential long-term complications.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Ensure optimal health by scheduling a diabetic evaluation. This assessment screens for diabetes and related health risks, facilitating proactive care.
• Cancer Screening: Take charge of your health by scheduling recommended cancer screenings; early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Mole Evaluation: Early detection is key for skin cancer prevention: schedule a mole evaluation to assess your risk and ensure early intervention if needed.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Richard Edwards is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By making dietary changes and taking prescribed medications, a family reduced their risk of esophagitis complications, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By adjusting their diet and increasing water intake, a family significantly reduced their risk of painful urinary stones, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Richard Edwards:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Edwards and our team are family physicians, meaning we're primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for people of all ages. We focus on preventative care, treating the whole person, and coordinating all aspects of your family's health.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Edwards is a key opportunity to partner with him on your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Richard Edwards is a valuable investment in your long-term health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a baseline for your medical history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if you become ill. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain optimal health.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Dr. Edwards and our team can handle many common skin concerns right here in the office, such as removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, or draining skin abscesses. This convenient option allows you to address these issues with your primary care physician.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Edwards and our team can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Edwards' practice provides comprehensive men's health services. He discusses the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and manages other men's health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Edwards will only order tests appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Edwards and our team regularly perform sports physicals for children and teens. This isn't just a form to sign; it's a comprehensive assessment of their overall health, identifying potential risks, and ensuring they are ready for a safe and successful season.

5130 Sunforest Dr Ste 300
Tampa FL 33634
Phone: (727) 824-0780

Dr. Richard Edwards, 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): 1700270675

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Richard Edwards 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.