Dr. Richard Fox, DO

Dr. Richard Fox, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Tamarac, 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. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1995, and completed an internship at Botsford General Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and currently welcomes new adult (18 years and older) patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 721-2200 to schedule.

Dr. Fox's practice is rooted in a deep understanding of the individual needs of each patient, acknowledging the complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environment in shaping health outcomes. His care philosophy emphasizes the importance of a thorough understanding of a patient's full medical history, including past and family history, to create a comprehensive medical profile. He believes in continuity of care, striving to provide personalized attention both within the office and during hospitalizations, whenever possible, to ensure the highest quality of care and minimize potential misdiagnosis. Dr. Fox is committed to providing consultations primarily in English. He is 48 years old, graduated from Michigan State University for both undergraduate and medical school, has been practicing for 22 years, and is board certified and current with all continuing medical education requirements.

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

• Emphysema: Emphysema, a lung disease causing shortness of breath, is often preventable through proactive measures like quitting smoking and avoiding air pollution, emphasizing the critical role of preventive care in preserving lung health.
• Insomnia: By proactively managing insomnia, you can reduce your risk of accidents, improve cognitive function, and enhance your ability to cope with stress, promoting long-term health.
• Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Maintaining healthy phosphorus levels through regular checkups and a balanced diet can prevent serious health problems down the line.
• Ataxia: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can help detect ataxia early, reducing the risk of falls and long-term disability associated with this balance disorder.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Understanding your risk for sickle cell disease, through genetic testing if needed, can help you and your doctor create a plan to manage the condition and prevent complications.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as sexual activity or anatomical factors, allows for proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing one.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke; proactive management through diet and medication can significantly lower this risk.
• Fever: Early detection of fever is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding your overall health.
• Strep Throat: Early detection of strep throat is crucial for preventing complications like rheumatic fever and kidney disease, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention.
• Venous Insufficiency: Prevent the progression of venous insufficiency by prioritizing proactive measures such as wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Preventing blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), is crucial for maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications like strokes or heart attacks.
• Mild Asthma: Managing your mild asthma effectively through preventive measures, such as medication and avoiding triggers, significantly reduces your chances of developing more severe respiratory issues.

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 Fox 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: To prevent serious infections, sometimes a simple procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection is necessary – a key part of your overall health plan.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps you and your doctor work together to prevent worsening of chronic conditions, improve your quality of life and avoid future health crises.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization: Immunizations help safeguard you from infectious diseases, reducing your risk of severe illness and complications.
• Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps identify potential weight-related health concerns early, allowing for timely intervention and improved long-term health outcomes.
• Physical Examination: Invest in your health with a thorough physical; this check-up allows your doctor to monitor your overall health, assess your risks, and recommend personalized preventative measures.
• Urinalysis: Protecting your long-term health is easier with a urinalysis; this test helps detect early signs of kidney disease, bladder infections, and other conditions treatable with early intervention.
• Vaccination: Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.

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. Richard Fox 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 quitting smoking and consistently following a personalized air quality plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing emphysema, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain lung health.
• By establishing healthy sleep habits and lifestyle modifications, a patient found relief from insomnia, boosting their overall well-being and reducing their risk of future health concerns.
• By maintaining a consistent check-up schedule and a balanced diet, a patient effectively managed their phosphorus levels, preventing potential future health complications and enjoying greater peace of mind.

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. Richard Fox:

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

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

How does Dr. Richard Fox manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Fox excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens to prevent interactions, and focusing on improving your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Fox'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 (colorectal, breast, prostate), and ongoing discussions about lifestyle choices to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. We work in partnership with you to achieve your health goals.

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. Fox can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver issues.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Fox's practice is equipped to help manage type 2 diabetes comprehensively. We will monitor your A1c regularly, prescribe oral medications or insulin if needed, and provide counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

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 supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important to help protect against these common but serious health threats.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Fox will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

7171 N University Dr Ste 203
Tamarac FL 33321
Phone: (954) 721-2200

Dr. Richard Fox, 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): 1457336943

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. Richard Fox 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.