Dr. Richard Kruger, MD

Dr. Richard Kruger, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Naples, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands that 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, with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (239) 777-4149 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Kruger, MD is a family medicine physician in Naples, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1981. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to patient care is deeply rooted in collaborative efforts and emphasizes the importance of a supportive relationship, enabling patients to become active participants in their health journeys. Dr. Kruger provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Barbiturate Abuse: By proactively discussing substance use with your doctor, you can receive the support and resources needed to prevent or manage barbiturate abuse and improve your overall health.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore persistent abdominal pain; early detection of problems like appendicitis or gallstones can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the severity of potential complications.
• Aspergillosis: Protecting yourself from exposure to mold and damp environments can significantly reduce your risk of contracting aspergillosis.
• Acute Prostatitis: While not always preventable, early diagnosis of acute prostatitis through proactive healthcare and open communication with your doctor can minimize the severity of symptoms and complications.
• Nasopharyngitis: While nasopharyngitis, or the common cold, often resolves on its own, understanding its symptoms and seeking medical advice when necessary is crucial for preventing secondary infections and ensuring timely recovery, contributing to your overall well-being.
• Oral or Facial Cleft: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for preventing and managing complications associated with oral or facial clefts throughout life.
• Cleft Lip and Palate: Understanding the risk factors associated with cleft lip and palate can help families make informed decisions to reduce the likelihood of this condition affecting their children.

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

• 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 breathing problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting your heart starts with an EKG. This painless test helps identify hidden heart problems, allowing for early intervention and preventing future complications.
• Sacroiliac Joint Injection: To address persistent lower back pain, a sacroiliac joint injection can help diagnose its origin and potentially alleviate discomfort, improving your overall quality of life.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Take control of your perimenopause and menopause journey with a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address potential symptoms and health risks.
• Bladder Scan: A bladder scan is a quick, non-invasive test that measures how much urine is left in your bladder after you urinate, helping detect potential bladder or prostate problems.
• Newborn Metabolic Screening: Protecting your baby's future starts with newborn metabolic screening, a vital test that identifies potential metabolic conditions before symptoms appear.
• Pancreatectomy (incl. Pancreas Transplant and Whipple Procedure): While not a routine screening, a pancreatectomy is a life-saving surgery for certain pancreatic diseases, allowing for timely intervention and a healthier future.

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 Kruger 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 openly discussing potential substance use concerns with their family physician, a patient proactively developed a plan to manage stress and avoid the temptation of barbiturates, ensuring a healthier future.
• A family experienced significant relief when proactive monitoring of abdominal pain allowed for early detection of a treatable condition, minimizing potential complications and restoring 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Richard Kruger:

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

A family physician is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Kruger is a key opportunity to build a strong partnership with our practice. 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 Kruger, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're well provides a crucial baseline for your health history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if you become unwell. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Kruger and our team frequently treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

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. Kruger will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

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

Dr. Kruger and our staff 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 provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Kruger is experienced in providing comprehensive care for infants and children, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members simplifies care coordination and ensures continuity of care for every stage of life.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Kruger and our team routinely perform sports physicals for children and teens. It's more than just a form; we thoroughly assess their health, identify potential risks, and ensure they're ready for a safe and successful season.

9791 Autumn Haze Dr
Naples FL 34109
Phone: (239) 777-4149

Dr. Richard Kruger, MD 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): 1699957514

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 Kruger 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.