Dr. Richard Maza, MD

Dr. Richard Maza, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his Clearwater, FL clinic. 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. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to fostering a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine that empowers patients to take an active role in their health. Please call (727) 725-6170 to confirm if Dr. Maza is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Maza, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1969 and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments. With over 55 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 Ohio State University in 1969 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care emphasizes collaboration and evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Maza provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Anemia: Early detection of anemia through routine checkups is crucial as it helps prevent serious complications like fatigue, weakness, and potential organ damage.
• Enteritis: Enteritis, or inflammation of the intestines, can be prevented through good hygiene practices and a balanced diet, minimizing the risk of infection and ensuring healthy digestion.
• Kidney Infection: A kidney infection, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like kidney damage or sepsis, highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt treatment for optimal kidney health.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Managing erectile dysfunction is important for overall well-being and can improve your quality of life, highlighting the significance of proactive health management.
• Acute Pharyngitis: Understanding and addressing risk factors like exposure to sick individuals can help prevent acute pharyngitis and other infections, showcasing the role of preventative strategies.
• Influenza (Flu): Early detection of flu symptoms allows for prompt treatment, minimizing the duration of illness and preventing the spread to others.
• Hives: Hives, or urticaria, are itchy welts on the skin that can be a sign of an underlying allergy or other condition, making early detection crucial for preventing further complications.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, a common type of joint pain, can be better managed with early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and disability.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Maintaining healthy mineral balance is crucial for preventing long-term health problems such as osteoporosis and kidney stones; proactive testing and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce your risks.
• Rickets: Early detection of rickets in children is crucial to prevent skeletal deformities and long-term health problems, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups.
• Perimenopause: Managing perimenopause symptoms effectively, such as hot flashes and mood changes, improves overall quality of life and reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions associated with hormonal imbalances.

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

• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Take control of your complex health journey through integrated care plans that streamline your treatment and improve outcomes.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening helps identify high cholesterol levels early, allowing for proactive lifestyle changes and medication to prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Regular prostate cancer screenings are a vital part of preventive care for men, allowing for early detection and intervention.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test checks for hidden blood in your stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, giving you the chance to take action and protect your health.
• Pulmonary Function Test: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a pulmonary function test provides a snapshot of your lung health, allowing for early intervention and the prevention of serious lung diseases.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Protecting your health starts with prevention: an anemia and iron deficiency screening empowers you to identify and manage these common but treatable issues.
• Thyroid Screening: Proactive thyroid screening allows for early detection of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, enabling timely treatment and improved well-being.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver's health is key – a liver function test allows for early detection of liver disease, enabling timely intervention.
• Diabetes Screening: Protect your long-term health by undergoing diabetes screening; early detection is key to managing blood sugar and avoiding future health issues.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal 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. Richard Maza 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 the potential triggers of Restless Leg Syndrome and following a proactive plan, a patient experienced significant relief from disruptive nighttime symptoms, improving their sleep quality and overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their anemia, avoiding potential complications and feeling energized for daily activities.
• By following a personalized plan for hygiene and diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of enteritis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain digestive health. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy life without worry.

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 Maza:

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

An internist, like Dr. Maza, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the diverse medical issues common in adults.

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

Dr. Maza 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. Maza's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle counseling to promote healthy aging. We work in partnership with you to minimize health risks and maximize your well-being.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Maza 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.

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

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Maza and our 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 affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

Dr. Maza takes a careful and thorough approach to medication management, regularly reviewing all medications (polypharmacy management) to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

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. Maza can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent it from becoming more serious.

3253 N McMullen Booth Rd Ste 200
Clearwater FL 33761
Phone: (727) 725-6170

Dr. Richard Maza, 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): 1861490872

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 Maza 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.