Dr. Richard Powell, MD

Dr. Richard Powell, MD is a Pulmonology specialist at Pulmonary Associates of Brandon in Brandon, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Dr. Powell is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (941) 491-1728 to schedule.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, Dr. Powell brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Powell earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1979, completing an internship at the University of South Florida. He then undertook residency training in Pulmonology and subsequently pursued fellowship training, both at the University of South Florida, deepening his expertise in this specific area of patient health. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Brandon Regional Hospital and HCA Florida South Shore Hospital. Our Practice delivers the highest quality medical care in the areas of Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep disorders in an environment of caring and compassion. Dr. Powell offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Richard Powell 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 Powell 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 Powell 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 preventable by avoiding smoking and managing existing respiratory conditions to prevent further damage.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): By recognizing the risk factors for COPD, such as long-term exposure to irritants, and taking steps to minimize those risks, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this chronic lung condition.
• Shortness of Breath: If you're short of breath, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and start treatment to prevent further lung damage or disease progression.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Preventing complications from chronic sinusitis involves proactive steps like recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention, contributing to better long-term respiratory health.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia is a serious condition that can be prevented through early diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, along with healthy lifestyle choices.
• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Preventing recurring blood clots in your lungs (chronic pulmonary embolism) involves understanding your risk factors and working with your doctor to manage them, reducing your chances of severe lung damage or even death.
• Bronchitis: Catching bronchitis early and managing it properly helps prevent serious complications like pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and prompt medical attention.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Rheumatoid lung disease is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that can affect your lungs, highlighting the importance of early and consistent management of rheumatoid arthritis to protect your respiratory health.
• Bronchiectasis: Recognizing and addressing risk factors, and getting regular checkups and treatment for bronchiectasis, is crucial for managing this chronic lung condition and preventing its progression, improving your long-term lung health.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Protecting your heart and lungs from chronic diseases starts with understanding your risks and taking steps to reduce them – early diagnosis is key for better long-term outcomes.
• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Protecting yourself from mycobacterial lung infections involves practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated when appropriate – this significantly reduces your risk and potential for chronic lung problems.
• Sleep Disorders: Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor about sleep disturbances can help identify and treat potential sleep disorders before they impact your lung health.

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 Powell 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): As a step towards preventing serious lung complications, this simple blood test assesses your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, helping your doctor understand your respiratory health.
• Bronchoscopy: For early detection and management of lung conditions, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine your airways directly and obtain tissue samples for testing, helping prevent the progression of diseases like lung cancer.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a proactive treatment for sleep apnea, helping to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep and promoting better health.
• Pulmonary Function Test: A pulmonary function test (PFT) measures how well your lungs are working, helping us catch potential problems early and prevent further damage.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management ensures you receive tailored treatment plans and guidance for managing and improving your breathing.
• Sleep Study: Improve your sleep and potentially prevent serious health complications by undergoing a sleep study; it assesses breathing patterns during sleep, detecting potential respiratory issues.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and improve your overall well-being with professional smoking cessation counseling designed to help you quit for good.
• Thoracentesis: Taking a proactive step in managing your lung health, a thoracentesis involves removing fluid from your lungs for analysis, potentially preventing complications and improving breathing.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Richard Powell 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 Patient's life:

• By consistently managing underlying respiratory conditions and avoiding smoking, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing emphysema, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to live life to the fullest.
• By understanding the environmental factors contributing to COPD risk, a patient implemented preventive strategies, significantly reducing their risk of developing the chronic lung condition. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently pursue an active lifestyle.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Richard Powell:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They are experts in conditions like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Powell to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in various parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Richard Powell is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help you breathe better, increase your strength and stamina, and improve your overall quality of life.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where Dr. Powell uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly inside your airways. This allows him to diagnose issues like lung infections, bleeding, or take a biopsy of suspicious areas, such as a lung nodule.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus and recurrent infections. Management focuses on preventing infections and clearing mucus from the airways to preserve lung function.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically involves reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually stemming from smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight study performed in a comfortable lab setting that monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify breathing disturbances.

Pulmonary Associates of Brandon
1723 S Kings Ave
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (941) 491-1728

Dr. Richard Powell, 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): 1780620963

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Richard Powell 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.