Dr. Richard Timmons, MD

Dr. Richard Timmons, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Largo, FL. As a partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, he understands that internists are your primary partners in lifelong health. He creates comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), serving adults (18 years and older). Dr. Timmons is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (727) 584-7706 to schedule.

Dr. Richard Timmons, MD is an internist in Largo, FL, with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1976 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital. His practice is limited to outpatient internal medicine, with a special interest in clinical lipidology. While he utilizes the services of a hospitalist for inpatient care, his commitment to preventative care and comprehensive patient management is evident in his extensive experience and dedication to his patients and their families. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and early diagnosis through regular checkups with your internist can help manage symptoms and prevent disability.
• Back Pain: Understanding the causes of your back pain and adopting preventive measures, such as proper posture and exercise, can help avoid long-term complications.
• Joint Pain: Addressing joint pain proactively, whether through physical therapy or medication, is a key part of comprehensive preventive care and improves your quality of life.
• Acidosis: Regular blood tests are crucial for detecting acidosis early, as prompt treatment can prevent its progression into serious complications affecting your heart, kidneys, and other vital systems.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive blood pressure monitoring to catch it early and reduce long-term health risks.
• Heart Disease: Comprehensive preventive care, including regular screenings and healthy habits, is essential for protecting your heart and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Osteoporosis: Managing osteoporosis effectively involves identifying risk factors like low calcium intake and family history, then working with your doctor to implement preventive measures and treatment to protect your bones.
• Radiculopathy: Preventing further progression of radiculopathy, which involves compressed nerves in your back or neck, requires consistent monitoring and management, emphasizing the need for regular health screenings.
• Dizziness: Preventing serious health issues starts with addressing symptoms like dizziness. Your internist can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate preventive strategies.
• 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.
• Sciatica: Preventing chronic back pain and potential sciatica involves maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and practicing good posture to reduce the risk of nerve compression.
• Hypercalcemia: High blood calcium levels, if detected early, can prevent serious kidney problems and bone weakening.

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 Timmons 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: Prevent health crises by proactively managing your multiple medical conditions with a coordinated care approach focused on early diagnosis and intervention.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening helps identify high cholesterol levels early, allowing for proactive lifestyle changes and medication to prevent heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Take charge of your bone health with an osteoporosis screening – it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of debilitating fractures later in life.
• Thyroid Screening: A thyroid screening helps detect imbalances in your thyroid hormones early, preventing potential long-term health issues.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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 Timmons 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 scheduling regular checkups and discussing potential risk factors, a patient proactively managed their symptoms and maintained a high quality of life, preventing potential long-term complications associated with fibromyalgia.
• By understanding the causes of their back pain and incorporating preventive exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain frequency and improved their overall quality of life.
• By incorporating regular exercise and a tailored dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced their joint pain and improved their mobility, leading to a more active and fulfilling 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Richard Timmons:

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

An internist, like Dr. Timmons, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the many conditions affecting adults.

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

Dr. Timmons excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Timmons' approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate). We partner with you to proactively minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Does Dr. Richard Timmons provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Timmons works closely with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care upon admission and discharge. This coordinated approach maintains continuity of care and provides comprehensive support during your hospital stay.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Timmons plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Timmons manages other health aspects affected by these conditions, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Timmons will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their impact on your personal risk.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Timmons will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

1301 2nd Ave SW Fl 4
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 584-7706

Dr. Richard Timmons, 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): 1295770808

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 Timmons 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.