Dr. Richard Wacksman, MD

Dr. Richard Wacksman, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in New Port Richey, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, he understands the vital role internists play in lifelong health. 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 and supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your well-being. Please call (727) 232-0644 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Wacksman, MD is an internist in New Port Richey, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and HCA Florida Largo Hospital. He earned his medical degree from University Of The West Indies Faculty Of Medicine (Cave Hill) and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. His approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that you receive the most effective and up-to-date care. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. Dr. Wacksman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Bacterial Sepsis: Sepsis develops from an infection, emphasizing the importance of preventing infections through vaccination and practicing good hygiene as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare.
• Constipation: Preventive health measures, including regular hydration and fiber intake, are crucial for preventing and managing constipation, thus avoiding future complications.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is often easily preventable through mindful hydration habits, protecting you from a range of health issues and improving your overall well-being.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can be a sign of underlying health issues, so early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent long-term complications.
• Urinary Incontinence: Preventing urinary incontinence involves identifying and addressing underlying conditions and risk factors, ultimately helping you maintain independence and improve your well-being.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• Leukoplakia: Early detection of leukoplakia through routine oral exams helps prevent its progression into more serious health problems, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.

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 Wacksman 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management provides ongoing support and monitoring to help you effectively manage existing chronic illnesses and prevent complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Lipid Profile: A lipid profile is a proactive step towards better heart health, providing valuable insights into your cholesterol levels and helping your doctor determine the best course of action to prevent heart disease.
• Acute Stroke Management: Acute stroke management focuses on minimizing brain damage and improving functional recovery through rapid diagnosis and targeted therapies.
• Facet Block: This procedure helps proactively identify and alleviate back pain stemming from the joints in your spine, improving your mobility and quality of life.
• Infusion Therapy: By choosing infusion therapy, you're investing in early disease management and preventing potential long-term complications associated with various medical conditions.

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 Wacksman 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 importance of vaccination and practicing meticulous hygiene, a patient proactively reduced their risk of bacterial sepsis, fostering a healthier and more secure future.
• By increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, a patient experienced a significant improvement in their digestive health, leading to a more comfortable and regular bowel routine.
• By consistently incorporating mindful hydration into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of dehydration-related health issues, gaining a renewed sense of well-being and confidence in their proactive health management.

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 Wacksman:

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

An internist, like Dr. Wacksman, 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 many medical conditions that affect adults.

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

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Wacksman's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's needs. This involves key screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), alongside lifestyle recommendations. We work in partnership with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. Dr. Wacksman can help you understand lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver issues.

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

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

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

Dr. Wacksman coordinates care with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions upon admission and discharge. This collaboration ensures continuity of care and the best possible outcomes for our patients.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

During your "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit, we'll create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective. This visit is a vital step in establishing a proactive health plan.

6804 Cecelia Dr
New Port Richey FL 34653
Phone: (727) 232-0644

Dr. Richard Wacksman, 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): 1538128137

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 Wacksman 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.