Dr. Sara Rushing, MD

Dr. Sara Rushing, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She is currently welcoming new patients, adults (18 years and older), to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 862-1111 to schedule.

Dr. Sara Rushing, MD is an internist in Fort Walton Beach, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of Alabama At Birmingham in 1997 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with medical facilities HCA Florida West Hospital and HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Dr. Rushing is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify underlying conditions contributing to leg cramps, preventing them from impacting your daily activities.
• Shingles: Getting the shingles vaccine is a crucial preventive measure to protect yourself from this painful viral infection and its potential long-term complications.
• Prostatitis: Understanding your risk factors for prostatitis, such as urinary tract infections or certain lifestyle choices, helps in proactive management and minimizes your chances of developing this condition.
• Diarrhea: While some diarrhea is mild and self-limiting, persistent or severe diarrhea necessitates medical attention to identify and treat the root cause, thereby preventing long-term health issues.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): By carefully monitoring potential DVT symptoms and promptly seeking treatment, we can significantly reduce the chance of serious health issues.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting or straining, empowers you to take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing them and maintain healthy bowel habits.
• Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom might indicate an issue with your kidneys, bladder, or prostate; early intervention can prevent complications.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Regular checkups and monitoring of magnesium levels can help your doctor identify and manage any imbalances before they lead to chronic health issues.
• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; proactive healthcare and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce its impact and prevent associated health issues.
• Anaphylaxis: By understanding your risk factors for anaphylaxis and taking proactive steps like carrying medication and creating an action plan, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a severe reaction.
• Tension Headache: Tension headaches can be a sign of underlying issues; proactive healthcare helps prevent these headaches from disrupting your daily life and affecting your overall health.
• Esophagitis: Regular health screenings and attention to symptoms like heartburn can help detect esophagitis early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing complications like strictures or Barrett's esophagus.

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. Sara Rushing 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 lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): A PAD screening helps detect narrowed arteries in your legs and feet early, preventing serious complications like amputation and improving your quality of life.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse: Intensive outpatient treatment helps people struggling with substance abuse overcome addiction through regular therapy sessions and support, preventing further health complications and improving overall well-being.
• Suboxone® Treatment: Suboxone® treatment can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improving your ability to participate in therapy and lead a fulfilling life free from opioid addiction.

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. Sara Rushing 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 check-ups and discussing lifestyle factors, a patient identified and addressed potential causes of sleep-related leg cramps, improving their sleep quality and daily comfort.
• Knowing the importance of proactive health, a patient chose to get the shingles vaccine, significantly reducing their risk of developing this painful viral infection. This preventive measure brought peace of mind, allowing them to confidently embrace a healthy future.
• By understanding their risk factors for prostatitis and making healthy lifestyle choices, a patient proactively managed their well-being, significantly reducing the possibility of developing the condition.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Sara Rushing:

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

An internist, like Dr. Rushing, 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 affecting adults.

How does Dr. Sara Rushing manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Rushing excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing medications to prevent interactions, and prioritizing the patient's overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Rushing's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers, as well as lifestyle counseling to promote healthy aging. We partner with you to minimize health risks and optimize your well-being.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Rushing and her team can help manage your type 2 diabetes through a comprehensive approach. This includes regular A1c monitoring, appropriate medications (oral or insulin), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Rushing 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.

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

Dr. Rushing plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Rushing manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, providing comprehensive care.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

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

Cholesterol screening is essential for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Rushing will order the test and thoroughly explain your results, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, and how they relate to your personal risk.

1000 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 862-1111

Dr. Sara Rushing, 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): 1295793586

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. Sara Rushing 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.