Dr. Sarah Smith, DO

Dr. Sarah Smith, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing the overall wellness journey for all ages, from newborns to seniors. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, ensuring a proactive approach to health management. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 947-9995 to schedule.

Dr. Sarah Smith, DO is a family medicine physician in New Port Richey, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Ohio University in 2001 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital, she is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. As part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams, Dr. Smith is proud to provide care for people ages 65+ and works to help patients reach their personal health goals, preventing health problems, and managing chronic conditions. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteoarthritis: By prioritizing joint health through regular movement, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can help prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis and reduce its impact on your daily activities.
• Insomnia: Regular sleep is fundamental to preventive health; recognizing and treating insomnia helps maintain your overall physical and mental wellness.
• Dysentery: Protecting yourself from dysentery involves safe water and food practices, minimizing exposure to contaminated areas, which is crucial for maintaining your digestive health.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Managing an enlarged prostate effectively, often through lifestyle modifications or medication, is key to preventing more severe urinary symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Esophagitis: Regular monitoring of your digestive health, coupled with prompt treatment for any heartburn or discomfort, helps prevent esophagitis from causing serious problems down the line.
• Diabetes Type 2: Early detection of type 2 diabetes is crucial to prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.
• Dehydration: Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet crucial step in preventing many health problems, from fatigue to more serious complications.
• Pollen Allergy: Managing your pollen allergy through preventative measures like medication and avoidance strategies can significantly reduce its impact on your overall health and well-being.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Addressing vitamin B deficiency is a vital aspect of preventive care, helping protect against fatigue, neurological problems, and other serious complications.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Regular check-ups and attention to any shoulder pain can help detect osteoarthritis early, enabling timely intervention to minimize the long-term effects on mobility and independence.
• Diverticulitis: Understanding your risk factors for diverticulitis, such as age and diet, is crucial for implementing preventive strategies and minimizing your chances of developing the disease.
• Low Back Pain: Managing low back pain through exercise, stretching, and ergonomic adjustments prevents disability and maintains mobility.

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

• Dementia or Depression Screening: Protecting your mental well-being starts with a simple screening for depression and dementia; early diagnosis can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Cholesterol Screening: Knowing your cholesterol numbers is key to preventing heart problems. A cholesterol screening provides this vital information, empowering you to take control of your cardiovascular health.
• Gonorrhea Screening: As part of your comprehensive preventive care, a gonorrhea screening is a vital tool for maintaining reproductive health and preventing the spread of this STI.
• Vaccination: Ensure your family's well-being by proactively scheduling recommended vaccines—it's a powerful tool in disease prevention.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Protect yourself from potential heart problems with an arrhythmia screening, which helps identify abnormal heart rhythms that may need attention.
• Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is a simple, early way to confirm pregnancy and allows for timely access to prenatal care.
• Joint Fluid Test: Taking a proactive step towards joint health, a joint fluid test can detect early signs of arthritis or other conditions, enabling timely interventions.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Regular prostate cancer screenings are a vital part of preventative care for men, potentially saving lives by detecting cancer in its earliest stages.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards better mental health; a psychiatric evaluation can help detect early signs of mental illness, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This evaluation ensures you receive the appropriate wheelchair to meet your needs, improving your mobility and reducing the risk of falls or other complications.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a trichomoniasis screening; this test helps identify an infection that, if left untreated, can lead to complications.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This simple test helps your doctor assess how well your adrenal glands are working, allowing for early detection and management of potential hormonal imbalances.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Sarah Smith is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 focusing on joint-friendly activities, a balanced diet, and weight management, a family proactively reduced their risk of osteoarthritis, enjoying greater mobility and a higher quality of life.
• By establishing a consistent sleep routine and incorporating relaxation techniques, a family found relief from persistent insomnia, improving their overall well-being and enjoying more restful nights.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Sarah Smith:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Smith and our team are family physicians, meaning we're primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. We focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of your care, from prevention to treatment.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Smith is a crucial opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Smith is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your history and can provide faster, more personalized care if needed. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Smith's practice can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Smith acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, she will not only make the referral but also coordinate with the specialist to ensure all aspects of your care are seamlessly integrated. This collaborative approach ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care.

I have multiple health issues. How do you coordinate my care?

Dr. Smith is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. She's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring your treatments and medications work together safely and effectively, and that your overall health plan is comprehensive.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Smith will work with you to create a personalized screening schedule, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing Dr. Smith for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

4111 Little Rd
New Port Richey FL 34655
Phone: (727) 947-9995

Dr. Sarah Smith, DO 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): 1154313997

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Sarah Smith 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.