Dr. Scott Kennedy, MD

Dr. Scott Kennedy, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Clearwater, FL. He 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. He is committed to helping adults (18 years and older) achieve their best possible health outcomes through a collaborative and evidence-based approach. Please call (727) 460-9991 to confirm if Dr. Kennedy is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Scott Kennedy, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 2005 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a collaborative partnership built on evidence-based medicine. Dr. Kennedy provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Abdominal Pain: Understanding and managing the causes of abdominal pain through preventive care ensures better long-term health and quality of life.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Preventing blood clots in your legs, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is crucial to avoid serious complications like pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• 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.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Early detection of DVT is vital for preventing serious complications, so talk to your doctor about your risk factors and any symptoms you might be experiencing.
• Dyslipidemia: Managing dyslipidemia through lifestyle changes and/or medication helps reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions in the future, thereby improving your long-term health.
• Hidradenitis: Early detection and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa are crucial for preventing chronic pain, extensive scarring, and potential secondary infections, emphasizing the role of preventive healthcare.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Regular HIV testing is crucial for early detection, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent the development of AIDS and related complications.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a preventable condition; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lower your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication, when needed, helps prevent serious health problems like kidney failure and vision loss later in life.
• Itchy Skin: Itchy skin might signal a problem like a skin allergy or even a systemic condition, making early evaluation a key part of preventive health strategies.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing your lipid levels is key to preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications later in life.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly helps manage your risk of contracting STDs and protects your overall 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. Scott Kennedy offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Integrative Behavioral Health Care: Take a proactive step towards better health by integrating mental and emotional wellbeing into your physical healthcare plan, improving your overall health outcomes.
• HIV Screening: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; an HIV screening is a crucial preventative measure that can significantly improve your health outcomes.
• Employment Physical Examination: An employment physical exam proactively checks your overall health to ensure you're fit for work and helps identify potential health issues early.
• Bone Scan: A bone scan is a painless test that helps detect problems in your bones, such as fractures, infections, or tumors, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
• 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.
• Management of VNS Devices for the Treatment of Epilepsy: By proactively managing your VNS therapy, we can work together to reduce the impact of epilepsy on your daily life.
• Bursa Injection: To proactively manage joint pain and improve mobility, a bursa injection can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

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. Scott Kennedy 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 triggers of their abdominal pain and making dietary adjustments, a patient experienced a significant reduction in discomfort, achieving a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing potential DVT risk factors with a personalized plan, a patient gained confidence in their ability to maintain good health and avoid serious complications. This proactive approach enabled the patient to enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free lifestyle.
• By understanding the causes of their back pain and practicing proper posture, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and avoided the need for more extensive interventions. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a fulfilling and 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Scott Kennedy:

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

An internist, like Dr. Kennedy, 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 health issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Scott Kennedy manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Kennedy's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers, tailored to individual risk factors. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive measures and lifestyle recommendations.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, appropriate oral medications or insulin, and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses, especially for older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix (for shingles), and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting against these common but serious conditions.

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 health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

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

Dr. Kennedy acts as a central coordinator for your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Kennedy ensures comprehensive care by addressing other potential health concerns related to autoimmune diseases.

Does Dr. Scott Kennedy provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Kennedy works closely with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care for patients admitted to the hospital. This collaboration ensures continuity of care from your initial visit to your discharge. He actively participates in your hospital stay through regular communication with the hospitalist team.

2655 Ulmerton Rd
Clearwater FL 33762
Phone: (727) 460-9991

Dr. Scott Kennedy, 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): 1245318351

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. Scott Kennedy 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.