Dr. Stephen Dodson, MD

Dr. Stephen Dodson, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Melbourne, 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Please call (321) 434-1771 to confirm if Dr. Dodson is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Stephen Dodson, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL, affiliated with Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care centers on creating personalized, proactive strategies for maintaining health and well-being. Dr. Dodson understands the importance of preventive medicine and encourages patients to be active participants in their health journey. He is committed to ensuring his patients receive the highest quality of care and feel supported every step of the way. Dr. Stephen Dodson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness may indicate a problem like a vitamin deficiency or a more serious condition; proactive health screenings are essential for early diagnosis and management.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Regular checkups and proactive healthcare are key to detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) early, which allows for swift intervention to prevent future heart issues and improve your quality of life.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Don't let coronary artery disease (CAD) sneak up on you; regular checkups and a heart-healthy lifestyle are crucial for early detection and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.
• Chronic Pain: Understanding and addressing chronic pain is key to preventing its impact on your mental and physical health.
• Heart Disease: Comprehensive preventive care, including regular screenings and healthy habits, is essential for protecting your heart and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain can be an indicator of several conditions, highlighting the need for timely intervention to minimize potential long-term health risks.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD can be managed with treatment plans that address symptoms and reduce the severity of exacerbations, making it easier to breathe and live better.
• Stroke: Regular checkups with your internist are key to preventing stroke; these visits allow for early identification and management of potential risk factors.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function is essential for individuals at risk of developing hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease, allowing for timely intervention and preventing complications.
• Sepsis: Preventing sepsis starts with managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and heart disease that can increase your risk of infection, helping your body fight off infections more effectively.
• Hyperkalemia: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease is essential for preventing hyperkalemia, a serious electrolyte imbalance that can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Preventing further health problems starts with recognizing the signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT), which includes unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased physical activity, making regular wellness visits crucial.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• 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): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Thyroid Procedure: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a thyroid procedure can help identify and address any thyroid imbalances before they significantly impact your well-being.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): To improve joint health and reduce pain, consider PRP injections, a treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.

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. Stephen Dodson 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 addressing potential vitamin deficiencies, a patient proactively managed muscle weakness, reducing the risk of more serious underlying conditions and maintaining a high quality of life.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive heart health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing atrial fibrillation, gaining peace of mind about their cardiovascular well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing coronary artery disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Stephen Dodson:

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

An internist, like Dr. Dodson, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the medical 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. Stephen Dodson manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Dodson'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 (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle counseling to promote healthy aging and minimize health risks. We work in partnership with you to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Dodson 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 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.

Does Dr. Stephen Dodson provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Dodson and his team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and coordination with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless transition of care upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity throughout your stay.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

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

Dr. Dodson acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects affected by autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Dodson manages other health concerns, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

1350 Hickory St
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 434-1771

Dr. Stephen Dodson, 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): 1215324512

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. Stephen Dodson 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.