Dr. Stephen Kreitzer, MD

Dr. Stephen Kreitzer, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at Sleep Disorders Consultants in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Dr. Kreitzer is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; call (813) 877-5337 to schedule.

Dr. Stephen Kreitzer, MD is a pulmonologist in Tampa, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Hawaii in 1969, followed by an internship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1972) and a residency in Pulmonology at the same institution (1974), further specializing with a fellowship at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (1978). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, fostering a collaborative and evidence-based approach to medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Kreitzer offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis, if left untreated, can lead to more serious respiratory problems, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for overall preventive health.
• Severe Asthma: Severe asthma, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious lung damage and life-threatening attacks, highlighting the importance of proactive treatment and regular check-ups to prevent complications.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Managing interstitial lung disease effectively involves working closely with your doctor to slow its progression and minimize the risk of severe complications, significantly improving your long-term respiratory health.
• Emphysema: Protecting your lungs from environmental irritants like pollution and managing risk factors like smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing emphysema.
• Pleural Effusion: By addressing underlying health issues and participating in regular check-ups, you can reduce your risk of developing a pleural effusion and maintain healthy lung function.
• Pneumoconiosis and Pneumonopathy: Early detection of pneumoconiosis and pneumonopathy, often through regular check-ups and workplace monitoring, is crucial to prevent irreversible lung damage and improve quality of life.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic pulmonary heart diseases, like pulmonary hypertension, can be better managed with early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Early detection of conditions that cause asphyxia and hypoxemia, like sleep apnea or COPD, through regular check-ups, can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent long-term lung damage.
• Wheezing: Wheezing is a symptom that shouldn't be dismissed; proactive management can help prevent serious lung complications and improve your quality of life.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious heart and lung complications.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Protecting your lungs from damage, particularly through avoiding smoking and managing respiratory infections, is key to preventing or delaying the onset of COPD.
• Acute Sinusitis: While not directly a lung condition, acute sinusitis can sometimes trigger or worsen underlying respiratory problems, highlighting the need for preventative care of all aspects of your respiratory system.

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 Kreitzer 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 test helps ensure your lungs are working efficiently by directly measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, aiding in early diagnosis of lung conditions.
• Bronchoscopy: For early detection and management of lung conditions, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine your airways directly and obtain tissue samples for testing, helping prevent the progression of diseases like lung cancer.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: As a proactive measure for lung health, a bronchoscopy with robotic assist offers a less invasive option for earlier detection of lung cancer and other lung diseases.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Take charge of your breathing and sleep health by using CPAP; it's a proven treatment to help prevent the long-term effects of sleep apnea.
• Respiratory Management: Take charge of your lung health with respiratory management, a proactive approach to identify and address potential breathing problems early.
• Sleep Study: A sleep study is a valuable tool for early detection of sleep apnea, a condition that can negatively affect lung function and increase the risk of other health problems.
• Thoracentesis: As part of your lung health journey, a thoracentesis helps doctors identify the cause of fluid buildup around your lungs through fluid removal and analysis, facilitating prompt treatment.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Stephen Kreitzer 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 Patient's life:

• By consistently following a proactive treatment plan, a patient effectively managed their chronic sinusitis, preventing further respiratory complications and achieving lasting relief. This proactive approach ensured a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
• By adhering to a proactive asthma management plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of severe asthma attacks, experiencing improved lung health and a greater sense of well-being.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Stephen Kreitzer:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They have expertise in a wide range of conditions, from asthma and COPD to lung cancer and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for certain high-risk individuals, typically those with a long smoking history and a specific age range. Early detection is crucial, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Kreitzer to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients with chronic lung disease breathe better, increase their strength and stamina, and improve their overall quality of life.

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, we can help. Quitting smoking is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Kreitzer can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and prescribing medications that can double or triple your chances of quitting successfully.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue thickens and scars over time, making breathing difficult. While the scarring can't be reversed, early diagnosis by a specialist like Dr. Stephen Kreitzer is key to starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically has reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually stemming from smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

No, the vast majority of small lung nodules are benign, often old scars from past infections. Dr. Kreitzer is an expert in evaluating nodules and will determine the best course of action, which is often just careful monitoring over time, based on the nodule's characteristics and your risk factors.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Many pulmonologists, like Dr. Kreitzer, are also board-certified in Critical Care Medicine. In the ICU, they lead the team managing critically ill patients, specializing in life-support and treating complex conditions.

Sleep Disorders Consultants
2919 W Swann Ave Ste 105
Tampa FL 33609
Phone: (813) 877-5337

Dr. Stephen Kreitzer, 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): 1659337491

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Stephen Kreitzer 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.