Dr. Stephen Swengros, MD

Dr. Stephen Swengros, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at our Lakeland, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (863) 680-7190 to schedule.

Dr. Stephen Swengros, MD is an internist in Lakeland, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He is affiliated with Lakeland Regional Medical Center and is accepting new patients. With over 40 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 earned his medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1984 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Medical College Penn in 1987, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Swengros is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Swengros provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sciatica: Preventing chronic back pain and potential sciatica involves maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and practicing good posture to reduce the risk of nerve compression.
• Cough: Catching a cough early and addressing its cause can prevent chronic respiratory problems and improve your overall health. Schedule a check-up with your doctor to discuss your concerns.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing your lipid levels is key to preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications later in life.
• Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and medication, preventing or delaying the onset of serious health issues such as blindness, nerve damage, and amputation.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Regular monitoring of your lung function is crucial for managing COPD, helping you catch problems early and avoid hospitalizations.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D levels can impact your overall well-being and increase the risk of various chronic diseases, making proactive monitoring essential.
• Ataxia: Because ataxia affects coordination and movement, proactive management involving physical therapy and medication, as advised by your internist, can improve quality of life and prevent serious falls.
• Muscle Cramping: Persistent muscle cramping could signal an underlying health issue, so addressing it promptly through preventive care can help avoid more serious problems.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Early diagnosis and treatment of reflux esophagitis are essential for preventing complications, ensuring a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
• Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy, or nerve root compression, can cause significant pain and disability, highlighting the importance of early detection through regular checkups to prevent long-term complications.
• Celiac Disease: Regular check-ups and proactive testing can help detect celiac disease early, enabling timely intervention and preventing the development of related conditions like anemia and osteoporosis.
• Chronic Pain: Understanding and addressing chronic pain is key to preventing its impact on your mental and physical 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. Stephen Swengros 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Diabetes Counseling: Proactively manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications through personalized diabetes counseling.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is a proactive checkup that helps identify potential health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious illnesses.

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 Swengros 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 incorporating regular exercise and maintaining good posture into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing sciatica, enjoying increased mobility and a greater sense of well-being.
• By addressing a persistent cough early, a patient avoided potential respiratory complications and enjoyed a healthier, more comfortable life. A proactive approach to managing the cough ensured a quicker recovery and reduced the risk of long-term issues.
• By understanding and proactively managing their lipid levels, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease, gaining confidence in their long-term health.

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 Swengros:

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

An internist, like Dr. Swengros, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing complex adult medical conditions.

How does Dr. Stephen Swengros manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

We take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to your individual needs and risk factors. We focus on lifestyle recommendations and early intervention to help you achieve optimal health.

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

Dr. Swengros works closely with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care for patients admitted to the hospital. This coordinated approach maintains continuity of care throughout your stay, from admission to discharge. We prioritize comprehensive and efficient medical management during your hospital stay.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Swengros excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Swengros will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting against potentially life-threatening complications.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Swengros 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.

2300 E County Road 540A
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 680-7190

Dr. Stephen Swengros, 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): 1932173002

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 Swengros 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.