Dr. Steven Rivers, MD

Dr. Steven Rivers, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Lady Lake, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, he is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to helping patients understand and implement preventative measures to maintain optimal health.

Dr. Steven Rivers, MD is a family medicine physician in Lady Lake, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Ocala and UF Health the Villages Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments, and patients should call (352) 205-4302 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and approaches care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His dedication to preventive care and comprehensive well-being makes him a valuable resource for individuals seeking proactive health management. Dr. Steven Rivers provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Fever: Knowing how to monitor and manage a fever at home is vital to preventing unnecessary trips to the emergency room and maintaining your well-being.
• Outer Ear Infection: Protecting your ears from infections starts with simple practices like keeping water out and cleaning them gently, preventing discomfort and potential complications.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): An enlarged prostate, a common condition as men age, can be managed through regular checkups and lifestyle changes to prevent urinary problems and other complications.
• Hypercalcemia: Regular check-ups and monitoring of your calcium levels are crucial for preventing hypercalcemia and its potentially damaging effects on your heart and kidneys.
• Perimenopause: Understanding perimenopause, the time before menopause, is key to preventing potential long-term health issues, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, by taking steps to manage symptoms and mitigate risks.
• Hip Sprain: A hip sprain, often caused by sudden twisting or impact, highlights the importance of maintaining good posture and strengthening exercises to prevent falls and injuries.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can signal underlying respiratory issues; early detection through regular checkups helps prevent serious complications like asthma attacks or lung infections.
• Acute Pharyngitis: Regular check-ups with your family doctor can help detect and manage underlying issues that might increase your risk of developing acute pharyngitis.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia can significantly impact nutrition and overall health; proactive management, often involving a multidisciplinary approach, improves quality of life and reduces the risk of malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia.
• Bronchitis: Early detection of bronchitis symptoms, such as a persistent cough, can help your doctor determine the best treatment approach and prevent the development of more serious lung complications.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Managing risk factors like stress and dehydration can help prevent sinus tachycardia and maintain a healthy heart rhythm, contributing to your overall well-being.
• Joint Pain: Addressing joint pain promptly can help prevent the progression to chronic conditions, improving your overall quality of life and reducing the need for extensive treatment.

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

• Geriatric Assessment: Take charge of your health as you age! A geriatric assessment helps screen for common age-related issues, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Take control of your perimenopause and menopause journey with a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address potential symptoms and health risks.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: An oral glucose tolerance test is a simple blood test that helps check your body's ability to use sugar, allowing for early detection and management of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): This simple exam can help find prostate cancer in its early stages, potentially saving your life.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Take charge of your well-being with STI testing; it's a simple step that can prevent serious long-term health problems associated with undetected infections.
• Melanoma Screening: Protect your skin and your health by scheduling regular melanoma screenings; early detection is key to successful melanoma treatment.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Take a proactive step toward better mobility; a wheelchair evaluation helps identify the most suitable chair to maintain your comfort and independence.
• Psychological Evaluation: Proactive mental health care starts with a psychological evaluation, which can help detect early signs of emotional distress, paving the way for effective treatment and improved quality of life.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Prioritize your mental and physical health with a confidential screening for alcohol and substance misuse. This proactive step can help you build a healthier lifestyle and prevent future problems.
• Chronic Care Management: Take control of your health by working with your doctor to create a personalized plan to manage chronic illnesses.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: A quick urine test, dipstick urinalysis helps your doctor check for early signs of urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and diabetes, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious complications.
• VAP Lipid Testing: Make informed decisions about your heart health with VAP Lipid Testing. This important screening can reveal elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels, enabling you to take steps to improve your cardiovascular health.

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. Steven Rivers 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:

• Knowing how to monitor and manage a fever at home, a family felt empowered to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room, fostering a sense of calm and control during health challenges.
• By following a proactive cleaning routine and seeking early intervention for any irritation, a family successfully avoided recurring outer ear infections, enjoying a summer of carefree swimming and outdoor activities.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Steven Rivers:

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

Dr. Rivers and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for all ages. We focus on the whole person, managing your health and the health of your family, from prevention to coordinating all aspects of your care.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Rivers is a key opportunity to build a strong partnership with us. 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. Steven Rivers is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're well provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your history and can offer faster, personalized care if needed. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

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

Dr. Steven Rivers and our team 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 help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Rivers works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This plan includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life, establishing a long-term partnership.

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. Rivers for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary depending on age and health conditions. Common vaccines include the annual flu shot, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and others for specific conditions like shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Steven Rivers and his team will ensure you receive the recommended vaccines based on the latest guidelines.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Steven Rivers and our practice offer comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care conveniently in one place.

1503 Buenos Aires Blvd
Lady Lake FL 32159
Phone: (352) 205-4302

Dr. Steven Rivers, 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): 1477589950

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. Steven Rivers 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.