Dr. Steven Smith, MD

Dr. Steven Smith, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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. Dr. Smith, a Fort Myers Primary-Care Physician, is your primary partner in health, connecting you to a healthier life. He serves adults (18 years and older). While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (239) 215-4064 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1993 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His care philosophy centers on fostering a strong patient-physician relationship, promoting proactive health choices, and ensuring accessible, high-quality medical care. He understands the importance of preventive health and works closely with his patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diabetes Type 1: Preventive care for type 1 diabetes involves working closely with your doctor to develop a personalized plan that addresses blood sugar control, nutrition, and regular health monitoring to maintain overall well-being.
• Outer Ear Infection: Preventing outer ear infections starts with keeping your ears dry and clean to avoid complications like hearing loss.
• Polyuria: Polyuria can be a warning sign of several conditions, making regular health screenings essential for early diagnosis and timely intervention to preserve your health.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Managing allergic conjunctivitis through proactive strategies like allergen avoidance and medication can help prevent frequent flare-ups and chronic eye problems.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Regular monitoring of your lung function is crucial for managing COPD, helping you catch problems early and avoid hospitalizations.
• Limb Pain: Don't ignore persistent limb pain; it might be a warning sign of a treatable condition, emphasizing the importance of routine check-ups.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through lifestyle modifications and medication, if needed, prevents the progression to more severe esophageal conditions.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may signal a more serious health problem, so early detection through regular medical evaluations is crucial.
• Limb Swelling: Managing limb swelling effectively prevents further complications like infections or decreased mobility, highlighting the importance of regular health assessments with your doctor.
• Radiculopathy: Addressing underlying conditions that increase your risk for radiculopathy, such as diabetes or spinal stenosis, is crucial for preventative care and avoiding debilitating pain and reduced mobility.
• Torticollis: Early detection of torticollis can prevent long-term neck pain and mobility issues, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for 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. Steven Smith 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 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.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manometry: To ensure your digestive system is functioning optimally, manometry assesses the strength and coordination of your esophageal and bowel muscles, potentially preventing serious complications down the line.

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. Steven Smith 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 meticulously tracking blood sugar levels and adhering to a personalized nutrition plan, a patient proactively managed their risk factors for type 1 diabetes, achieving a sense of empowerment and peace of mind.
• By diligently following a proactive ear care routine, a patient successfully avoided the discomfort and potential complications of an outer ear infection, enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed potential polyuria issues, gaining valuable 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. Steven Smith:

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

An internist, like Dr. Smith, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the diverse medical conditions common in adults.

How does Dr. Steven Smith manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Smith excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on improving your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Smith's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as discussions about lifestyle choices. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Smith will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Smith's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We will work with you to monitor your A1c levels, prescribe oral medications or insulin as needed, and provide counseling on diet and exercise to help prevent long-term complications like eye, kidney, and nerve damage.

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. Smith will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal 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.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that can make breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

13691 Metro Pkwy Ste 420
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 215-4064

Dr. Steven Smith, 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): 1912034984

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. Steven Smith 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.