Dr. Steven Smith, MD

Dr. Steven Smith, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He practices at his clinic in New Port Richey, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, 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. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to creating a supportive environment where you, the patient, feel empowered to take an active role in your health journey. Please call (727) 869-4100 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Steven Smith, MD is an internist in New Port Richey, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1992 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With over 30 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 is affiliated with Desoto Memorial Hospital and South Florida Baptist Hospital, providing comprehensive and accessible care to the community. Dr. Smith is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, emphasizing patient-centered care, and ensures a supportive environment for proactive health management. He 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:

• Obesity: Managing obesity effectively can significantly lower your risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Preventing kidney damage from diabetes starts with early detection and careful management of your blood sugar and blood pressure to reduce long-term complications.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early detection and management of tobacco use disorder can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
• Thyroid Goiter: Managing a goiter effectively through medication or other treatments prevents it from growing larger and causing discomfort or impacting other bodily functions.
• Hypothyroidism: Managing hypothyroidism effectively through medication and lifestyle changes prevents the development of severe symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Understanding your risk factors and adopting preventative measures, like dietary changes, can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of reflux esophagitis episodes.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medical guidance, preventing more serious complications.
• Acute Sinusitis: While acute sinusitis isn't always preventable, recognizing its symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention helps minimize the duration and severity of the infection and prevents potential complications.
• Urinary Incontinence: Managing urinary incontinence through preventive strategies and medical intervention helps safeguard your overall health, dignity, and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting or straining, empowers you to take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing them and maintain healthy bowel habits.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Catching a common cold early can prevent it from turning into something more serious, like pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures.
• Abdominal Pain: Addressing abdominal pain promptly can prevent the progression of chronic conditions that might otherwise negatively impact your 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• 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: This easy test checks for hidden blood in your stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, giving you the chance to take action and protect your health.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.
• Excision of Cyst: Protecting your overall health, cyst excision is a simple procedure that eliminates a potential source of skin irritation and possible infection.
• Suicide Intervention: Protecting your mental health involves open conversations about suicide risk; early intervention can save lives and offer crucial support.

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 working with a healthcare provider to create a personalized plan, a patient successfully managed their weight, reducing their risk of developing serious health issues and feeling more energetic and confident.
• By closely monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure, a patient proactively reduced the risk of kidney damage from diabetes, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By proactively addressing tobacco use, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing future respiratory problems and enjoyed improved overall 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 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 various medical conditions that affect 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, carefully managing your medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on 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 strategy. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to each patient's individual risk factors. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. Dr. Smith can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent it from getting worse. These changes can significantly improve your liver health.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Smith's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key aspects include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This comprehensive approach helps patients age healthily and confidently.

Does Dr. Steven Smith provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Smith sees patients in the hospital as part of our team, ensuring smooth transitions between the hospital and outpatient care. He works closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to coordinate care, providing seamless support during your hospital stay. This collaboration guarantees the best possible continuity of care for all our patients.

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 (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against these common but potentially severe conditions.

9912 Little Rd
New Port Richey FL 34654
Phone: (727) 869-4100

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): 1457328635

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.