Dr. Thomas Applegate, MD

Dr. Thomas Applegate, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Riverview, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 302-8388 to schedule.

Dr. Thomas Applegate, MD is a family medicine physician in Riverview, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences in 2007 and is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Applegate provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arthritis of the Neck: Managing neck arthritis effectively, through appropriate treatment and self-care, can prevent further damage and slow down its progression.
• Hydrocele: Regular visits with your family doctor are vital for preventive care, including detecting a hydrocele, a fluid sac around the testicle, early to avoid future problems.
• 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.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Early detection of sinus bradycardia is crucial for preventing long-term heart problems, ensuring a healthier and more active life.
• Diabetes Type 1: While Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented, early detection through regular checkups is key to starting timely treatment and minimizing the risk of serious health problems later in life.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Protecting your lungs from COPD starts with avoiding smoking and managing other risk factors like air pollution exposure; regular check-ups can help catch the disease early.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Catching a common cold early can prevent it from turning into a more serious infection, highlighting the importance of preventive self-care like rest and hydration.
• Diabetes Type 2: Understanding your risk factors for type 2 diabetes and taking proactive steps to manage them can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Polyneuropathy: Understanding your risk factors for polyneuropathy, such as diabetes or alcohol abuse, is key to preventive care, enabling early detection and management to minimize long-term nerve damage.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can significantly impact your overall well-being, highlighting the need for proactive prevention strategies and prompt medical attention to avoid persistent symptoms.
• Nosebleed: Protecting yourself from nosebleeds starts with identifying potential risk factors like dry air or nasal irritants, improving overall health and reducing potential health complications.
• Malnutrition: Early identification of malnutrition can prevent complications such as weakened immunity and slower healing. Prioritize a balanced diet and consult your doctor for concerns.

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

• Dementia Evaluation: A dementia evaluation helps detect early signs of cognitive decline, allowing for timely intervention and potentially slowing its progression.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Take a proactive step towards better health by getting your sleep evaluated – we can identify and treat sleep disorders to improve your overall well-being.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Early detection of urinary tract infections is key, and a bacteriuria screening is a crucial tool for achieving this, helping you stay healthy and comfortable.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Early detection saves lives: the fecal occult blood test is a non-invasive screening tool that can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Proactively assess your risk of breast cancer through genetic testing; understanding your genetic predisposition empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Early detection of allergies is key; blood allergy testing helps identify potential triggers early on, so you can prevent reactions before they develop into serious issues.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Invest in your heart health by undergoing an arrhythmia screening, which can help diagnose and manage irregular heartbeats before they become severe.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: A Lyme disease evaluation is a crucial preventive measure to identify the presence of this potentially debilitating illness before it progresses.
• Drug Allergy Testing: As part of your comprehensive health plan, consider drug allergy testing to proactively identify and manage potential medication sensitivities and ensure safer treatment.
• Vaginosis Screening: Proactive vaginal health: this screening helps identify bacterial vaginosis, a common infection that can lead to discomfort and complications if left untreated.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a valuable tool for proactive heart health management, offering a visual assessment of your heart to aid in early detection of diseases and improve your overall wellbeing.
• Mammography: Regular mammograms are a powerful tool for early detection of breast cancer, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes.

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. Thomas Applegate 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:

• By understanding their neck pain risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient effectively managed potential arthritis, ensuring a healthier, more active lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain comfort and mobility.
• By scheduling regular checkups, a family proactively addressed potential hydrocele concerns, gaining peace of mind and ensuring early detection for optimal health management.

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. Thomas Applegate:

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

Dr. Applegate and our team are family physicians, meaning we're primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on the whole person and family's health, managing all aspects of your care, and emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Applegate is a crucial opportunity to partner with him in maintaining your health. 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?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Applegate when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline for your health. This allows him to know your medical history and provides faster, more personalized care if you become ill. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

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

Dr. Applegate's practice provides comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This makes it convenient for women to receive both primary and gynecologic care in one location.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Applegate is experienced in providing comprehensive care for infants and children, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members simplifies care coordination and ensures continuity of care.

How does Dr. Thomas Applegate approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Applegate recognizes mental health as crucial to overall well-being. Our practice provides a supportive environment for discussing anxiety and depression, offering initial assessments and management of common medications. We can also coordinate referrals to therapists or psychiatrists as needed.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Applegate and our team are experienced in treating joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

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

Dr. Applegate's practice 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.

6901 Simmons Loop
Riverview FL 33578
Phone: (813) 302-8388

Dr. Thomas Applegate, 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): 1023109261

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. Thomas Applegate 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.