Dr. Thomas Ball, MD

Dr. Thomas Ball, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. 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 is currently welcoming new adult patients (18 years and older) to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 343-8220 to schedule.

Dr. Thomas Ball, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Atlanta College Of Physicians & Surgeons in 1989 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Edward W Sparrow Hospital|Mi State University College Human Med. 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 Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with medical facilities such as Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Ball's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health. He understands the importance of preventive measures and proactive health management, making him a valued partner in your journey toward optimal well-being.

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

• Dizziness: Experiencing dizziness can be a sign of an underlying health issue, and early detection through regular check-ups with your internist can help prevent serious complications.
• Insomnia: Untreated insomnia can increase your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, highlighting the importance of early intervention for better overall health.
• Tonsillitis: Early detection and treatment of tonsillitis can prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential for identifying and managing DVT risk factors, helping to prevent this dangerous condition.
• Headache: Don't ignore persistent headaches; seeking medical attention allows for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing long-term health issues.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): By carefully monitoring potential DVT symptoms and promptly seeking treatment, we can significantly reduce the chance of serious health issues.
• Pneumonia: Regular health checkups, especially for those with underlying health conditions, can help detect pneumonia early and allow for effective management, minimizing long-term health consequences.
• Muscle Cramping: Regular check-ups with your internist allow for early detection of conditions that cause muscle cramping, enabling timely treatment and preventing long-term health issues.
• Limb Swelling: Limb swelling might indicate problems with your heart, kidneys, or circulation, making proactive monitoring and timely intervention crucial for managing your overall health.
• Hyperkalemia: Protecting your heart and preventing dangerous heart rhythms requires monitoring your potassium levels; early detection of hyperkalemia through regular checkups is key.
• Atherosclerosis: By adopting preventive measures like a balanced diet and regular physical activity, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis and its life-threatening complications.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Managing diabetes effectively is key to safeguarding kidney health; timely intervention through your internist helps avoid serious kidney complications and improves your quality of life.

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 Ball 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management provides ongoing support and monitoring to help you effectively manage existing chronic illnesses and prevent complications.
• Diabetes Counseling: Ensure optimal blood sugar levels and prevent long-term health problems by participating in diabetes counseling.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• 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.

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. Thomas Ball 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 scheduling routine check-ups and discussing any unusual dizziness with their internist, a patient identified and addressed an underlying condition early, preventing potential complications and restoring their sense of well-being.
• Recognizing the link between insomnia and potential chronic health risks, a patient proactively addressed their sleep concerns with a physician, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced overall health worries.
• By scheduling regular checkups, a patient proactively addressed potential tonsillitis issues, reducing the risk of serious complications and gaining peace of mind about their overall 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. Thomas Ball:

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

An internist, like Dr. Ball, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the healthcare of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Thomas Ball manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Ball'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). We work in partnership with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through lifestyle recommendations and appropriate interventions.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Several vaccines are crucial for older adults to protect against serious illnesses. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are key strategies for preventing complications in this age group.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Ball's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We prioritize a multi-faceted plan, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication as needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Ball 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.

Does Dr. Thomas Ball provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Ball and his team coordinate care for patients admitted to the hospital. They work closely with hospitalists to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care during your stay, from admission to discharge. This collaborative approach provides comprehensive and consistent medical management.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Ball carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan.

1569 Matthew Dr
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 343-8220

Dr. Thomas Ball, 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): 1679596795

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. Thomas Ball 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.