Dr. Tolliver Higgins, MD

Dr. Tolliver Higgins, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at Winter Park Intrnl Mdcne in Winter Park, 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. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 645-2334 to schedule.

Dr. Tolliver Higgins, MD is an internist in Winter Park, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University in 1974 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Tolliver Higgins provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Difficulty With Walking: Maintaining your ability to walk is important for your overall health. Preventive care helps identify and address issues that can lead to walking difficulties, preserving your quality of life.
• Gait Abnormality: Addressing gait abnormalities early prevents falls and related injuries, improving your overall health and quality of life.
• Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Associated Celiac Disease: Because autoimmune thyroid disease and celiac disease often coexist, proactive testing and management improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of debilitating symptoms.
• Chronic Urticaria: Chronic urticaria, or hives that last longer than six weeks, can significantly impact your quality of life, so early detection and proper management from your internist are crucial for preventing long-term discomfort and complications.
• Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic mitral stenosis can restrict blood flow through your heart, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue; preventive care, including early diagnosis and management, improves quality of life and prevents severe complications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Managing GERD effectively, with medication or lifestyle changes, prevents serious complications like Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.
• Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia: Microcytic hypochromic anemia means your red blood cells are smaller and paler than normal, often indicating a deficiency that can be prevented with early screening and dietary adjustments.

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

• Cholesterol Screening: Take charge of your heart health with a cholesterol screening: it measures your cholesterol levels to detect potential risks and guide personalized prevention strategies.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Diabetes Screening: Take a proactive step towards better health with a diabetes screening; it can identify prediabetes, giving you time to make lifestyle changes.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a proactive step towards better health, providing insights into your liver function and supporting early diagnosis of liver issues.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Don't wait for a fracture to address bone health concerns; osteoporosis screening provides early detection of bone thinning, helping you take steps to strengthen your bones.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Taking a proactive step towards your health, a prostate cancer screening can identify potential issues before they become serious health concerns.
• Thyroid Screening: Ensure your thyroid is functioning optimally with a screening test; early detection of thyroid disorders can significantly impact your overall 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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Tolliver Higgins 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 addressing potential mobility issues early, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future walking difficulties, maintaining their independence and enjoying a higher quality of life.
• By addressing gait issues proactively, a patient significantly reduced their risk of falls, boosting confidence and independence in their daily life.
• By proactively addressing potential autoimmune thyroid and celiac disease connections, a patient significantly reduced the risk of debilitating symptoms and gained valuable peace of mind.

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. Tolliver Higgins:

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

An internist, like Dr. Higgins, 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 many medical conditions adults may experience.

How does Dr. Tolliver Higgins manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Tolliver Higgins excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, managing complex medications, and focusing on your overall well-being. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive and effective care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Higgins and our team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to your individual needs and risk factors. We emphasize lifestyle modifications and healthy habits to support long-term well-being.

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

Dr. Higgins's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted strategy, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed. The goal is to achieve a safe blood pressure that protects your long-term health.

Does Dr. Tolliver Higgins provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Higgins coordinates care for hospitalized patients, ensuring a smooth transition from our clinic to the hospital and back. He works closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to provide comprehensive and continuous care throughout your stay. This collaborative approach ensures seamless transitions and optimal patient outcomes.

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

Dr. Higgins and our team take a careful and thorough approach to medication management, including a process called polypharmacy management. We regularly review all of a patient's medications to check for potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most simple and effective treatment plan.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Tolliver Higgins 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.

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 (Prevnar 20/Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this age group. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common illnesses.

Winter Park Intrnl Mdcne
1855 Hollywood Ave
Winter Park FL 32789
Phone: (407) 645-2334

Dr. Tolliver Higgins, 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): 1780797761

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. Tolliver Higgins 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.