Dr. Valaree Smith, DO

Dr. Valaree Smith, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. She 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. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to providing exceptional care for each individual. Please call (816) 806-5311 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Valaree Smith, DO is a family medicine physician in Tampa, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a focus on prevention and comprehensive care to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with HCA Florida South Shore Hospital. Dr. Smith is fellowship trained in geriatric medicine, blending clinical skill with a warm and understanding approach to serve the elderly. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anxiety: Untreated anxiety can impact your overall health, so early detection and management through preventive care are crucial for a better quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; proactive management, including identifying potential risk factors, may prevent significant complications later in life.
• Overweight: Even a modest weight loss can significantly reduce your risk factors for various chronic diseases, making preventive care focused on healthy weight essential.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) starts with good hygiene practices and recognizing symptoms early to avoid complications like kidney infections.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Hip osteoarthritis can significantly impact mobility and daily activities, making preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your muscles essential to delay its onset or slow its progression.
• Immune Disorders: Strengthening your immune system through preventative measures like vaccinations and stress management can help reduce your susceptibility to immune-related illnesses.
• Neuropathy, Motor and Sensory: Neuropathy, affecting both sensation and movement, is often linked to underlying conditions like diabetes; proactive health screenings can help us catch and manage it before it worsens.

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

• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Take control of your breast health: genetic screening can reveal inherited gene mutations that significantly increase your breast cancer risk, enabling early intervention.
• Joint Fluid Test: Taking a proactive step towards joint health, a joint fluid test can detect early signs of arthritis or other conditions, enabling timely interventions.
• Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation is a simple step towards preventing melanoma and other skin cancers by identifying abnormal moles.
• Syphilis Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a syphilis screening – it's a simple test that can detect this treatable infection early, preventing serious long-term complications.
• Patch Testing: Take charge of your skin health with patch testing – it's a simple test that identifies allergens, helping you prevent irritating rashes and other allergic reactions.
• VAP Lipid Testing: VAP Lipid Testing is a valuable tool for assessing your risk of heart disease and stroke. By identifying potential problems early, you can work with your doctor to implement lifestyle changes or medical treatments to reduce your risk.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that measures your bone density, helping you proactively prevent osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
• Home Sleep Study: Take charge of your health by undergoing a convenient home sleep study to detect sleep apnea and other sleep disorders that can lead to serious health problems.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: A chest pain evaluation is a vital check-up that helps rule out or diagnose conditions affecting your heart and lungs, promoting better health outcomes.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: Empower your child's mental health with a preventative psychiatric evaluation; this assessment screens for emotional or behavioral difficulties, providing early intervention and support.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Take control of your sexual health with a simple gonorrhea test – early detection through screening can significantly reduce the risk of infertility and other serious health issues.
• Mammography: Protecting your future starts with preventive screenings like mammograms, which can significantly improve your chances of survival if breast cancer is detected.

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. Valaree Smith 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:

• Recognizing early warning signs of anxiety and developing a proactive coping strategy with guidance, a patient found relief and improved their overall well-being, leading to a more positive outlook on daily life.
• By understanding and addressing potential risk factors for joint pain, a family proactively implemented lifestyle changes, significantly reducing their concerns about future complications and enjoying greater mobility.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Valaree Smith:

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

Dr. Valaree Smith and her team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive healthcare for all ages, from newborns to seniors. They focus on the whole person and the entire family's health, emphasizing prevention and coordinating all aspects of care.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Valaree Smith is a key opportunity to build a partnership with her. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion of personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Valaree Smith, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship with her when you're well provides a crucial baseline for your health history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if needed, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Smith and our team routinely perform sports physicals for children and teens. We use this opportunity to assess their overall health, identify potential risks, and ensure they are ready for a safe sports season.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Valaree Smith's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. She discusses the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and manages other men's health concerns like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Smith will only order tests appropriate for your age and risk factors.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Smith, as your family physician, acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, she will make the referral and coordinate care with the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration of all aspects of your health.

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

Dr. Valaree Smith's practice provides comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care conveniently in one location.

4200 W Cypress St Ste 690
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (816) 806-5311

Dr. Valaree Smith, DO 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): 1003050337

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. Valaree 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.