Dr. Vandana Centa, DO

Dr. Vandana Centa, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in New Port Richey, FL. She 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. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to helping you understand your health needs and actively participate in your well-being. Please call (727) 869-4200 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Vandana Centa, DO is an internist in New Port Richey, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Midwestern University in 1993 and earned her medical degree there. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Centa is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing the best possible care and understands the importance of clear communication and proactive participation. Dr. Vandana Centa provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rash: A rash, even if seemingly minor, could signal an underlying health issue, making early detection through regular checkups crucial for preventing complications.
• Confusion: Confusion is sometimes an early warning sign of conditions like dementia or stroke, highlighting the importance of proactive health management to mitigate risks.
• Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is crucial for preventing obesity and its associated health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis is crucial in preventing neurogenic bladder, a bladder dysfunction stemming from nerve problems; proactive health management is key.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues. Preventive care helps you identify and address it effectively.
• Actinic Keratosis: Protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure is crucial to prevent actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin lesion that can be effectively managed with early detection and treatment.
• Sleep Apnea: Preventing serious health problems later in life starts with addressing sleep apnea; its early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of developing other chronic conditions.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Through regular blood tests and a balanced diet, your internist can help you manage your risk of vitamin B deficiency and maintain optimal health.
• Chronic Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain may indicate an underlying condition; seeking preventive care from your internist can help identify and manage the root cause, improving your long-term health.
• Low Back Pain: Addressing low back pain promptly with your doctor helps you avoid the development of more severe issues like nerve damage or spinal stenosis.
• Overweight: Being overweight increases your risk for many health problems, so early detection and management are key to preventing serious complications later in life.
• Arthritis: Understanding your risk factors for arthritis and proactively addressing them with your internist can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.

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. Vandana Centa 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• 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.
• Muscle Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a muscle biopsy can help screen for underlying muscle diseases, allowing for early intervention and improved long-term health.
• Post-Operative Care: Proactive post-operative care helps you recover smoothly and swiftly, minimizing complications and ensuring a faster return to your normal activities.
• Treatment of Mood Disorders: Regular assessment and treatment of mood disorders reduces the risk of complications and helps you maintain a positive outlook.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Blood allergy testing provides a comprehensive overview of your potential allergies, enabling you to make informed lifestyle choices and prevent severe reactions.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Proactively assess your risk of heart disease with HeartAware's convenient online screening tool, and work with your doctor to create a personalized prevention plan.

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. Vandana Centa 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:

• Recognizing a persistent rash early, a patient sought prompt medical attention, leading to the identification of a treatable condition and preventing further complications. This proactive approach ensured a swift resolution and restored the patient's comfort and well-being.
• By proactively managing their health through regular checkups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of confusion-related issues, gaining peace of mind and a more confident outlook on their future.
• By following a personalized diet and exercise plan, a patient successfully maintained a healthy weight, reducing their risk of obesity-related health problems and gaining a renewed sense of well-being.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Vandana Centa:

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

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

How does Dr. Vandana Centa manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Centa excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive and effective management of your health needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Centa's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This partnership involves key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors and lifestyle. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive measures and ongoing support.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Centa and her team emphasize vaccinations as a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important to protect against these common, yet serious, health concerns.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often caused by smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Dr. Centa's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure goal through a multi-faceted strategy, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication as needed.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Centa excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and coordinating all your healthcare for maximum effectiveness.

9912 Little Rd
New Port Richey FL 34654
Phone: (727) 869-4200

Dr. Vandana Centa, 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): 1881607000

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. Vandana Centa 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.