Dr. Wyndall Blankenship, MD

Dr. Wyndall Blankenship, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Valparaiso, 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. Dr. Blankenship serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 678-6621 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Blankenship earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1992 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Keesler Medical Center in 1996. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and on the Medical Staff at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital, specializing in Internal Medicine. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Dr. Wyndall Blankenship provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Proper management of magnesium metabolism disorders through diet, medication, or supplements, as directed by your physician, helps prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Early detection of herpes simplex infection can prevent serious complications like eye infections or encephalitis, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups with your internist.
• Peripheral Autonomic Neuropathy: Managing risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure is crucial for preventing or slowing the progression of peripheral autonomic neuropathy.
• Hyperkalemia: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease is essential for preventing hyperkalemia, a serious electrolyte imbalance that can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection of intestinal diverticulosis, even if asymptomatic, allows for preventive strategies like dietary adjustments, helping maintain gut health.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Quitting tobacco products is a key step in preventive care, reducing your risk of numerous health problems and improving your long-term health outlook.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Managing a vitamin B deficiency effectively prevents further health issues, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, and heart problems.
• Fever: Early detection of fever is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding your overall health.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Careful foot care, including regular inspections and prompt attention to any wounds, can be extremely effective in preventing the formation of leg and foot ulcers and their associated complications.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Protecting your hip and thigh joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to maintain a healthy weight and bone density.
• Hernia: Managing your weight and engaging in regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing a hernia, contributing to your overall preventive healthcare plan.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Don't ignore persistent gas and bloating; it could be a sign of a more significant health problem, making preventive care and early detection key to better long-term outcomes.

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. Wyndall Blankenship 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Chronic Care Management: Prevent serious health issues down the road by participating in Chronic Care Management – it's a proactive approach to managing your health.
• Diabetes Counseling: Ensure optimal blood sugar levels and prevent long-term health problems by participating in diabetes counseling.
• 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: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Obesity Counseling: Partner with your physician to receive personalized advice and support to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, preventing future health complications.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• 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. Wyndall Blankenship 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 following a personalized plan for magnesium metabolism, a patient experienced improved energy levels and reduced muscle cramps, leading to a greater sense of well-being.
• By proactively scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns with their internist, a patient maintained excellent health and reduced the risk of herpes simplex complications, achieving peace of mind.
• By diligently managing blood sugar and blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing peripheral autonomic neuropathy, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make informed lifestyle choices.

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. Wyndall Blankenship:

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

An internist, like Dr. Blankenship, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Wyndall Blankenship manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Blankenship excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to prevent interactions, and focusing on improving your overall quality of life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Blankenship's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients 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 individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that supports your overall well-being.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Blankenship 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.

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 ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the buildup of fat in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Blankenship can help you make important lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet adjustments, to prevent it from getting worse.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Blankenship plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases by coordinating overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Blankenship manages other health aspects like heart, kidney, and bone health, ensuring comprehensive care.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

120 S John Sims Pkwy Ste A
Valparaiso FL 32580
Phone: (850) 678-6621

Dr. Wyndall Blankenship, 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): 1336132570

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. Wyndall Blankenship 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.