Kari Aughenbaugh, ARNP-BC

Kari Aughenbaugh, ARNP-BC is a Family Medicine provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a trusted partner in preventive health at Houck Dermatology in Estero, FL. 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. All ages, from newborns to seniors, are welcome. Please call (239) 390-3376 to confirm if Dr. Kari ARNP-BC is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kari ARNP-BC, a family medicine specialist in Estero, FL, understands the importance of proactive health management. She emphasizes the significance of preventative measures in maintaining optimal well-being throughout life. Her practice is centered on creating personalized strategies for each patient, recognizing that individual needs and circumstances vary. She is a strong advocate for patient education and actively involves patients in their own healthcare decisions, fostering a partnership built on trust and mutual understanding. While she provides consultations primarily in English, Dr. Kari ARNP-BC strives to make her care accessible and effective for all her patients.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kari ARNP-BC 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. Kari ARNP-BC 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. Kari ARNP-BC 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:

• Kidney Infection: Understanding your risk factors for kidney infections, such as urinary tract infections, enables proactive steps to minimize your chances of developing one.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can significantly impact your overall well-being, highlighting the need for proactive prevention strategies and prompt medical attention to avoid persistent symptoms.
• Dystonia: Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial for early detection of dystonia, enabling proactive management and potentially preventing long-term disability.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, which can be prevented by staying well-hydrated, especially during strenuous activity.
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent severe back pain and disability later in life.
• Hemochromatosis: If you have hemochromatosis, proactive monitoring and treatment—like phlebotomy—can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious health issues like liver cirrhosis or diabetes.
• Upper Extremity Infection: Managing an upper extremity infection promptly with appropriate treatment helps prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body or causing more serious problems.

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

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: To mitigate the effects of hormonal fluctuations and support bone health, consider talking to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.
• Diabetes Prevention: Protect yourself from the complications of diabetes by taking advantage of preventive screenings and lifestyle counseling designed to reduce your risk.
• Foreign Body Removal: Safeguarding your health starts with the timely removal of foreign bodies, preventing potential infections and complications.
• Fracture Care: A proactive approach to bone health, including appropriate screenings and lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce your fracture risk.
• Gynecologic Ultrasound: Schedule a gynecologic ultrasound to gain valuable insights into the health of your reproductive system. This non-invasive test can help detect issues early, paving the way for timely treatment and better long-term health.
• Salpingectomy with Robotic Assist: Consider a salpingectomy with robotic assist as a proactive step to remove your fallopian tubes, a preventative measure shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• ImPACT Testing: ImPACT testing is a computerized concussion evaluation that helps assess your risk of brain injury and guides safe return to activities after a head impact.

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. Kari ARNP-BC 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:

• By understanding their risk factors for urinary tract infections, a family proactively implemented lifestyle changes, significantly reducing their chances of developing a kidney infection and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their risk factors and implementing preventive measures, a family proactively managed potential chronic sinusitis, enjoying a more comfortable and healthy lifestyle.

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. Kari ARNP-BC:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Kari ARNP-BC, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person and family 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. Kari ARNP-BC is a crucial opportunity to partner with us and review your health history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss 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. Kari ARNP-BC, even when you're healthy, is a valuable long-term investment. Establishing a relationship with her now provides a crucial baseline for your health history. This allows for faster, more personalized care if you get sick and ensures you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Kari ARNP-BC 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 seamless transition and integration of all aspects of your health.

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

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

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Yes, Dr. Kari ARNP-BC performs many common skin procedures in the office, including removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses. This allows you to address these issues conveniently and efficiently with your primary care doctor.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Kari ARNP-BC works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

How does Dr. Kari ARNP-BC approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Kari ARNP-BC understands that mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being. We provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss concerns like anxiety or depression, offering initial assessments and management of common medications. Referrals to therapists or psychiatrists are coordinated when necessary.

Houck Dermatology
10201 Arcos Ave Ste 203
Estero FL 33928
Phone: (239) 390-3376

Kari Aughenbaugh, ARNP-BC 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): 1427545292

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. Kari ARNP-BC 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.