Kathy Decant, FNP-C

Kathy Decant, FNP-C is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart at Miramar Beach in Miramar Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. 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. Kathy FNP-C serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (850) 622-3393 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As an internal medicine specialist in Miramar Beach, FL, Dr. Kathy FNP-C is deeply invested in the well-being of her patients. Her practice prioritizes proactive health management, recognizing that prevention is a cornerstone of optimal health outcomes. This approach involves meticulous attention to preventative care, including personalized screening recommendations and the development of tailored health plans. Her commitment extends to coordinating care with other specialists as needed, ensuring comprehensive and holistic care. While Dr. Kathy FNP-C provides consultations primarily in English, she is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to her diverse patient population.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kathy FNP-C 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. Kathy FNP-C 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. Kathy FNP-C 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:

• Thoracic Disorders: Addressing underlying conditions and lifestyle factors can help avoid or delay the onset of debilitating thoracic disorders, ensuring better quality of life.
• Essential Tremor: Essential tremor, a common neurological condition causing shaking, can be better managed with early diagnosis, minimizing its impact on daily life and preventing further complications.
• Autoimmune Atherosclerosis: Protecting your heart and brain requires being aware of autoimmune atherosclerosis, a disease where immune system dysfunction damages blood vessels. Regular checkups and lifestyle modifications can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Shoulder Blade Pain: Ignoring shoulder blade pain could lead to chronic problems; proactive discussions with your doctor about this discomfort helps manage potential risks.
• Immobility: Immobility can lead to many health complications, so prioritizing mobility helps prevent falls, weakens bones, and decreases overall wellbeing.
• Liver Disease (Except Cancer, Hepatitis and Cirrhosis): Preventive care, including regular checkups and blood work, helps identify and address underlying liver issues (excluding cancer, hepatitis, and cirrhosis), allowing for timely intervention and a better outcome.
• Epstein-Barr Virus: While most people recover fully from EBV infection, proactive healthcare can help identify and address any potential complications that may arise, ultimately preventing future health 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. Kathy FNP-C offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Point of Care A1C Testing: Proactively monitor your blood sugar levels with a point-of-care A1C test, a simple screening that helps identify diabetes early and can significantly improve your long-term health outcomes.
• Outpatient Opioid Dependence Treatment: Make a positive change in your health by getting professional help for opioid dependence; outpatient treatment helps you regain control and avoid the serious consequences of addiction.
• Nuclear Cardiac Imaging: This non-invasive test offers a proactive assessment of your heart function, providing insights that can guide treatment decisions and help prevent future cardiovascular events.
• Drug Testing: Regular drug testing is a proactive step in managing complex chronic diseases, as substance use can worsen underlying conditions.
• Bone Scan: To ensure your skeletal system is healthy, a bone scan is a valuable tool to detect and monitor conditions such as bone cancer or metabolic bone disease, contributing to better long-term outcomes.
• Antibiotic Infusion: To proactively manage a severe infection, an antibiotic infusion delivers high concentrations of medication quickly, helping you recover faster and avoid long-term health issues.
• Injection Therapy: Injection therapy can proactively deliver essential medications or vaccines, helping prevent future illnesses and keeping you healthier for longer.

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. Kathy FNP-C 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 underlying respiratory issues and adopting a healthier lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future thoracic complications, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
• By understanding the early warning signs of essential tremor and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient was able to minimize the tremor's impact on daily activities and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed the patient to feel empowered and in control of their health.
• By understanding the risk factors for autoimmune atherosclerosis and making healthy lifestyle choices, a patient felt empowered to proactively reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular checkups and screenings provided peace of mind and a clear path toward maintaining cardiovascular health.

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. Kathy FNP-C:

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

An internist, like Dr. FNP-C, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the diverse and often complex health issues adults face.

How does Dr. Kathy FNP-C manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Kathy FNP-C has extensive experience managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

We partner with you to create a personalized, evidence-based plan for your preventive care. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to your individual needs and risk factors, to help minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Does Dr. Kathy FNP-C provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Kathy FNP-C coordinates care with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions upon admission and discharge. This collaborative approach provides continuity of care and ensures the best possible patient experience.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. FNP-C will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

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

Dr. FNP-C takes a careful and thorough approach to medication management, regularly reviewing all medications (polypharmacy management) to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. It's often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. FNP-C can help you make important lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver problems.

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. We will create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart at Miramar Beach
7720 US Highway 98 W Ste 350
Miramar Beach FL 32550
Phone: (850) 622-3393

Kathy Decant, FNP-C 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): 1427431295

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. Kathy FNP-C 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.