Laura Van Horn-Nelson, PA

Laura Van Horn-Nelson, PA is a Family Medicine Physician Assistant practicing at a clinic in Saint Augustine, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she's dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Family Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Laura PA is committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout each stage of life.

Dr. Laura PA, a family medicine specialist in Saint Augustine, FL, serves all ages, from newborns to seniors. She's deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Recognizing the importance of proactive health management, she prioritizes personalized care plans and emphasizes the significance of early detection and intervention for optimal well-being. Please call (904) 819-1500 to confirm if Dr. Laura PA is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Laura PA provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Goiter: Regular monitoring of your thyroid gland can help detect a goiter early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing the risk of long-term health issues.
• Larynx Conditions: Addressing underlying conditions that may affect your larynx through proactive healthcare helps safeguard your vocal health and overall well-being.
• Herpetic Keratitis: Herpetic keratitis is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, and early detection through regular eye exams can prevent vision loss.
• Pinched Nerve: Managing risk factors like obesity and inactivity can significantly reduce your chances of developing a pinched nerve, improving your overall musculoskeletal health.
• Knee Sprain: A knee sprain, often caused by sudden twisting or impact, highlights the importance of regular physical activity and proper exercise techniques to prevent injuries and maintain joint health.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) starts with good hygiene practices and recognizing symptoms early to avoid complications like kidney infections.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Regular blood tests and proactive healthcare visits can help detect primary biliary cholangitis early, enabling timely treatment to slow disease progression and maintain liver health.

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

• C-Section: A Cesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when a vaginal delivery isn't possible or safe, protecting both mother and child.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Ensure your long-term health by scheduling an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening; this test can detect a weakening of the aorta, allowing for timely intervention.
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be a tool to help manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and low libido associated with hormonal imbalances.
• Fibroid Tumor Surgery: Proactive management of uterine fibroids through surgery can prevent future infertility or pregnancy complications.
• Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing: Make informed decisions about your health by undergoing HPV DNA testing. This proactive measure screens for a virus that can cause various cancers, enabling early management.
• Steroid Injection: A steroid injection can proactively reduce inflammation and pain in your joints, helping you stay active and prevent long-term disability.
• Snoring Prevention: Your family doctor can help assess snoring's impact on your health and recommend strategies for better sleep and well-being.

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. Laura PA 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 scheduling regular thyroid screenings, a family proactively managed their risk of developing a goiter, ensuring peace of mind and the potential for timely intervention. This proactive approach allowed them to focus on other important aspects of their well-being.
• By understanding potential risk factors and adopting proactive lifestyle changes, a patient gained confidence in maintaining their vocal health and overall well-being. Early intervention, guided by a proactive healthcare plan, ensured a positive outcome for their larynx 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Laura PA:

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

A Family Physician, like Dr. Laura PA, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive medical care for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, managing health for the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Laura PA is a key opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals to support your health.

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

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Laura PA now, even if you're healthy, is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. Having a known baseline for your health history allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

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

Dr. Laura PA works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, including regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling, to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your well-being.

How does Dr. Laura PA approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Laura PA understands that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. We provide a safe and supportive environment for discussing anxiety or depression, offering initial assessments, managing common medications, and coordinating referrals to therapists or psychiatrists as necessary.

I'm traveling internationally. Can you help with travel vaccinations?

Dr. Laura PA can help you prepare for safe travel. We can review your itinerary, advise on necessary vaccinations like Typhoid or Hepatitis A, and provide prescriptions for preventive medications.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age and health conditions. Common vaccinations include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and others like shingles or pneumonia vaccines. Dr. Laura PA will ensure you receive the recommended vaccinations based on the latest guidelines.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Laura PA is experienced in providing comprehensive care for children and infants, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. We understand the importance of a single point of contact for the entire family, and are happy to care for your little ones.

300 Health Park Blvd Ste 3002
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 819-1500

Laura Van Horn-Nelson, PA 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): 1699774471

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. Laura PA 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.