Melissa Smith, APRN

Melissa Smith, APRN is a Family Medicine Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner practicing at HCA Florida Capital Primary Care-Bannerman in Tallahassee, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Family Medicine care. 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 serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 894-2401 to schedule.

Dr. Melissa APRN, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner caring for patients in Tallahassee, Florida, graduated from Simmons University in Boston, MA with an MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner and brings over 10 years of nursing experience to her practice. She believes in close collaboration with patients and evidence-based guidance to achieve the best possible outcomes. A member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau honor society and Tallahassee Chapter, Council of Advanced Practice Nurses, and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Melissa APRN is passionate about preventive care and empowering her patients to take control of their health. She is married with two boys and is excited to be part of the Tallahassee community. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Dr. Melissa APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Ear Infections: Taking steps to prevent chronic ear infections, such as practicing good hygiene and managing allergies, is crucial for maintaining optimal ear health.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition; consistent management of diabetes through medication and lifestyle choices helps prevent this emergency.
• Priapism: Understanding the risk factors for priapism, such as certain medications and blood disorders, is essential for preventive care.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Regular health screenings and prompt medical attention can help catch systemic vasculitis early, a condition that inflames blood vessels and, if left untreated, can lead to significant organ damage.
• Animal Bite: Seeking medical attention after an animal bite helps ensure appropriate wound care, preventing lasting damage and promoting faster healing.
• Hirsutism: As part of your comprehensive preventive care plan, discuss any concerns about unusual hair growth with your doctor to receive appropriate testing and management strategies, thus preventing potential complications.
• Vocal Cord Polyp: Protecting your vocal cords through healthy lifestyle choices and early detection of issues like polyps can prevent serious voice problems down the line.

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

• Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services provide a vital screening for oral cancers and other health issues that often manifest in the mouth, enabling timely interventions.
• Ultrasound, Endoanal: To ensure optimal digestive health, an endoanal ultrasound is a valuable tool that helps your doctor visualize the rectal and anal areas, aiding in early diagnosis of various conditions.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Don't wait for symptoms – a PAD screening enables early detection of peripheral artery disease, helping to maintain your mobility and quality of life.
• Excision of Esophageal Lesion: Taking proactive steps towards better esophageal health, an excision of an esophageal lesion helps detect and remove potentially cancerous or precancerous growths early.
• Bursal Drainage: To prevent persistent joint problems, bursal drainage is a minimally invasive procedure that removes fluid buildup, reducing pain and inflammation for improved joint function.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking proactive steps with a bile duct procedure helps ensure the healthy flow of bile, crucial for digestion and overall well-being.
• Vaginal Surgery: Addressing vaginal health concerns through surgery can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.

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. Melissa APRN 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 addressing potential allergy triggers and practicing meticulous ear hygiene, a family significantly reduced their child's risk of recurring ear infections, fostering a more comfortable and healthy life.
• By consistently following a personalized diabetes management plan, a family felt empowered to proactively reduce their risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, ensuring a healthier future.

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. Melissa APRN:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Melissa APRN, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family and emphasizing prevention, while coordinating all aspects of your care.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Melissa APRN is a crucial opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform 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. Melissa APRN, even when you're healthy, is a valuable long-term investment in your well-being. Establishing a relationship with her now provides a crucial baseline for your health history, ensuring faster, more personalized care if you become ill. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

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

Dr. Melissa APRN and our team 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.

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

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

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

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

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Melissa APRN and our team can treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. We provide treatment options including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and may recommend joint injections or referrals to physical therapy as needed.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Melissa APRN and our team provide comprehensive men's health services. We discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and manage other men's health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

Hca Florida Capital Primary Care-Bannerman
3445 Bannerman Rd Ste 100
Tallahassee FL 32312
Phone: (850) 894-2401

Melissa Smith, APRN 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): 1194363093

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. Melissa APRN 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.