Sarah Skechak, NP

Sarah Skechak, NP is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Pensacola, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She 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. She currently serves adults (18 years and older). While Dr. Sarah NP is not currently accepting new patients, prospective patients are welcome to call (850) 474-8200 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Sarah NP is an internal medicine specialist in Pensacola, FL. She is a dedicated partner in preventive health, focused on comprehensive care for adults. Her practice prioritizes creating individualized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex conditions. Dr. Sarah NP is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their health. She is not accepting new patients at this time, but potential patients can call (850) 474-8200 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Sarah NP provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alagille Syndrome: Managing Alagille syndrome effectively through consistent medical care can help prevent serious liver disease, heart issues, and other long-term complications.
• Constrictive Pericarditis: Early diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is crucial to prevent the condition from progressing to heart failure, emphasizing the role of preventive health measures and routine screenings for early identification of the disease.
• Frostbite: Protecting yourself from extreme cold weather through appropriate clothing and limiting exposure is essential for preventing frostbite and its associated health issues.
• Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Early diagnosis of chronic glomerulonephritis through routine screenings and appropriate lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of life-altering complications.
• Mitochondrial Diseases: Mitochondrial diseases impact cellular energy levels, and while they can't be cured, comprehensive preventative care, including regular blood tests and genetic counseling, can help mitigate their effects.
• Autonomic Dysreflexia: Preventing complications from autonomic dysreflexia requires prompt identification of symptoms and immediate treatment, emphasizing the role of preventative healthcare and close monitoring.
• Subdural Hemorrhage: Understanding the symptoms of a subdural hemorrhage and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for preventing long-term complications and improving the chances of a full recovery; preventive care includes education about such warning signs.

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

• Esophageal pH Monitoring: Esophageal pH monitoring is a simple test that helps detect the cause of heartburn and acid reflux, allowing for early intervention and preventing long-term damage.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Regular diabetic eye exams are vital for preventing vision complications from diabetes, ensuring you maintain your eyesight for years to come.
• Pacemaker Therapy for Heart Failure: To proactively manage your heart failure, your doctor may recommend a pacemaker to regulate your heartbeat and reduce your risk of serious complications.
• Nerve Destruction by Neurolytic Agent: This procedure uses a neurolytic agent to carefully destroy damaged nerves, offering long-term relief from chronic neuropathic pain as part of your overall health strategy.
• Anesthesia: Before undergoing a surgical procedure, anesthesia helps to manage pain and keep you safe throughout your operation.
• Neurolytic Nerve Block: If you're struggling with intractable pain, a neurolytic nerve block might be an effective option to explore as part of a comprehensive plan to improve pain management and enhance your overall health.
• Epidural Block: An epidural block is a type of injection that can provide pain relief during and after certain procedures, helping you manage discomfort and recover more comfortably.

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. Sarah NP 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 proactively managing their Alagille syndrome with regular checkups and screenings, a family gained peace of mind, knowing their child's health was being closely monitored to reduce the risk of future complications.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing constrictive pericarditis, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their heart health.
• Knowing the importance of appropriate clothing and limiting exposure to extreme cold, a patient proactively prepared for winter outings, significantly reducing their risk of frostbite. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy winter activities with confidence and peace of mind.

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. Sarah NP:

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

An internist, like Dr. Sarah NP, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions that can affect adults.

How does Dr. Sarah NP manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Sarah NP excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. NP's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan. This includes key screenings for adults, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks, as well as cancer screenings (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. NP and our team focus on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, appropriate oral medications or insulin as needed, and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting this population. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these potentially serious conditions.

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

Dr. NP plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. NP manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, providing holistic care.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Sarah NP 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.

8333 N Davis Hwy Bldg 1
Pensacola FL 32514
Phone: (850) 474-8200

Sarah Skechak, NP 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): 1326688227

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. Sarah NP 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.