Dr. Heather McCullough, MD

About Dr. Heather McCullough, MD

Dr. Heather McCullough, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing in North Fort Myers, FL. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Internal Medicine care to adults (typically 18 years and older). Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. McCullough provides comprehensive, patient-centered medical care for adults, addressing a wide range of health concerns. She is not currently accepting new patients, but inquiries about waitlists or future openings can be made by calling (941) 488-7716.

Dr. Heather McCullough, MD is an internist in North Fort Myers, FL, and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1983 and completed an internship at University Hospital in 1984, gaining foundational clinical experience. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Shorepoint Health Venice. Dr. McCullough is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, striving to provide a supportive and reassuring environment for her patients. She is not accepting new patients. While she provides consultations primarily in English, she is dedicated to the well-being of each patient.

Internal Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Heather McCullough addresses a wide range of Internal Medicine health concerns, including:

• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol and other fats in your blood are characteristic of hyperlipidemia.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Symptomatic menopause refers to the experience of menopause with noticeable physical and emotional symptoms.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Fluid retention is leading to swelling in your limbs.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection affecting the bladder or kidneys.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a chronic respiratory condition causing breathlessness and coughing due to damage to the lungs and airways.
• Mastodynia: Mastodynia is breast pain that can be caused by various factors.
• Insomnia: If you have insomnia, you may wake up frequently during the night and feel unrefreshed in the morning.
• Dyslipidemia: Having too much cholesterol or triglycerides, or too little good cholesterol, is known as dyslipidemia.
• Urinary Incontinence: With urinary incontinence, you may experience bladder leakage that is hard to control.
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: With familial hypercholesterolemia, you inherit a gene defect causing very high cholesterol, significantly raising your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Thyroid Goiter: An abnormal growth of the thyroid gland, causing a noticeable swelling in your neck, is called a goiter.
• Low Back Pain: Many cases of low back pain resolve on their own with time and self-care, but persistent or severe pain needs medical attention.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Heather McCullough addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Internal Medicine manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your Adult patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Internal Medicine Services Provided

Dr. Heather McCullough offers a range of services to support your Adult patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): It's a blood test that measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood to evaluate your breathing and overall acid-base balance.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to check for problems with your heart rate or rhythm.
• Immunization Administration: This service covers giving you injections to prevent you from getting certain infections.
• Pap Smear: During a Pap smear, a doctor or nurse collects cells from your cervix to examine under a microscope for abnormalities.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination helps to detect early signs of disease and create a personalized plan for maintaining your health.
• Diagnostic Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of internal structures for diagnosis.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that helps doctors diagnose various medical conditions.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Heather McCullough. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Internal Medicine can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Adult patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Heather McCullough:

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. We provide comprehensive care, encompassing a wide range of conditions, and emphasize disease prevention strategies. Unlike family medicine, which may also care for children and adolescents, internal medicine specializes in the health of adult patients.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Heather McCullough?

Your first visit with Dr. McCullough will begin with a review of your medical history, followed by a physical exam. We will discuss your health goals and any concerns you have. Please bring a list of current medications and any relevant medical records for a smoother visit.

Does Dr. Heather McCullough accept my insurance?

Dr. McCullough's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please contact our office directly to verify your specific plan's coverage.

Does Dr. Heather McCullough offer same-day appointments?

Dr. McCullough strives to accommodate urgent needs. Please call our office to discuss your situation and explore scheduling options. We will do our best to find an appointment that works for you.

Does Dr. Heather McCullough offer telehealth appointments?

Dr. McCullough offers telehealth appointments for routine follow-up visits and some chronic disease management. Please contact our office to discuss your specific needs and determine if telehealth is appropriate for your situation.

What preventive health screenings does Dr. Heather McCullough recommend?

Dr. McCullough recommends preventive health screenings based on individual age, gender, and risk factors. These screenings, including but not limited to blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, and cancer screenings, are crucial for early disease detection and overall health maintenance. She emphasizes the importance of discussing personal health history with her to determine the most appropriate screenings.

How does Dr. Heather McCullough manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease?

Dr. McCullough manages chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease with a patient-centered approach, focusing on lifestyle counseling, medication management, and regular monitoring. She works closely with each patient to develop a personalized plan to effectively control their condition and improve their overall well-being.

Does Dr. Heather McCullough treat acute illnesses like the flu or infections?

Dr. McCullough treats acute illnesses like the flu and infections. She will conduct a physical exam, review symptoms, and order any necessary lab tests to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment plans will be tailored to the specific illness and may include medication, recommendations for rest, and other supportive care.