Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD

About Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD

Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at her Lakeland, FL clinic. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). I provide comprehensive, continuous healthcare for individuals and families of all ages, addressing a wide range of health concerns. From well-child visits to chronic disease management, I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients, empowering them to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Melissa Ballengee, MD is a family medicine physician in Lakeland, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities IU Health West Hospital and AdventHealth Zephyrhills. She is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (863) 680-7190 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. She earned her medical degree from Medical University Of The Americas and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. My approach to care centers on evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for all my patients. Dr. Melissa Ballengee provides consultations primarily in English.

Family Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Melissa Ballengee addresses a wide range of Family Medicine health concerns, including:

• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Eczema involves dry, itchy skin that can crack and bleed, whereas contact dermatitis is a reaction to a substance touching the skin.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis Due to Metals: This skin condition involves inflammation and redness due to reactions to certain metals.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use can damage your liver over time.
• Difficulty With Walking: Walking difficulties can be caused by various factors and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Tobacco use disorder is a condition where someone has difficulty quitting smoking or chewing tobacco, despite wanting to.
• Allergic Rhinitis: If you experience sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes during certain times of year or around specific things, you might have allergic rhinitis.
• Hidradenitis: Hidradenitis is a chronic skin condition causing painful, inflamed lumps and boils, often in areas with sweat glands.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.
• Osteopenia: Having osteopenia puts you at a higher risk for osteoporosis, a more severe bone-thinning disease.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is persistent discomfort that lasts for more than three months.
• Hives: Hives are raised, itchy welts on the skin that often appear suddenly.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): STDs, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause various health problems if left untreated.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Melissa Ballengee addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Medicine manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your 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.

Family Medicine Services Provided

Dr. Melissa Ballengee offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This visit focuses on assessing your symptoms related to menopause and developing a personalized plan to manage them.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: A urine pregnancy test provides a quick and relatively inexpensive way to determine pregnancy.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging test helps diagnose various heart conditions by visualizing the heart's activity in real-time.
• VAP Lipid Testing: A VAP Lipid Test analyzes your blood lipids to help your doctor assess your risk of stroke and heart disease and guide treatment.
• Bacteriuria Screening: A bacteriuria screen helps detect the presence of bacteria in your urine, a common sign of infection.
• Pap Smear: This screening test helps identify abnormal cervical cells, allowing for early treatment and reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
• McMurray: Our family medicine service provides comprehensive care for all your family's health needs.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This is a test to see if you have a chlamydia infection, a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Gonorrhea screening is a test to check if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called gonorrhea.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Skin testing and screening involves examining your skin for abnormalities and performing tests if needed.
• Health Screening: Through health screenings, we can find issues early so we can address them effectively, often improving outcomes.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Blood allergy testing helps pinpoint the cause of your allergic symptoms by detecting specific allergy markers in your blood.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Melissa Ballengee. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Family Medicine can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your 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 Family 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. Melissa Ballengee:

What is a Family Medicine doctor?

Dr. Ballengee and her team are primary care physicians who provide comprehensive, ongoing care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They manage a wide range of conditions, focusing on wellness, disease prevention, and coordinating care.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Melissa Ballengee?

Your first visit with Dr. Ballengee will involve a comprehensive review of your personal and family medical history, a thorough physical exam, and a discussion of your health goals. Please bring a list of all current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, and any relevant past medical records.

Does Dr. Melissa Ballengee accept my insurance?

Dr. Ballengee's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your coverage, please call the office directly with your insurance information prior to your scheduled appointment.

How does Dr. Melissa Ballengee handle mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Ballengee understands that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. She is trained to diagnose and manage conditions like anxiety and depression, potentially using lifestyle counseling, medication, and referrals to specialists as needed.

Does Dr. Melissa Ballengee have experience with geriatric patients?

Dr. Ballengee has extensive experience caring for geriatric patients, adeptly managing multiple chronic conditions, reviewing medications, addressing mobility and memory concerns, and prioritizing maintaining a high quality of life for her older adult patients.

How does Dr. Melissa Ballengee help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Ballengee and her team work with patients to proactively manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This includes regular check-ups, medication management, and personalized lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise. We also coordinate care with specialists when needed to ensure the best possible health outcomes.

Does Dr. Melissa Ballengee see children and infants?

Dr. Ballengee is a family physician and welcomes patients of all ages, including newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. She provides comprehensive care, including well-child check-ups, immunizations, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.

What men's health services does Dr. Melissa Ballengee offer?

Dr. Ballengee offers comprehensive men's health services, including prostate health screenings, management of low testosterone, and addressing concerns like erectile dysfunction, all within a supportive and personalized wellness plan.