Dr. Robert Skotnicki, DO

About Dr. Robert Skotnicki, DO

Dr. Robert Skotnicki, DO is a Cardiology specialist practicing in Lady Lake, FL, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Cardiovascular care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to his patients extends to ensuring optimal cardiovascular health for all ages, through comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for heart and blood vessel diseases. He is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (352) 674-8700 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Skotnicki, DO, is a cardiologist in Lady Lake, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Waterman and FF Thompson Hospital. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his practice, having completed rigorous medical training at esteemed institutions. His journey began with an internship at Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine (1981), followed by residency training in Cardiology at John F Kennedy Center (1983) and fellowship training in Deborah Heart/Lung Center (1985), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Cardiology and Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Skotnicki's approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for his patients. He provides consultations primarily in English.

Cardiovascular Conditions Addressed

Dr. Robert Skotnicki addresses a wide range of Cardiovascular health concerns, including:

• Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure (CHF) happens when your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
• Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve, located between the heart's main pumping chamber and the aorta (the body's largest artery), narrows, restricting blood flow.
• Pulmonary Valve Disease: Pulmonary valve disease refers to problems with the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts extra strain on your blood vessels and heart.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a blood clot stops blood from reaching a section of the heart.
• Heart Palpitations: Heart palpitations are a sensation of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
• Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia characterized by a rapid, regular heartbeat originating from the atria.
• Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: Chronic congestive heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should, leading to fluid buildup in your body.
• Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias refer to any condition where your heart beats irregularly, either too fast or too slow.
• Pericardial Disease: Pericardial disease refers to conditions affecting the sac-like membrane surrounding your heart.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease refers to conditions affecting the heart's structure or function.
• Atrial Septal Defect: ASD allows blood to leak between the heart's upper chambers, potentially causing shortness of breath or fatigue.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Robert Skotnicki addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Cardiology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he 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.

Cardiovascular Services Provided

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

• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: During a dobutamine thallium stress test, you'll receive a medication to increase your heart rate while images of your heart are taken, allowing doctors to assess its function.
• Cholesterol Screening: This service helps check your cholesterol levels to assess your heart health.
• Cardiac Imaging: Doctors use cardiac imaging tests to check the health of your heart and see how well it's pumping blood.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): It's a check-up to see if you have PAD, a condition that limits blood flow to your arms and legs, sometimes leading to pain and discomfort.
• Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This service provides a detailed picture of your heart and lungs using a CT scan of your chest.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: It's a non-invasive imaging technique that helps doctors assess your heart's health and detect problems.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test uses medicine to increase your heart rate and a special dye to create images of your heart's blood flow, helping doctors assess its health.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Our cardiovascular service evaluates chest pain to determine its cause and recommend the best course of action.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: This non-invasive test uses radioactive tracers and imaging to show if parts of your heart muscle aren't getting enough blood during exertion.
• Structural Heart Disease Evaluations and Treatment: Evaluations and procedures to address structural abnormalities or defects within the heart are included in this category.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: These tests provide important information about your heart's function and identify potential problems.
• TCD Bubble Test: This test uses ultrasound to check blood flow in the arteries in your neck and head.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Robert Skotnicki. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Cardiology 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 Cardiology 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. Robert Skotnicki:

What is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical doctor specializing in the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. Their expertise ensures comprehensive cardiovascular care.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Robert Skotnicki?

Your first visit with Dr. Skotnicki will involve a detailed discussion of your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), will be conducted. Further testing, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, may be recommended depending on your specific needs.

Does Dr. Robert Skotnicki accept my insurance?

Dr. Skotnicki's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm coverage for your specific insurance, please call our office directly with your policy details. This will ensure accurate information for consultations and procedures.

I've had fainting spells. How do you determine the cause?

Evaluating fainting involves a thorough investigation to rule out any serious cardiac causes. We use a combination of tests, such as EKGs, echocardiograms, tilt table tests, and heart rhythm monitors, to pinpoint the underlying reason and ensure your safety.

How does Dr. Robert Skotnicki treat heart valve disease?

Dr. Skotnicki approaches valvular heart disease with a personalized strategy, ranging from regular monitoring for mild cases to medication management for more moderate conditions. For severe cases, he coordinates care with a cardiac surgeon or interventional cardiologist for procedures like valve repair or replacement (TAVR).

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound of your heart. Sound waves create moving pictures, allowing your cardiologist to evaluate the size, shape, and pumping function of your heart, as well as the health of your heart valves.

What is the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator (ICD)?

A pacemaker treats slow heart rhythms by sending signals to regulate the heartbeat, while an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors for dangerously fast heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. It involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while connected to an EKG machine. This helps diagnose coronary artery disease and assess heart function under strain.