Dr. Shanthi Prakash, MD

About Dr. Shanthi Prakash, MD

Dr. Shanthi Prakash, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at her clinic in Sarasota, FL. 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. Dr. Shanthi Prakash is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 946-0017 to schedule an appointment.

With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, Dr. Shanthi Prakash brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Calicut Medical College in 1985 and completed an internship at St Joseph's Hospital, followed by residency training in Family Medicine at St Joseph's Family Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and is affiliated with HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Shanthi Prakash is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment for patients. She provides consultations primarily in English.

Family Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Shanthi Prakash addresses a wide range of Family Medicine health concerns, including:

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips, often with fatigue.
• Malnutrition: Malnutrition can result from not eating enough food, eating an unbalanced diet, or having a medical condition that affects nutrient absorption.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, worry, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
• Foot Infection: A foot infection can cause pain, swelling, and redness, and may require medical attention.
• Alkalosis: Alkalosis is a condition where the body's fluids become overly alkaline.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Elbow arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the elbow joint.
• Hernia: A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ, like the intestine, bulges through a weak area in the abdominal wall.
• Animal Allergies: Animal allergies are a common problem caused by an immune response to animal proteins triggering allergic reactions.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss, or alopecia, refers to the shedding of hair from the scalp or body.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis is a condition where the stomach drops down into the abdomen.
• Nausea: You're experiencing nausea if you feel sick to your stomach and have an unpleasant feeling of unease.
• Pollen Allergy: A pollen allergy involves your body's immune system mistakenly identifying harmless pollen as a threat, leading to allergic reactions.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Shanthi Prakash 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. Shanthi Prakash offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Understanding your genetic predisposition to breast cancer through screening can inform decisions on regular mammograms and other preventative strategies.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood, helping to identify potential heart health problems.
• Wellness Examination: It's a comprehensive assessment of your health, including screenings and discussions to promote disease prevention and healthy habits.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: The goal of a psychiatric evaluation is to create a personalized plan to address any mental health concerns you may have.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: A urine pregnancy test is a simple test to check if you are pregnant.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This is a test to see if you have a chlamydia infection, a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Hepatitis A Screening: We can test your blood to see if you have had hepatitis A or are immune to it.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to check for problems with your heart rate or rhythm, such as an irregular heartbeat or rapid heart rate.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Screening for prostate cancer aims to find the disease before symptoms appear, improving chances of successful treatment.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Our family medicine service helps you plan for your end-of-life care, ensuring your wishes are honored.
• Dementia Evaluation: This visit assesses your thinking skills and memory to determine if you have dementia.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: A fetal echocardiogram is a type of cardiac screening that creates images of your baby's heart in the womb to detect abnormalities.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Shanthi Prakash. 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. Shanthi Prakash:

What is a Family Medicine doctor?

Dr. Shanthi Prakash and her team are primary care physicians who provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on wellness, disease prevention, and coordinating care for a wide range of conditions. We are your trusted partners in health.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Shanthi Prakash?

Your first visit with Dr. Prakash will involve a detailed review of your personal and family medical history, a comprehensive 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. Shanthi Prakash accept my insurance?

Dr. Shanthi Prakash's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. To confirm your specific coverage, please call the office directly with your insurance information.

How does Dr. Shanthi Prakash handle mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Prakash understands that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. She is equipped to diagnose and manage conditions like anxiety and depression, often through lifestyle counseling, medication, and appropriate referrals to therapists or psychiatrists when necessary.

Does Dr. Shanthi Prakash see children and infants?

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

What kind of skin procedures can be done in your office?

Dr. Prakash's office performs various common skin procedures, including skin biopsies for suspicious moles, wart or skin tag removal, and incision and drainage for abscesses. These procedures can be conveniently handled at your primary care office, saving you time and travel.

Does Dr. Shanthi Prakash perform joint injections for pain?

Dr. Shanthi Prakash offers therapeutic joint injections, such as corticosteroid shots, to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis and bursitis in joints like the knee and shoulder. These injections can be an effective treatment option.

How does Dr. Shanthi Prakash help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Shanthi Prakash and her team provide comprehensive care for chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This includes regular check-ups, medication management, and personalized lifestyle counseling focusing on diet and exercise. We also coordinate care with specialists as needed to ensure the best possible health outcomes for our patients.