Dr. Shilpa Saxena, MD

About Dr. Shilpa Saxena, MD

Dr. Shilpa Saxena, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at her Lutz, FL clinic. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She provides comprehensive, continuous healthcare for individuals and families of all ages, addressing a wide range of health concerns. Dr. Saxena is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (813) 269-2700 to schedule an appointment.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, Dr. Saxena brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her practice focuses on treating the root causes of illness, a key component in her approach to preventative and holistic care. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida in 1998, completing her internship at St. Joseph's Medical Center in 1999, followed by residency training in Family Medicine at St. Vincent's Family Practice and St. Vincent's Medical Center in 2001. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine in 2011, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and offers consultations in Gujarati.

Dr. Saxena has focused her education on nutritional and genetic causes of disease and holistic approaches to healthcare through the Institute of Functional Medicine and the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. She and her team emphasize lifestyle and nutritional therapies, and collaborate with both MD specialists and alternative providers to guide their patients to optimum health. Each member of Dr. Saxena's clinical team appreciates close relationships with their patients, educating and empowering them to participate actively in their medical treatment decisions. Her commitment to patient education and empowerment is evident in her extensive experience, including her role as Chief of Medicine for n1Health, and her work with medical students, residents, and physicians, as well as her co-authored cookbook, *The Ingredients Matter: India*.

Family Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Shilpa Saxena addresses a wide range of Family Medicine health concerns, including:

• Allergies: An allergy is when your body's defense system responds to a normally harmless substance, leading to symptoms like hives, swelling, or breathing difficulties.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Headaches, including migraines, can have various causes and require evaluation by a healthcare professional.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis makes your bones fragile and increases the risk of breaking a bone, even from a minor fall.
• Cancer: Cancer can be detected through various screening tests and diagnostic procedures, leading to early intervention.
• Hormone Imbalance: Hormone imbalances can cause various symptoms, such as mood changes, fatigue, and changes in weight or body temperature.
• Menopause: Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Eczema is a long-term skin problem causing patches of skin to become inflamed, itchy, and sometimes cracked or blistered.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury happens when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain.
• Osteoarthritis: It's a common joint disorder where the cartilage cushioning your bones wears away, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Acne: Acne can range from mild to severe, affecting the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland resulting in increased metabolism and various bodily changes.

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

• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test involves injecting a hormone to see if your adrenal glands release the necessary cortisol in response, aiding in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency.
• Food Sensitivity Testing: Food sensitivity testing helps identify foods that might be causing you digestive problems or other symptoms.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: During pregnancy, this test uses ultrasound technology to look for any abnormalities with your baby's heart.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a painless test that uses small sensors to record your heart's rhythm and identify any irregularities.
• Strep Test: This test determines if you have a streptococcal infection, often causing a sore throat.
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: BHRT aims to restore hormone levels to a more youthful state, potentially improving symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and low energy.
• Syphilis Screening: Regular syphilis testing, especially if you're sexually active, is important for your sexual health.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Anemia and iron deficiency screening checks your blood to see if you have enough iron and red blood cells.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: During this appointment, we'll assess your alcohol consumption and provide counseling if necessary to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: This appointment will assess your symptoms and determine if you have Lyme disease.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: A genetic screening can help determine your inherited risk of breast cancer, allowing for personalized preventive measures.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: HRT uses medication to restore hormone balance, often addressing symptoms of menopause or other hormonal conditions.

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

What is a Family Medicine doctor?

Dr. Saxena and our team are family medicine physicians, providing comprehensive primary care for all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on wellness, disease prevention, and coordinating care for a wide range of health concerns. We're here to support you and your family's health journey.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Shilpa Saxena?

Your first visit with Dr. Saxena will include a review of your personal and family medical history, a physical exam, and a discussion of your health goals. Please bring a list of all medications, including supplements, and any relevant past medical records.

Does Dr. Shilpa Saxena accept my insurance?

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

Can I see Dr. Shilpa Saxena for acute illnesses like the flu or a UTI?

Yes, Dr. Saxena and our team are happy to treat acute illnesses like the flu or a urinary tract infection (UTI). We can also diagnose and treat other common conditions like colds, infections, and minor injuries. Please call our office to schedule a sick visit.

Does Dr. Shilpa Saxena have experience with geriatric patients?

Dr. Saxena has extensive experience caring for geriatric patients, adeptly managing multiple chronic conditions, reviewing medications, addressing mobility and memory concerns, and prioritizing quality of life for each individual.

How does Dr. Shilpa Saxena handle mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Saxena understands that mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being. She can diagnose and manage conditions like anxiety and depression, potentially using lifestyle counseling, medication, and referrals to specialists if necessary.

Does Dr. Shilpa Saxena see children and infants?

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

Does Dr. Shilpa Saxena provide care for newborns after they leave the hospital?

Dr. Saxena's practice provides comprehensive newborn care, including the crucial first check-up after hospital discharge. We offer weight checks, feeding support, developmental screenings, and guidance for parents during the critical first few months.