Dr. Ryan Smith, MD – Family Physician | Clearwater, FL

Dr. Ryan Smith, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Clearwater, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice).

Dr. Ryan Smith is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (727) 442-3126 to inquire or schedule an appointment. His practice focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care.

Dr. Smith practices in Family Medicine and serves patients of all ages. He received his medical degree from the University Of Sint Eustatius School Of Medicine and completed his Residency Training at Louisiana State University, Health Science Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, his team helps patients reach their personal health goals, focusing on total well-being and preventing health problems. Dr. Ryan Smith provides consultations primarily in English. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time with his family. Dr. Ryan Smith is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to his patients, empowering them to live healthier, happier lives.

Dr. Ryan Smith addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Joint Pain: This encompasses various types of joint pain, and treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause and severity.
• Hypothyroidism: This condition involves an underactive thyroid gland, potentially leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.
• Bruise of Face: Treatment depends on the severity of the bruise; minor bruises often heal naturally, while more serious ones may require medical attention.
• Headache: Headaches can stem from various causes, and effective management strategies depend on accurate diagnosis.
• Canker Sore: These painful mouth ulcers often resolve on their own, but treatment can alleviate discomfort.
• Earwax Buildup: Excessive earwax can impair hearing, and safe removal methods are crucial.
• Administrative Physical: This type of physical exam is often required for administrative purposes like employment or insurance.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: This degenerative joint disease affects the spine, often causing pain and stiffness.
• Constipation: This condition involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements, and treatment focuses on restoring regular bowel function.
• Hip Sprain: A hip sprain involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the hip joint.
• Hemorrhoids: These swollen veins in the anus or rectum can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.
• Asthma: This chronic respiratory condition causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
• Dehydration: This occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to various symptoms.
• Bladder Infection: Also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), this infection affects the bladder and can cause pain, burning, and frequent urination.

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

Dr. Ryan Smith offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Geriatric Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the health and well-being of older adults.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Assessment and management of diabetes mellitus.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Detection of prostate cancer through various screening methods.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Assessment of functional limitations due to injury or illness.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: An online tool to assess cardiovascular risk factors.
• Thyroid Screening: Testing to evaluate thyroid function.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Assessment of mobility needs and fitting for wheelchairs.
• Dementia Evaluation: Assessment and diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Managing care for patients with multiple or severe health conditions.
• Diabetic Foot Exam: Examination of the feet for complications of diabetes.
• VAP Lipid Testing: Testing to assess lipid levels in patients at risk for vascular disease.
• Pregnancy Test: A test to confirm pregnancy.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Assessment of mental health conditions.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Psychological screening for patients considering bariatric surgery.

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

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

Dr. Ryan Smith is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Ryan Smith can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients experiencing dehydration found relief through prompt treatment, allowing them to regain their energy and comfortably return to their daily activities. They were able to resume their normal routines, feeling refreshed and revitalized.
• Patients experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms often find relief through a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, allowing them to comfortably resume their favorite activities without pain or discomfort. This improved comfort level significantly enhances their quality of life.
• With effective treatment, patients often experience significant relief from joint pain, enabling them to return to favorite activities like gardening or playing with grandchildren. This renewed mobility improves their overall quality of life and sense of well-being.
• With proper treatment and physical therapy, patients regain mobility and strength in their hip, allowing them to return to their favorite activities, whether it's hiking, playing with their grandchildren, or simply enjoying pain-free walks. They experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and reduced limitations in daily movement.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Ryan Smith, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Clearwater, Florida area, conveniently located near key city attractions and public services. It is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Clearwater. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Ryan Smith. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Ryan Smith or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Anthem
  • Plan: National (BlueCard), Type: PPO
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• Freedom Health
  • Plan: Freedom, Type: Network
• Humana
• Optimum HealthCare
• WellCare

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Ryan Smith is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Ryan Smith) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (727) 442-3126 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Ryan Smith may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Morton Plant Hospital (Clearwater, FL)

He earned his medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF SINT EUSTATIUS / SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Ryan Smith:

Are services from Dr. Ryan Smith typically covered by health insurance in Florida?

Dr. Ryan Smith, as a Family Physician in Florida, likely accepts many health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office *prior to scheduling an appointment* to confirm that Dr. Ryan Smith is "in-network" for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Ryan Smith as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Ryan Smith to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Ryan Smith will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), *do require* a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Ryan Smith, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Ryan Smith?

When you first meet Dr. Ryan Smith as a new patient, expect to spend time discussing your complete health profile and filling out necessary registration and insurance forms. He will likely ask about your past medical history, significant family illnesses, all current medications (including vitamins and supplements - bringing them with you is often helpful), allergies, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and substance use, and any specific health concerns or goals you have. This comprehensive intake helps Dr. Ryan Smith understand your overall health status and begin to formulate a long-term, personalized care plan. It's also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have about his approach to medicine or clinic procedures, including how they handle communication and urgent needs.

Does Dr. Ryan Smith at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Ryan Smith at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Ryan Smith if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Ryan Smith before scheduling such an appointment.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor's visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Ryan Smith recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

What does it mean for Dr. Ryan Smith to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

"In-network" means Dr. Ryan Smith (or the clinic he practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. "Out-of-network" means there's no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called "balance billing"). It is always best to verify Dr. Ryan Smith's network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Ryan Smith one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Ryan Smith, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for his patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. He manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Florida who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First, check your health insurance plan's "Find a Doctor" or "Provider Directory" tool (often available online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. Also, use the "Physician Finder" tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Florida Medical Board website may have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups; they often have affiliated family physicians who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. It can be challenging; verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

1243 S Myrtle Ave
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 442-3126

Dr. Ryan Smith, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1376802710

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Ryan Smith are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.