Internists are diagnostic specialists.  They are often referred to as "the doctor's doctor".  Having a full array of services on site at IMSWF improves our efficiency as well as data recording to a patient's chart.  This translates to improved quality of care.  Having diagnostic services on site makes a full and comprehensive evaluation not only cost-effective but time-efficient.  Internal Medicine of Southwest Florida's office model addresses the often quoted concept of the "medical home".

On-site state of the art blood laboratory services available. The lab is COLA approved and CLIA accredited. Full time laboratory technician and phlebotomy services are provided. On-site labs are directly imported into the patients electronic medical records. The lab is able to provide comprehensive chemistry analysis, thyroid function testing, urinalysis, complete blood count profiles, prostate blood tests, and innumerable other blood analysis. IMSWF can send blood to preferred outside reference labs if required by insurance. A draw fee will be charged for handling specimens. Our prices are very competitive. In 2006, when price comparisons were performed, our lab charges were 40%-60% less than those of Quest Laboratories and LabCorp. As a sole proprietary we are proud to be more cost effective than the nationally recognized chains

DEXA scanning stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It is a simple low radiation x-ray technique that can be used to establish a baseline bone density and risk for fracture.  Serial testing over time can help confirm and monitor therapy. There are other techniques sometimes used for various reasons to evaluate bone mass including quantitative CT. Blood or urine lab tests to monitor bone turnover are not agreed upon as a useful method of monitoring the disease or treatment of osteoporosis.

Plain X-ray techniques for imaging the chest, heart and bones is also available at our Medical Office building using Florida Radiology Consultants location at suite 600 in our Medical office building.

Ultrasound is a safe, painless technology that can be used to image soft tissue, organs, the heart and blood vessels.  We provide this service on site and find it can often quickly assist the physician in diagnosing numerous conditions.  Our physicians interpret vascular studies. Radiology specialists from Florida Radiology Consultants interpret our patient's other ultrasound tests.

The electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is useful to evaluate heart rate, rhythm and certain types of injury/abnormalities.  It is often ordered to monitor certain medications as well. This common tool is readily available in each physician's office.