Expect the unexpected when you visit Vishal Sharma, MD, at the Center for Internal Medicine in Bradenton and Palmetto. Dr. Sharma, a board-certified internal medicine physician who is on staff at Manatee Memorial Hospital, offers a variety of services on-site that makes it easier for patients to get the diagnostic services and medical care they need.

"We provide services that are typically only available at specialists' offices or large medical centers," says Dr. Sharma. "We get immediate answers so we start treatment as quickly as possible and can tailor treatment for each patient."

Quick Testing Can Lead to Better Patient Care
Cardiodynamic testing is one of the services available at the Center for Internal Medicine. This technology measures various cardiac functions in patients who have heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and other cardiac conditions. Dr. Sharma uses cardiodynamic testing to evaluate patients more precisely and identify the medications that may be most effective for each patient.

In addition, the Center offers cholesterol screening and liver function testing through its Lipid Clinic. There's also a Coumadin^® Clinic that provides ongoing monitoring services for patients who take the blood-thinning medication, Coumadin. Doctors may prescribe this medication for patients who have certain irregular heartbeats or vascular disorders or who have had heart attacks, heart valve replacements or strokes.

"Having services available at the office is much more convenient for patients," says Dr. Sharma. "They don't have to go to a lab for a blood draw. Instead, we do a quick finger prick to get a drop of blood and conduct testing while they wait. We use the results to better control patients' conditions. If patients have high blood pressure, we're not satisfied if they're simply responding to their blood pressure medication. We keep refining their treatment and trying to lower their blood pressure until it's in the target range."

A Unique Perspective
Dr. Sharma has a guiding philosophy that affects the way he practices medicine.

"I work to gain my patients' trust and respect, and I treat all my patients as though they were members of my family," says Dr. Sharma. "The staff at the Center goes out of its way to help patients deal with challenges that affect their health. For example, managing medications is a major issue for many of our patients. So we choose medications that are effective, have the fewest side effects and have the lowest out-of-pocket costs. And when finances are a concern, we help patients apply for free medications or discount medication cards."

To make an appointment at the Center for Internal Medicine, please call 941-761-8505. In addition to Dr. Sharma, a nurse practitioner is available to provide general care and perform exams for women who feel more comfortable talking with or being examined by a woman.

Vishal Sharma, MD

Center for Internal Medicine 5517 21st Ave. West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-761-8505 Center for Internal Medicine 218 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-3900

206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 FAX: 941-745-6862