Carla Despradel, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in San Antonio, TX, and dedicated to providing comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Dr. Despradel is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, and her expertise encompasses the full spectrum of adult care, from preventive screenings to the management of chronic conditions. Internal Medicine Physicians (Internists) are adult primary care doctors (MD or DO) providing comprehensive preventive care, managing common and complex chronic conditions, diagnosing diverse illnesses, and coordinating specialist care for adults, serving as a central point of contact for ongoing health needs across the whole family. She serves patients 18 years and older. Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (210) 921-3800 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Carla Acra Despradel, MD is an internist in San Antonio, TX. She is affiliated with medical facilities Methodist Hospital and Baptist Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Despradel believes in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, working closely with patients and their families to create a supportive and empowering environment. Her goal is to ensure that patients feel heard and informed about their healthcare decisions. She is committed to providing the highest quality of care, focusing on personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs. Dr. Carla Despradel provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Despradel is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Despradel provides comprehensive internal medicine care, focusing on building strong relationships with her patients. She meticulously evaluates each patient's unique needs, employing evidence-based treatments and preventive strategies to manage chronic conditions and diagnose illnesses effectively. Dr. Despradel coordinates specialist care seamlessly, acting as a central point of contact for patients' ongoing health needs and ensuring a holistic approach to family well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Despradel can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH BaptistHealth HealthTexas Managed Choice
- BestChoice PPO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Despradel offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Dysphagia: Experiencing pain or difficulty swallowing? An internist can evaluate your symptoms, identify the source of your dysphagia, and provide appropriate care.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: An internist helps manage noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, which are inflammatory conditions in your gut that aren't caused by germs, by identifying the underlying problem and creating a treatment plan.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Burning or discomfort during urination is a common symptom an internist can assess, providing diagnosis and a plan to relieve your pain and address any infection.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into your esophagus is GERD, and an internist is the right doctor to see for diagnosis and management of this condition, which can be treated effectively to improve your comfort and overall health.
- Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is an inflammation of the throat that an internist can diagnose and treat, often with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Liver Damage from Alcohol: An internist is a doctor for adults who can assess your liver health, identify alcohol-related liver damage, and recommend treatment options.
- Hernia: Internal medicine physicians diagnose and manage hernias, which occur when internal organs protrude through weakened muscle areas, often recommending surgery or other management strategies.
- Tinnitus: An internist can evaluate tinnitus, a common condition characterized by phantom sounds in the ears, and help you manage it through various strategies.
- Overweight: An internist can assess if your weight is impacting your health, creating a personalized plan for weight management through diet, exercise, and potentially medication.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Internists treat COPD, a long-term lung disease causing shortness of breath and coughing, by prescribing medications, recommending pulmonary rehabilitation, and monitoring its progression.
- Acute Bronchitis: A persistent cough and chest congestion could be signs of acute bronchitis. An internist can evaluate your condition and prescribe appropriate medications or therapies.
- Rosacea: If you have rosacea, characterized by facial redness and inflammation, an internist can diagnose it and recommend treatments to reduce symptoms.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Despradel offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to see how well your heart is working, identifying issues like an irregular heartbeat or signs of a heart attack.
- Wellness Examination: This check-up helps prevent future health issues through early detection and personalized advice.
- Thyroid Screening: If you experience fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms, thyroid screening can help your doctor determine if your thyroid is the cause.
- Holter Monitoring: If your doctor suspects an irregular heartbeat, they might ask you to wear a Holter monitor to record your heart's activity throughout the day and night.
- Cardiac Event Monitor: Your doctor might use a cardiac event monitor to check for irregular heart rhythms or to see how well your heart is responding to treatment.
- Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Discuss your menopause symptoms with an Internist to determine if treatment is necessary and explore various options to improve your quality of life during this transition.
- Breathing Treatment: If you're struggling to breathe, a breathing treatment can provide quick relief by delivering medication directly to your lungs to reduce inflammation and improve airflow.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Despradel is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an internist, a patient successfully managed their dysphagia, improving their quality of life and ability to eat comfortably. The patient felt empowered by the thorough evaluation and support provided.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant symptom relief and improved quality of life, successfully managing their noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis. By working closely with their provider, the patient regained control over their health and well-being.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief from painful urination, regaining their comfort and quality of life. They learned strategies for managing the condition effectively and preventing future episodes.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
7219 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78251
Phone: (210) 921-3800
View on Map - Practice
1499 Hillcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78228
Phone: (210) 921-3800
View on Map - Practice
6487 Blanco Rd Ste Family, San Antonio, TX, 78216
Phone: (210) 921-3803
View on Map - Practice
115 N Loop 1604 E Ste 1203, San Antonio, TX, 78232
Phone: (210) 972-5039
View on Map
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Internal Medicine care with Dr. Despradel:
- What is the difference between an Internal Medicine doctor and a Family Medicine doctor?
- Internal Medicine physicians, or Internists, specialize in adult health care, typically for those 18 and older. They have extensive training in diagnosing and managing complex adult illnesses and chronic conditions. Family Medicine physicians, on the other hand, treat patients of all ages, including children.
- I have multiple chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. Is an Internist a good choice for me?
- Yes, an internist is an excellent choice. Managing multiple chronic conditions is a core strength of internal medicine. Dr. Despradel is an expert in understanding how different adult diseases interact and can coordinate all aspects of care, including medications and specialist visits, to create a cohesive health plan.
- Should I see an Internist for a common illness like a sinus infection?
- Yes, an internist like Dr. Despradel is qualified to treat common illnesses like sinus infections. They are primary care physicians who can diagnose and treat a wide range of adult illnesses, including respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.
- Do you only treat sick patients, or do you also focus on preventive care?
- Dr. Despradel's practice emphasizes adult wellness and disease prevention. A major focus is on annual physicals, managing risk factors, and providing recommended screenings for adults. This includes preventative care for conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.
- What kind of adult immunizations do you provide?
- Dr. Despradel provides a variety of adult immunizations, including the annual flu shot, tetanus boosters (Tdap), shingles (Shingrix), and pneumonia (Prevnar/Pneumovax) vaccines. She will review your immunization history and recommend vaccinations based on your age, health status, and CDC guidelines.
- I have a set of confusing symptoms that other doctors haven't been able to diagnose. Can an Internist help?
- Yes, an internist can be very helpful. Internists are skilled at diagnosing complex medical conditions, often considered "medical detectives" due to their extensive training. Dr. Despradel is adept at evaluating vague or unusual symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
- Since you don't treat children, will I need to find a new doctor when I get older?
- No. Internal medicine covers the entire adult lifespan, from young adulthood through senior years. Many internists, like Dr. Despradel, have expertise in geriatrics, making them well-suited to care for older adults.
- Can you help me manage my medications?
- Yes. Medication management is a critical part of internal medicine, especially for patients with multiple conditions. Dr. Despradel will review all of your prescriptions (even those from specialists) to check for interactions, ensure proper dosing, and simplify your regimen whenever possible.
7219 Culebra Rd
San Antonio TX 78251
Phone: (210) 921-3800
Carla Despradel, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1114181666
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Carla Despradel are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.