Christian Atkins, PA-C is a Family Medicine physician assistant dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at our Daytona Beach, FL clinic and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. He serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Dr. Christian PA-C is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (386) 231-3570 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Christian PA-C brings ten years of experience as a certified physician assistant specializing in family medicine, urgent care, and emergency medicine to his practice. His extensive background includes four years of service as a healthcare specialist in the U.S. Army, earning him four commendation medals and two achievement medals. He holds a Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Texas-Pan American and a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration from Columbia Southern University. He completed rigorous medical training at renowned institutions, including internships at Jackson Health System, Mt Sanai Medical Center, and Baptist Health System. Dr. Christian PA-C is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christian PA-C is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christian PA-C is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. He prioritizes understanding your unique needs and goals, coordinating complex care, and managing chronic conditions to help you maintain your independence and well-being. His focus is on your overall health and quality of life, ensuring a personalized approach to every aspect of your care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christian PA-C can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christian PA-C provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Diabetes: Diabetes can affect many aspects of your health, but with regular check-ups and a proactive approach to treatment, you can reduce your risk of complications and enjoy a higher quality of life as you age.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make it challenging to breathe and perform everyday tasks, but with appropriate medical care, including medications and therapies, your symptoms can improve, and you can get back to a fulfilling life.
- Depressive Disorders: Depression is a common mood disorder that can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, but with proper treatment like therapy and/or medication, you can feel better and regain your enjoyment of life.
- Menopause: Menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation, can bring about physical and emotional symptoms, but effective management through hormone replacement therapy, alternative treatments, and healthy lifestyle choices significantly improves the comfort and quality of life during this time.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): If you have COPD, you may experience shortness of breath and coughing, but by working closely with your healthcare team, you can learn strategies to improve your lung function and your overall well-being.
- Infectious Diseases: For seniors, timely treatment of infectious diseases is crucial, as it helps prevent hospitalizations and other negative health outcomes, allowing you to remain active and engaged.
- Injuries: Even seemingly minor injuries can have lasting effects on older adults; therefore, seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent long-term problems and ensure the best possible outcome.
- Obesity: Weight loss, even a small amount, can significantly reduce your risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, making you feel better and more active.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can manifest as persistent nervousness, fear, or unease, affecting your daily activities, but effective treatments like medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes can restore your peace of mind and allow you to live more comfortably.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease encompasses various conditions affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, often managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups to maintain your overall health and independence.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect your ability to move easily, but treatments like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your comfort and independence.
- Allergies: If you experience symptoms like sneezing, hives, or difficulty breathing, these could be signs of an allergic reaction. Seeking help from your doctor ensures you get the right treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Christian PA-C offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that measures your heart's electrical activity, helping your doctor detect any irregularities or problems like an irregular heartbeat.
- Vaccination: Vaccination is a simple yet powerful tool in your senior care journey, safeguarding against preventable diseases and supporting healthy aging.
- Well Baby Care: The focus on early detection and intervention inherent in well-baby care serves as a model for the preventative screenings and early diagnosis strategies we employ in geriatric care to manage chronic conditions effectively.
- Urinalysis: A urinalysis is a simple test that checks your urine for signs of infection, kidney problems, or other health issues, helping your doctor create a personalized care plan.
- Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Regular gynecologic cancer screenings are a vital part of preventive care, allowing for early detection and management of potential issues, thus improving long-term health outcomes.
- Wart Removal: Addressing warts through removal is a key aspect of managing minor skin conditions and contributes to a holistic approach to your health plan.
- Mole Removal: This procedure helps your family doctor evaluate the mole's characteristics, ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment, promoting overall healthy aging.
- Skin Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a skin biopsy can help rule out serious skin diseases and contribute to a better understanding of your overall health.
- Breast Exam: As part of your overall wellness plan, a breast exam helps your doctor assess your breast health and determine if any further testing is needed.
- Pelvic Exams: A pelvic exam is a check-up that helps your doctor screen for and manage potential health issues like infections or abnormal cell growth in your reproductive organs.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage helps remove pus or fluid from an abscess, relieving pain and preventing infection, a key step in managing an acute health problem for seniors.
- Joint Injection: Joint injections can help pinpoint the source of your joint pain, guiding your doctor in creating a more effective treatment plan.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Christian PA-C is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With regular check-ups and a tailored diabetes management plan, a senior couple felt more secure in their ability to manage their health at home, allowing them to continue enjoying their favorite activities together.
- After a bout of pneumonia, a senior felt a renewed sense of security in their home, able to easily climb the stairs and participate in their favorite activities, like playing cards with their grandchildren.
- With the support of a compassionate care team, a senior citizen regained a sense of purpose and joy, reconnecting with old hobbies and feeling less isolated. Family members reported a noticeable improvement in their loved one's overall well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Christian PA-C:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Christian PA-C and our practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This provides a deep understanding of their health history. We are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled at coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Christian PA-C, we'll partner to review your medications, perform a physical exam, assess your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks. This is a key opportunity to set health goals together.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Christian PA-C, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem. This will help us have a productive and thorough visit.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Christian PA-C works with patients to ensure their medications are safe and effective. We conduct regular medication reviews to check for harmful interactions, simplify regimens when possible, and make sure every prescription is still needed. This partnership ensures your safety and well-being.
- How does Dr. Christian PA-C approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Christian PA-C understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being in seniors. We provide a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety or depression, performing initial assessments, managing medications, and coordinating care with geriatric specialists if needed.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Christian PA-C can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help seniors stay safe and independent.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Christian PA-C and our practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
305 Memorial Medical Pkwy Ste 502
Daytona Beach FL 32117
Phone: (386) 231-3570
Christian Atkins, PA-C 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): 1033542444
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Christian PA-C are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. 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.