Dr. Alan Bakst, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at TGH | PCSI Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute - Atlantis in Atlantis, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458. Your internist serves as your primary healthcare partner, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive as you age. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Bakst is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (561) 967-4118 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Alan Bakst, MD is an internist in Atlantis, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida JFK Hospital and Wellington Regional Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand and completed an internship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His residency in Internal Medicine and subsequent fellowship training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Maryland further specialized his practice. Dr. Bakst is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His dedication to pulmonology encompasses the full spectrum of lung and respiratory health, addressing a wide range of conditions. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Alan Bakst is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Alan Bakst is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and fosters a strong partnership with you and your loved ones to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alan Bakst can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Choice Advantage
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
- Blue Preferred PPO (PPO)
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HAP Insurance
- Health Alliance PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- KeyCare PPO (PPO)
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Alan Bakst 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:
- Leukocytopenia: Leukocytopenia means your body has fewer infection-fighting white blood cells than usual; your doctor can work with you to identify the cause and develop a plan to minimize your risk of getting sick.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: For seniors, managing IBD might require careful attention to diet and medication, but effective treatments are available to lessen the severity of symptoms and improve your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities more comfortably.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Sometimes, a blood clot develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg, this is called deep vein thrombosis, and if part breaks off and travels to the lungs, it's a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism; treatment involves medications to dissolve the clot and prevent future occurrences, enabling you to maintain your mobility.
- Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Dealing with leg pain and swelling? It could be a DVT, a serious blood clot requiring prompt medical care. With appropriate treatment, including blood thinners, you can avoid potentially life-threatening complications and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Experiencing symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass gas might indicate an intestinal obstruction. Timely medical attention is crucial to resolve the blockage and prevent further complications, allowing you to return to your daily routines.
- Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) caused by solids or liquids can be managed effectively by a healthcare professional through tailored treatment plans; this can help you regain your breathing comfort and improve your energy levels for a better quality of life.
- Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure means your heart is weakened and struggling to pump blood effectively due to high blood pressure, but with proper management, including medications and lifestyle changes, you can improve your heart's function and your overall well-being.
- Systolic Heart Failure: Managing systolic heart failure often involves lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, along with medications to help your heart pump more efficiently and reduce fluid buildup.
- Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Asphyxia and hypoxemia are serious conditions where the body is deprived of oxygen; early diagnosis and treatment, often involving oxygen therapy or addressing the source of the problem, are vital for preventing further health issues and ensuring a comfortable life.
- Bronchospasm: Experiencing shortness of breath due to bronchospasm can be frightening, but it's treatable. Your doctor can prescribe a plan to manage these episodes and help you maintain your independence.
- Partial Lung Collapse: Having part of your lung collapsed can affect your ability to breathe, but treatments, which could include medication or therapies, can help you recover and breathe normally again, so you can enjoy your life to the fullest.
- Ileus: When you have an ileus, the normal movement of your digestive system slows or stops, causing symptoms like nausea and bloating; however, treatments like medications or sometimes even just waiting can help improve your comfort and get things moving again.
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. Alan Bakst offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Bronchoscopy: To better understand and manage your persistent cough or shortness of breath, a bronchoscopy may be used to visualize your airways and collect samples for testing.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): Coronary angiography, a type of cardiac catheterization, provides detailed images of your heart's arteries to assess the severity of blockages, ensuring your care plan addresses your unique heart health needs.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that uses small sensors placed on your chest to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping your doctor assess your heart health and manage any potential problems.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: This specialized program helps seniors and their caregivers understand and manage chronic respiratory issues, improving their ability to participate in enjoyable activities and social engagement.
- Sleep Study: By understanding your sleep patterns through a sleep study, your doctor can manage conditions like restless legs syndrome and better support your health journey.
- Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from the lung using a needle, helping your doctor understand and treat lung conditions like infections or cancer.
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 Internal Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Alan Bakst 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 the support of a personalized treatment plan, a senior felt more secure at home, knowing that a care team was working with them to reduce their risk of infection. The family was relieved to see their loved one's energy return and participate in activities they had previously been unable to enjoy.
- After careful dietary adjustments and medication guidance, a senior with inflammatory bowel disease found significant symptom relief, allowing them to resume their beloved daily walks with greater ease and confidence.
- After treatment for acute venous embolism thrombosis, a senior felt much better and more confident navigating their home, able to resume their favorite daily walks without pain or fear of another episode.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Critical Care Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Super Doctors in South Florida, 2008, 2009
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Alan Bakst:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Bakst and his team are internists, meaning they are primary care doctors who specialize in the care of adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise as we age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists if needed.
- Does Dr. Alan Bakst have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Bakst's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Bakst's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Alan Bakst?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Bakst, please bring a list of all your current medications (including doses and over-the-counter supplements), a summary of your medical history, your insurance information, and any specific questions or concerns you'd like to discuss.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a refill is through our patient portal or by contacting your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed. If you have any questions, please call our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Yes, our practice proudly accepts Medicare. We are committed to providing high-quality care for our senior patients. We recommend contacting our office to confirm details about your specific plan.
- What is your philosophy on maintaining quality of life for patients with serious illnesses?
- Our philosophy centers on providing personalized care, managing symptoms effectively, and aligning treatment with each patient's values and goals. We prioritize comfort and dignity throughout the process, ensuring the highest quality of life possible.
- How does Dr. Alan Bakst help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Bakst's approach to managing blood pressure involves regular monitoring, personalized lifestyle counseling (including diet and exercise recommendations), and creating a tailored plan to help patients achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
TGH | PCSI Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute - Atlantis
5401 S Congress Ave Ste 204
Atlantis FL 33462
Phone: (561) 967-4118
Dr. Alan Bakst, 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): 1275580185
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. Internal Medicine like Dr. Alan Bakst 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.