Dr. Alexander Mbakwem, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Lakeland, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Mbakwem is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (863) 687-9333.
Dr. Alexander Mbakwem, MD is an internist in Lakeland, FL, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Benin, College Of Medical Sciences in 1990 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with reputable medical facilities such as Mease Countryside Hospital and AdventHealth Lake Wales. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, his team and he help you reach your personal health goals, focusing on your total well-being while helping you prevent health problems and manage any chronic conditions. He offers consultations in Indonesian.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Alexander Mbakwem is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mbakwem is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care and manages chronic conditions, ensuring a personalized approach that prioritizes your individual needs and goals. His compassionate care extends beyond medical treatment, focusing on creating a supportive and collaborative environment for you and your family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alexander Mbakwem can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- MVP Health Care
- MVP Health Plan EPO (EPO)
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Alexander Mbakwem 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:
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: For women experiencing discomfort or distress due to menopausal or postmenopausal changes, understanding treatment options—ranging from medication to natural therapies—can lead to improved management and a better quality of life.
- Migraine: Migraines are a common type of headache, often characterized by intense pain, but don't suffer in silence! There are many effective treatments and management strategies available to reduce the impact of migraines and help you live a more fulfilling life.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas and bloating can significantly impact your well-being, but understanding gas-bloat syndrome and its management—through diet, lifestyle, or medication—can help restore comfort and independence.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: For those experiencing stabbing facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia, various treatments are available to lessen the pain's intensity and frequency, enhancing daily life.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition causing flaky, itchy patches, often on the scalp, face, or chest, that can be easily managed with simple treatments to improve comfort and prevent discomfort.
- Food Poisoning: Getting food poisoning means you've eaten something contaminated, leading to stomach upset; focusing on fluids and avoiding solid foods until symptoms improve can help you recover comfortably.
- Insomnia: Experiencing insomnia means struggling to get enough restful sleep, which can leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day; however, many effective strategies and medical interventions are available to help improve your sleep.
- Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, a natural process that may occur due to aging, certain medical conditions, or lifestyle factors, and treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause to improve overall well-being.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder causing widespread muscle pain and stiffness, but with proper diagnosis and medication, you can manage your symptoms and live a more comfortable life.
- Postherpetic Neuralgia: Following a shingles infection, some people experience postherpetic neuralgia, a lingering nerve pain that can be quite bothersome. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to reduce the pain and help you live more comfortably.
- Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by a virus, often manageable with medication and lifestyle changes that can help you feel better and maintain your independence.
- Ganglion Cyst: A small, fluid-filled sac called a ganglion cyst can develop around a joint, frequently on the wrists or hands, potentially causing some discomfort; simple procedures such as aspiration or surgery can alleviate pain and improve your ability to perform your normal activities.
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. Alexander Mbakwem 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.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service ensures a smooth care journey for seniors undergoing complex procedures, coordinating appointments and follow-up care for optimal recovery.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Cortisone Injection: Cortisone injections are sometimes used to diagnose the source of pain in a specific joint, guiding further treatment decisions for seniors.
- Supportive Counseling: Through supportive counseling, seniors can develop strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to better health outcomes.
- Trigger Point Injection: For seniors experiencing chronic muscle pain, trigger point injections offer a targeted approach to manage symptoms and improve mobility and quality of life.
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. Alexander Mbakwem 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:
- Feeling less fatigued and experiencing fewer hot flashes, a woman rediscovered her love of gardening, spending more time outdoors with family.
- A senior woman, plagued by debilitating migraines, found significant relief through a tailored treatment plan. She could now enjoy her beloved book club meetings without the constant throbbing pain.
- Following a consultation with an internal medicine specialist, a senior couple found relief from persistent gas and bloating, allowing them to enjoy evening walks again and regain a sense of freedom in their home.
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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Alexander Mbakwem:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Mbakwem and his practice are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health, making them uniquely qualified to manage the complex health conditions often encountered as people age. They excel at coordinating care and managing chronic diseases.
- Does Dr. Alexander Mbakwem have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Mbakwem's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing the health concerns common in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Mbakwem and our practice believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is valuable in ensuring clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Alexander Mbakwem?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Mbakwem, 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 don't hesitate to call our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Mbakwem's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients understand and manage their symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop personalized action plans to prevent flare-ups.
- Does Dr. Alexander Mbakwem treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Mbakwem and our team treat acute illnesses like colds and the flu. Please call the office at the first sign of symptoms to discuss the best course of action for you.
1629 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 687-9333
Dr. Alexander Mbakwem, 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): 1780793778
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. Alexander Mbakwem 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.