Dr. Alfonso Ruiz, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his practice, Alfonso Ruiz, MD in Hudson, FL. As your internist, he 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 is a valued member of the infoaging.org community and is committed to providing exceptional care for primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Ruiz is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (561) 763-4611.
Dr. Ruiz completed his residency at Franklin Square Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of his patient population, which includes older adults. He earned his medical degree from the University of Mexico, followed by an internship at New Hanover Memorial Hospital, providing foundational clinical experience. This experience, coupled with his subsequent residency training in Internal Medicine at Franklin Square Hospital, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the unique health concerns of older adults. Dr. Ruiz accepts most major insurance plans and has privileges at several hospitals in West Florida. We want all our patients to feel like they have a doctor in the family, and Dr. Ruiz is committed to building strong, trusting relationships with each patient. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Alfonso Ruiz is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ruiz is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care. He prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, coordinating complex care and effectively managing chronic conditions. His approach emphasizes understanding your personal needs and goals, fostering open communication with you and your family, and developing a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alfonso Ruiz can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Curative
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Alfonso Ruiz 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:
- Perimenopause: Characterized by hormonal fluctuations, perimenopause is a transitional period preceding menopause that can cause various physical and emotional symptoms; talking to your doctor about managing these symptoms can greatly enhance your quality of life and sense of well-being during this natural process.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly without lasting damage, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention to prevent a more serious stroke.
- Constipation: Treatment for constipation can include simple lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and over-the-counter medications, improving bowel regularity and overall well-being.
- Herpes Zoster Without Complication: While shingles can be uncomfortable, treatment focuses on controlling the pain and preventing complications, so you can feel better and continue enjoying life.
- Animal Allergies: If you're experiencing sniffles, watery eyes, or skin irritation around pets, it may be an animal allergy. Your doctor can help you find relief through treatments like antihistamines or immunotherapy, so you can stay healthier and more comfortable.
- Viral Infection: A viral infection can be uncomfortable, but with appropriate rest, hydration, and possibly medication to manage symptoms, you can comfortably navigate your recovery and maintain your quality of life.
- Foot Infection: Managing a foot infection involves careful cleaning, appropriate medication prescribed by a doctor, and possibly special dressings to promote healing, helping you regain comfort and mobility, improving your overall quality of life.
- Electrolyte Disorders: Electrolyte disorders happen when the balance of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium in your body is off, and restoring this balance through diet, medication, or fluids can help you feel better and stay active.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: A blood clot forms in a vein, often in the leg, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications, but prompt treatment with blood thinners can prevent it from traveling to the lungs and affecting breathing.
- Gout: Gout happens when too much uric acid builds up in your blood, forming crystals that cause painful joint inflammation; treatment helps reduce pain and prevent future attacks, allowing you to stay active.
- All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Headaches, including migraines, are common but treatable types of head pain that can significantly impact your daily life, and we can work together to find ways to manage them and improve your comfort.
- Proteinuria: Protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease, and early detection with regular checkups can allow for timely treatment and help maintain your independence.
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. Alfonso Ruiz offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure helps manage infections by removing the source of inflammation, a key step toward a healthier and more comfortable life.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Having an advance directive offers peace of mind, knowing your healthcare decisions align with your values and beliefs, easing anxieties for you and your family.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: To ensure your treatment plan is effective, nerve conduction studies can assess the health of your nerves and help manage conditions affecting your muscles and sensation.
- Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps seniors identify potential barriers to weight management and provides them with strategies to overcome these challenges, creating a path to improved health outcomes.
- Pap Smear: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a Pap smear helps your doctor monitor the health of your cervix and guide decisions about future care.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling is a crucial step in diagnosing and addressing smoking-related illnesses and preventing future health complications in seniors.
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. Alfonso Ruiz 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 more energetic and less irritable, a woman rediscovered her love for gardening, a cherished hobby, after discussing perimenopause symptoms with her internal medicine provider.
- Following a comprehensive treatment plan, the patient regained confidence in their ability to safely manage daily activities, feeling much more secure in their home environment. The family was relieved to see their loved one's improved quality of life after the TIA.
- After working with a knowledgeable internal medicine specialist, a senior citizen found relief from chronic constipation and regained the ability to enjoy leisurely walks with their grandchildren. This newfound regularity significantly improved their overall well-being and sense of security.
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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Alfonso Ruiz:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Ruiz's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means he is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. He is uniquely trained to address the diverse health concerns that often arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Alfonso Ruiz have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Ruiz and other internists are specifically trained in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. They have extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Ruiz and our practice strongly 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 invaluable for clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Alfonso Ruiz?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Ruiz, 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 address.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for your request to be processed.
- 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 kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Ruiz and our team manage common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, focusing on helping patients effectively manage their symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and create personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Ruiz's practice prioritizes medication management, especially for patients on multiple medications. We regularly review prescriptions to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary medications, and ensure the overall plan is safe and effective for each patient.
Alfonso Ruiz, MD
13910 Fivay Rd Ste 15
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (561) 763-4611
Dr. Alfonso Ruiz, 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): 1740226794
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. Alfonso Ruiz 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.