Dr. Andres Palacio, MD is an Endocrinology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Endocrine care for older adults at his clinic in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general endocrinologist, Dr. Palacio provides specialized expertise in managing complex hormonal conditions common in seniors, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. He serves older adults (65+) and those managing age-related endocrine conditions, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (954) 714-0684 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Palacio, an endocrinologist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in Endocrine care to his practice. He earned his medical degree from Instituto De Ciencias De La Salud, C.E.S., Colombia in 1999, followed by an internship and residency training in Endocrinology at Emory University. His fellowship training further specialized his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and those managing age-related endocrine conditions. He is Board Certified in Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Palacio is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish. He is dedicated to a holistic approach, emphasizing empathy and compassionate care in his treatment of patients.
Dr. Palacio's extensive training, including internal medicine and endocrinology training at Emory University, combined with his 15+ years of practice, positions him as an experienced and trusted partner in the health journey of seniors. His dedication to his patients and their families, coupled with his commitment to comprehensive care, makes him a valuable resource. He understands the unique needs of older adults and strives to provide the best possible care, ensuring their well-being and quality of life.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Andres Palacio is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Palacio is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive endocrine care tailored to individual needs. He expertly manages complex hormonal conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach. This personalized care prioritizes understanding each patient's unique goals and circumstances, fostering a supportive environment for optimal well-being and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Andres Palacio can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Andres Palacio 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:
- Diabetic Coma: When your blood sugar gets extremely high, it can cause a diabetic coma, a serious condition that requires prompt hospital care and can be prevented with careful diabetes management.
- Testicular Dysfunction: As men age, changes in their testosterone levels can lead to reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms; these issues are often treatable, enhancing quality of life and sexual intimacy.
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism: This condition involves overactive parathyroid glands leading to high calcium levels; managing this through medical care can help protect your bones and kidneys, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism is a condition where your body doesn't produce enough of the sex hormones, testosterone in men and estrogen in women, leading to various symptoms that can impact your daily life, but treatment can often significantly improve energy levels and well-being.
- Thyrotoxicosis: Thyrotoxicosis means your thyroid is overactive, producing excess hormones that can disrupt your sleep, increase your heart rate, and affect your mood; treatment helps regulate these hormones, bringing much-needed relief and improving your energy levels.
- Parathyroid (Gland) Tumor: Other than Malignant: A harmless growth on one of your parathyroid glands can sometimes cause elevated calcium levels, resulting in certain symptoms. However, with appropriate medical care, including medication or surgery, these symptoms can usually be managed, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: When diabetes affects the kidneys, it can lead to complications, but through regular checkups, blood pressure control, and specialized treatments, we can slow or prevent further damage, ensuring a higher quality of life.
- Hypothalamus Cancer: Hypothalamus cancer is a rare type of cancer affecting the small area of the brain that controls many important body functions, including hormone release, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preserving quality of life.
- Hypopituitarism: Hypopituitarism means your body isn't making enough hormones due to a problem with the pituitary gland, but treatment with hormone replacement can often alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Pheochromocytoma: If you have a pheochromocytoma, a tumor in your adrenal gland is causing fluctuating hormone levels, leading to potentially dangerous blood pressure spikes and other symptoms; through regular check-ups and medication, you can successfully manage this condition and maintain your health.
- Thyroid Cancer: If you have thyroid cancer, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan focusing on removing the cancer and managing its effects, helping you to remain independent and enjoy your daily life as much as possible.
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Secondary hyperparathyroidism means your parathyroid glands are overworking due to another health problem, usually related to low vitamin D or kidney function; with appropriate medical management, this hormonal imbalance can be addressed, improving your overall health and reducing the risk of fractures.
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. Andres Palacio offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Diabetic Evaluation: Through a diabetic evaluation, your doctor can identify potential complications of diabetes and take steps to prevent or manage them.
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement: As part of a senior's comprehensive care plan, thyroid hormone replacement ensures their body receives the necessary hormones for proper metabolism and overall health.
- Thyroid Scan: A thyroid scan uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of your thyroid gland, helping your doctor assess its size, shape, and function to diagnose thyroid problems.
- ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: To ensure you receive the best possible care, your doctor might use an ACTH stimulation test to assess the function of your adrenal glands and rule out certain health issues.
- Water Deprivation Test: The water deprivation test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the function of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), providing valuable information for managing conditions affecting fluid balance and hormone production.
- Diabetes Screening: Regular diabetes screenings are a crucial part of a senior's healthcare plan, helping to identify and manage diabetes effectively.
- Diabetes Counseling: Working with a specialist, diabetes counseling helps seniors set realistic goals and track their progress in managing their blood sugar, preventing long-term health issues.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This simple test measures your blood sugar levels after you drink a sugary solution, assisting in the creation of a personalized diabetes care plan.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: By providing a detailed picture of blood sugar fluctuations, CGM helps your healthcare team fine-tune your diabetes treatment plan for better long-term health.
- Thyroid Nodule Evaluation: This assessment uses imaging and sometimes a biopsy to check for thyroid cancer or other issues, allowing for prompt treatment if necessary.
- Thyroid Screening: Regular thyroid screening is a crucial part of your overall health plan, helping your doctor manage any thyroid issues and prevent potential health complications.
- Dynamic Endocrine Function Test: A dynamic endocrine function test is a crucial tool for tailoring treatment to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the most effective care for your hormonal imbalance.
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 Endocrinology in Florida.
Dr. Andres Palacio 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 careful blood sugar management guided by an endocrinologist, a senior couple regained their confidence in managing their daily routines, ensuring they could continue enjoying their favorite activities without fear of a diabetic coma.
- A retired couple rediscovered intimacy and joy in their relationship, thanks to personalized treatment that addressed the underlying hormonal changes affecting their sexual health. Their improved connection brought a renewed sense of happiness and fulfillment to their golden years.
- With careful medical management of primary hyperparathyroidism, a senior was able to resume her beloved daily walks in the park, a cherished activity that significantly improved her 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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Endocrine care with Dr. Andres Palacio:
- What is an Endocrinologist?
- Dr. Palacio is an endocrinologist, a medical doctor specializing in the endocrine system, which includes glands and hormones. He is an expert in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and osteoporosis to help seniors maintain their health and prevent complications.
- My primary care doctor manages my diabetes. Why would I need to see an endocrinologist?
- Your primary care doctor is excellent at managing diabetes. However, an endocrinologist can be a valuable partner if blood sugar control is challenging, complications arise, or advanced treatments like insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors are needed. We work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for your health.
- What is osteoporosis and how is it diagnosed?
- Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. It's often called a "silent disease" because there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Dr. Palacio can order and interpret a safe and painless bone density scan (DEXA scan) to diagnose it.
- What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
- In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, more common in seniors, is when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. Dr. Palacio is an expert in creating personalized management plans for both types.
- My doctor found a lump or 'nodule' on my thyroid. Is it cancer?
- Thyroid nodules are very common, and thankfully, the vast majority are benign. Dr. Palacio will typically perform an ultrasound to assess the nodule, and if necessary, a simple fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
- What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause?
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It involves taking medication containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes. Dr. Palacio can discuss the potential benefits and risks of HRT based on your individual health profile.
- What are the common symptoms of a thyroid problem?
- Common thyroid problems can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation (hypothyroidism) or weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety (hyperthyroidism). These symptoms can be subtle in older adults, so a simple blood test can accurately check thyroid function and ensure proper treatment.
- What can be done to treat osteoporosis?
- Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on preventing fractures. This includes ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention strategies. Dr. Palacio can prescribe various medications for those at higher risk to help slow bone loss or build new bone.
3001 NW 49th Ave Ste 303
Lauderdale Lakes FL 33313
Phone: (954) 714-0684
Dr. Andres Palacio, 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): 1689866683
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 provider named. Endocrinology like Dr. Andres Palacio 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.