Dr. Andrew Atkinson, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Melbourne, 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 primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Atkinson is currently welcoming new patients; please call (321) 541-1714 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Andrew Atkinson, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1986 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Holmes Regional Medical Center in 1989. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Viera Hospital and Rockledge Regional Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He offers consultations in Spanish. I am 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, my team and I help you reach your personal health goals. We focus on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Call now to get started.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Andrew Atkinson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Andrew Atkinson 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, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your personal goals and preferences to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Andrew Atkinson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Assurant Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Superior Health Plan
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Andrew Atkinson 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:
- Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Problems with how your body uses minerals like calcium or potassium can cause weakness, bone pain, or heart rhythm issues, but careful monitoring and treatment by your doctor can help you maintain a good quality of life.
- Heart Disease: Many heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or narrowed arteries, can be treated effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments to ensure you enjoy a full and comfortable life.
- Hernia: Hernias are essentially a weakness in the body's wall allowing internal contents to protrude, and fixing the weakness, often through surgery, can greatly enhance your comfort levels and restore normal function.
- Nausea: If you're experiencing persistent nausea, talking to your doctor is important to determine the cause and receive appropriate care, improving your well-being.
- Cold Sore: Managing cold sores involves understanding that they are caused by a virus and often recur; however, simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications, such as topical creams or pain relievers, can significantly alleviate symptoms, ensuring that you can continue your daily routine.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, but with the right treatment and care, you can manage your symptoms and stay active.
- Hyperkalemia: Having too much potassium (hyperkalemia) in your blood can sometimes cause heart problems, but with careful monitoring and treatment from your doctor, you can feel better and stay active.
- Neurogenic Bladder: A neurogenic bladder means that nerve damage impacts your bladder's ability to work properly, leading to issues like frequent urination, incontinence, or difficulty emptying, however, your doctor can help you find ways to manage these challenges.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal area that can cause discomfort, but with proper management, including medication or simple procedures, you can find relief and maintain your quality of life.
- Canker Sore: Experiencing a canker sore can make eating and drinking less enjoyable, but these small ulcers often clear up on their own with simple self-care measures, restoring your comfort and appetite.
- Prostatitis: If you're a man experiencing frequent urination, burning, or pain in the pelvic area, you may have prostatitis. Your doctor can help develop a treatment plan that will alleviate these symptoms and allow you to live more comfortably.
- Leukocytopenia: Having too few white blood cells, called leukocytopenia, can make you more vulnerable to infections, but with proper medical care and monitoring, we can help keep you safe and comfortable.
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. Andrew Atkinson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Advance directive end-of-life planning ensures your wishes regarding medical care are respected during your final stages of life.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 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): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: To support your overall health, a fecal occult blood test is used to screen for colorectal cancer, allowing for early intervention and better health management.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect changes in the cells of your cervix, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cervical 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. Andrew Atkinson 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:
- A senior woman, previously experiencing debilitating muscle weakness, regained her ability to garden independently with the help of a tailored treatment plan for her mineral metabolism disorders. The family felt a sense of relief and security knowing their loved one could once again enjoy her cherished hobby.
- With medication and lifestyle changes guided by their internal medicine physician, a senior couple regained the energy to enjoy daily walks in the park, a cherished activity they had been unable to do for several months.
- Feeling trapped and uncomfortable due to a hernia, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening after a supportive internal medicine specialist helped them manage the condition. The patient now felt secure and comfortable moving about 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. Andrew Atkinson:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Atkinson and his practice are internists, meaning they're primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating your care with other specialists if needed.
- Does Dr. Andrew Atkinson have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Atkinson is an internist, meaning he is specifically trained in adult medicine and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the common health concerns of seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Atkinson and our practice believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is invaluable for ensuring clear communication and providing the best possible support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Andrew Atkinson?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Atkinson, 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 a list of any specific questions or concerns you'd like to address.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a refill is through our patient portal or by calling the pharmacy listed on your prescription label. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed.
- 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.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Atkinson's approach to chronic pain, like arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate pain medications, referrals to physical therapists for exercises and support, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus for our senior patients. We review medications for side effects that might increase fall risk, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations as needed.
240 N Wickham Rd Ste 110
Melbourne FL 32935
Phone: (321) 541-1714
Dr. Andrew Atkinson, 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): 1437126133
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. Andrew Atkinson 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.