Dr. Azhar Malik, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults (65+) and seniors. He practices at his clinic in Brandon, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Malik understands the unique needs of this patient population, specializing in the management of complex kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances common concerns in this age group. He works closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a coordinated care plan, ensuring the best possible outcomes, including dialysis and post-transplant management.
General Nephrologists like Dr. Malik offer specialized expertise in managing these conditions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages those seeking his care to call (813) 438-6999 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Malik's extensive experience includes serving as Chief Medical Resident at the Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens, Medical Director of Health Information Management at St. Barnabas Correctional Health Services, and a teaching attending in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brandon Regional Hospital. His background also includes leadership roles, such as president of Brandon Nephrology, and Medical Director for the DaVita Dialysis Center of Plant City, overseeing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis programs. Dr. Malik's medical training encompasses a medical degree from the University of Peshawar, followed by residency and fellowship training in Nephrology, including specialized experience at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is fluent in Hindi, Urdu, and English, and offers consultations in Urdu. His commitment to patient-centered care, as detailed in the mission statement of Florida Kidney Physicians, is a cornerstone of his practice.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Azhar Malik is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Azhar Malik is a compassionate and dedicated nephrologist, partnering with seniors to navigate complex kidney health challenges. He provides comprehensive care, including specialized expertise in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists. His approach prioritizes personalized care, ensuring each patient's unique needs and goals are met, from dialysis to post-transplant management, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment throughout their journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Azhar Malik can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Ambetter
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Ameritas
Assurant Health
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Guardian
Humana
POMCO Group
Principal Financial Group
Universal American
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care PPO
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Tricare
- Tufts Health Plan
- Tufts Health Plans
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Azhar Malik 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:
- Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive heart disease and CKD happen together because high blood pressure weakens both your heart and kidneys. The good news is that with consistent medical care, including medication and lifestyle modifications, you can slow disease progression and maintain your wellbeing.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V: Reaching Stage V Chronic Kidney Disease doesn't mean the end of a fulfilling life; it signifies a need for specialized treatment such as dialysis or a kidney transplant to improve your quality of life.
- Nephritis and Nephropathy: Nephritis and nephropathy are conditions affecting your kidneys, often involving inflammation or damage that can impact kidney function and overall health, but with proper management, you can often maintain a good quality of life.
- Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic condition where cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually reducing kidney function over time, but managing it with medication and lifestyle changes can help maintain a good quality of life for many years.
- Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis is a serious condition impacting blood vessels, and early diagnosis and treatment with medications are crucial for managing symptoms, preventing organ damage, and preserving your independence.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): If you see blood in your urine, it's crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause, which could be something easily managed with medication or lifestyle changes.
- Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: Secondary renovascular hypertension means high blood pressure is caused by narrowed arteries to your kidneys, and managing this condition often involves medication and sometimes procedures to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, helping you feel better and stay more active.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Sometimes, kidney problems can lead to high blood sugar, which we call secondary diabetes. Working closely with your doctor to control both conditions is crucial for your long-term health and independence.
- Vasculitis: If you have vasculitis, it's important to work closely with your doctor to manage it effectively, as it can affect your kidneys and other organs. Treatments often focus on controlling inflammation to improve your overall health and well-being.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage I: Chronic Kidney Disease Stage I means your kidneys are showing slightly reduced function, but with careful management, like monitoring your blood pressure and diet, you can often maintain a healthy and active life for many years.
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis: This condition involves ongoing inflammation of the kidney's filtering structures; managing it often includes lifestyle changes, medication to control blood pressure and inflammation, and regular monitoring to help you stay as healthy and active as possible.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: When you have nephrotic syndrome, your kidneys' filtering system is damaged, causing protein to escape in your urine; however, medication and dietary adjustments can help control this and improve your quality of life.
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. Azhar Malik offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Kidney Stones Treatment: Treatment for kidney stones helps diagnose the underlying cause of stone formation, allowing for personalized strategies to prevent recurrence in seniors.
- End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: For seniors with ESRD, these services provide a comprehensive care plan that includes dialysis (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), medication management, and nutritional guidance to help maintain overall health.
- Hemodialysis and IV Access Surgery: For seniors with advanced kidney disease, hemodialysis, along with the creation of an IV access point, provides a lifeline by artificially filtering the blood and removing waste.
- Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Before a kidney transplant, this evaluation helps doctors understand your current health status, addressing any concerns and improving your treatment outcomes.
- Dialysis Catheter Placement: Dialysis catheter placement is a procedure to create a temporary access point for dialysis treatments, helping seniors with severe kidney failure receive life-sustaining filtration.
- Hemodialysis: For seniors with advanced kidney disease, hemodialysis offers a vital treatment option, improving your overall health and allowing you to manage your condition more effectively.
- Renal Scan: If you're experiencing kidney-related symptoms, a renal scan can help your doctor determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
- Biopsy: If you have unexplained changes in your kidney function, a biopsy can help your doctor diagnose the underlying condition and create the most effective care plan for you.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure where a cleansing fluid is used inside your abdomen to remove waste and extra fluid.
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: As part of a comprehensive care plan for serious kidney problems, CRRT provides ongoing blood filtration, managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
- Central Line Insertion: A central line allows for the continuous delivery of vital medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream, improving the treatment efficiency for seniors facing various kidney-related complications.
- Arteriovenostomy for Renal Dialysis: For seniors requiring hemodialysis, an arteriovenostomy is a surgical preparation of a blood vessel, ensuring safe and successful connection to the dialysis machine during treatment sessions.
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 Nephrology in Florida.
Dr. Azhar Malik 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 consistent medical care, including medication and lifestyle changes, a senior couple felt more secure at home, able to enjoy their daily walks and familiar routines without the constant worry of worsening symptoms.
- With specialized treatment, a senior experiencing Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V felt more secure and confident in managing their daily life, allowing them to continue enjoying cherished hobbies.
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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Nephrology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Nephrological care with Dr. Azhar Malik:
- What is a Nephrologist?
- Dr. Malik is a medical doctor specializing in kidney health and diseases. He is an expert in managing conditions affecting the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, and their complications. He plays a vital role in preserving kidney function and overall health for seniors.
- What are the most common causes of kidney disease in older adults?
- The two leading causes of kidney disease in older adults are high blood pressure and diabetes. Over time, these conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Dr. Azhar Malik specializes in managing these conditions to protect the kidneys.
- Can kidney disease be cured or reversed?
- While damage from chronic kidney disease is usually not reversible, its progression can often be significantly slowed. Dr. Malik's goal is to preserve the kidney function you have and manage symptoms to maintain a good quality of life. Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline, can sometimes be reversed.
- What are electrolyte disorders?
- Electrolyte disorders occur when there are too much or too little of essential minerals like sodium and potassium in the blood, which are crucial for nerve and muscle function. Since the kidneys are vital in regulating these minerals, Dr. Azhar Malik is an expert at diagnosing and correcting these imbalances.
- What is involved in the care after a kidney transplant?
- Post-transplant care is a lifelong partnership with Dr. Malik's team. It involves taking daily anti-rejection medications, regular blood tests, and frequent check-ups. This diligent follow-up is key to ensuring the long-term health and success of your new kidney.
- What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
- Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically at a dialysis center several times a week. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood and can often be done at home. Dr. Malik can discuss which option might be best for you.
- How does high blood pressure affect my kidneys?
- High blood pressure is like having too much pressure in your plumbing system. Over time, this constant high pressure damages the delicate filtering units in your kidneys. Working with Dr. Malik to control your blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is one of the most important ways to protect your kidney health.
- What is dialysis and when is it needed?
- Dialysis is a treatment that filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do this on their own. It's typically needed in the final stage of kidney failure, called End-Stage Renal Disease. Dr. Malik carefully monitors kidney function to determine if and when dialysis is the appropriate next step.
511 Medical Oaks Ave
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 438-6999
Dr. Azhar Malik, 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): 1609872670
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. Nephrology like Dr. Azhar Malik 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.