Dr. Barbara Pacholec, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Lutz, FL. She is a dedicated partner in senior health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. She serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs.
Dr. Pacholec, a Board-Certified Diplomate by the American Board of Bariatric Medicine and a Board-Certified Fellow by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Regenerative Medicine, brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care. Earning her medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1986 and completing her residency at Monmouth Medical Center in 1989, she further specialized in her field, pursuing fellowship training in the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She uses an integrative health approach to address the whole individual, not just symptoms. This approach, encompassing regenerative, anti-aging, functional, bariatric, and internal medicine, helps patients manage weight, chronic conditions like chronic fatigue and hormone imbalances, and more. Dr. Pacholec is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (813) 909-4430 to schedule an appointment. She provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Barbara Pacholec is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pacholec partners with seniors in a compassionate and holistic way, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes maintaining each patient's independence and overall well-being as they navigate the aging process. This personalized approach ensures seniors receive the best possible support and guidance throughout their health journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Barbara Pacholec can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Barbara Pacholec 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.
- Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism is a condition where your body doesn't produce enough of the hormones testosterone (in men) or estrogen and progesterone (in women), which can lead to various symptoms, but these can often be managed with hormone replacement therapy to improve energy and well-being.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are infections in your urinary system, often causing pain and urgency when you urinate. Fortunately, UTIs are usually treatable with antibiotics, helping you to feel more comfortable and prevent serious complications.
- Overweight: Having extra weight can sometimes make managing other health conditions more difficult. A tailored weight management plan, including diet adjustments and increased activity, can help control your weight and improve the management of these other health concerns.
- Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the phase before menopause where a woman's body starts to produce less estrogen, potentially leading to symptoms like hot flashes, weight changes, and decreased libido; your doctor can help find solutions to manage these symptoms and ensure a smoother transition.
- Hyperlipidemia: If you have hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), it's important to know that it's a common condition treatable with diet changes, exercise, and sometimes medication. These changes can help protect your heart and maintain your overall well-being.
- Anemia: Anemia is a common condition, especially in older adults, characterized by low red blood cell count; thankfully, various treatments are available to help restore energy levels and enhance overall well-being.
- Testicular Dysfunction: While some age-related changes in the testicles are normal, significant dysfunction can affect sexual function and overall health; discussing any concerns with your physician can lead to improved comfort and well-being through appropriate treatment.
- Symptomatic Menopause: When the hormonal shifts of menopause cause uncomfortable symptoms like sleep disruption or vaginal dryness, it's called symptomatic menopause. Medical treatments and self-care strategies can effectively reduce these symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Mastodynia: If you're dealing with breast pain (mastodynia), know that you're not alone. Your doctor can help determine the source of the pain and create a personalized plan to reduce discomfort, helping you feel more comfortable and confident.
- Menopause: Managing menopause involves addressing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes through lifestyle adjustments and, if necessary, hormone therapy.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Having metabolic syndrome means you have a higher chance of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease; but, by making positive changes to your diet and activity levels and following your doctor's advice, you can greatly reduce these risks and stay active longer.
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. Barbara Pacholec offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Addressing sleep disorders can significantly improve seniors' daytime functioning, reducing fatigue, improving mood, and enhancing their ability to participate in daily activities.
- Immunization: Staying up-to-date with immunizations is a key part of a comprehensive care plan, helping to prevent infections and reduce the need for more extensive medical treatment later on.
- Physical Examination: A physical exam helps your doctor monitor the progress of your existing health conditions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
- Urinalysis: A urinalysis is a simple test that checks your urine for signs of infection, kidney problems, or other health issues, helping your doctor create a personalized care plan.
- Venipuncture: Venipuncture, or drawing blood from a vein, is a common and quick procedure that helps your doctor assess your overall health and detect potential problems early.
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. Barbara Pacholec 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:
- After struggling with night sweats and mood swings, a woman found relief from menopausal symptoms, allowing her to reconnect with her grandchildren and enjoy evenings spent reading.
- After hormone replacement therapy, a senior woman regained the energy to garden again, tending to her prize-winning roses, a cherished hobby. Her family was relieved to see her improved mood and overall well-being.
- After a course of antibiotics prescribed by the internal medicine specialist, Mrs. Rodriguez experienced significant relief from the pain and urgency associated with her urinary tract infection, allowing her to return to her beloved knitting circle.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Barbara Pacholec:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Pacholec and her team are internists, a type of primary care doctor specializing in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise as people age and are skilled at managing chronic conditions. They also coordinate care with other specialists, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated medical attention.
- Does Dr. Barbara Pacholec have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Pacholec is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is highly knowledgeable about the conditions frequently encountered in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Pacholec and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their involvement is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Barbara Pacholec?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Pacholec, 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?
- 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 call our office.
- 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 diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Pacholec's office, we can perform common tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Pacholec's practice is a central hub for coordinating care, connecting patients with specialists, and managing medications to create a unified care plan. This approach helps avoid conflicting treatments and simplifies the healthcare experience for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
24622 State Road 54
Lutz FL 33559
Phone: (813) 909-4430
Dr. Barbara Pacholec, 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): 1073696902
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. Barbara Pacholec 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.