Dr. Barry Kusnick, MD is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Cardiovascular care for older adults at his clinic in Saint Augustine, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Kusnick understands the unique needs of patients 65 years and older. General cardiologists provide expert diagnosis and management of complex heart conditions common in older adults, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, personalized care. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (904) 825-4368 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kusnick is a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist with extensive experience in the field. He earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Cardiology at Tulane University Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of those 65 years and older. He is board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His areas of clinical focus include cardiovascular disease management and treatment, coronary and peripheral intervention, carotid stenting, abdominal aortic stent grafts, and Marfan Disease. Dr. Kusnick is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Coronary Angiography and Intervention, and a member of several other esteemed medical organizations. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, ensuring patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Kusnick is dedicated to providing exceptional care to his patients, and he welcomes the opportunity to partner with you on your health journey. He is affiliated with Lakeview Regional Medical Center and practices at his clinic in Saint Augustine, FL. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Barry Kusnick is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kusnick is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to ensure a holistic approach, addressing the unique needs of aging adults with complex heart conditions. His dedication extends to understanding each patient's personal goals and preferences, creating a supportive environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Barry Kusnick can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerihealth
Assurant Health
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Golden Rule
Health Net
Humana
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Meritain Health
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Choice Plus POS
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Tricare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Barry Kusnick 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:
- Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Think of a coronary artery aneurysm as a weak spot in a heart artery; while many are small and harmless, larger aneurysms may need attention with medications or procedures to reduce the risk of rupture and potential complications, improving your comfort and reducing the need for urgent care.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, means your heart works harder than it should, but with proper medical care, including regular checkups and prescribed medications, you can protect your heart and maintain your independence.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation: With mitral valve regurgitation, the heart's mitral valve leaks, allowing blood to flow backwards. Thankfully, various treatments exist, from medication to surgical options, to help manage the condition and support your ability to live a fulfilling life.
- Acute Congestive Heart Failure: Experiencing shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, and tiredness could be signs of acute congestive heart failure, a condition where your heart isn't strong enough to circulate blood efficiently; fortunately, this is often manageable with medical care, leading to a better quality of life.
- Tricuspid Valve Disease: A problem with your heart's tricuspid valve can cause various symptoms, but understanding the condition and working with your doctor to explore treatment optionsfrom medication to minimally invasive procedurescan help you manage your symptoms and live a fuller life.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of rapid heartbeat originating from the upper chambers of your heart, often causing palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, but it can usually be managed effectively with medication or procedures to improve your comfort and daily life.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is a condition where you have too much cholesterol in your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can keep your heart healthy and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Pulmonary Valve Disease: Pulmonary valve disease happens when the valve that controls blood flow from your heart to your lungs doesn't work properly, sometimes requiring treatment to improve breathing and energy levels.
- Angina: Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart doesn't get enough blood, often relieved by rest or medication, helping you stay active and enjoy life.
- Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is a condition where the valve between your heart's main pumping chamber and the aorta (the main artery) becomes stiff and narrow, restricting blood flow; treatment can help you remain active and independent.
- Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve in your heart, often caused by a past rheumatic fever infection, that can make it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.
- Cardiomyopathy: This condition impacts how well your heart muscle functions, potentially leading to fatigue; nevertheless, treatment plans are tailored to manage symptoms and keep you as active and independent as possible.
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. Barry Kusnick offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: This counseling provides guidance on lifestyle changes and medications to improve heart health and prevent future problems.
- Cardiac Imaging: To better understand your heart condition, your doctor may recommend cardiac imaging, a non-invasive procedure using images to detect problems like blockages or valve issues, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care.
- Cardiac Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to check your heart's valves, chambers, and blood flow, providing crucial information for managing your heart health.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: By evaluating your cardiovascular system, these diagnostic tools help doctors assess your risk for heart disease and stroke, enabling preventive measures to keep your heart strong.
- Aortic Valve Surgery: This surgical intervention helps manage the symptoms associated with aortic stenosis or regurgitation, allowing seniors to remain more active and independent.
- Impella Device: For seniors facing serious heart issues, the Impella device can temporarily take over some of the heart's pumping work, aiding recovery from heart surgery or other critical events.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Regular PAD screenings are a crucial step in maintaining your independence and quality of life by detecting circulation problems in your extremities early on.
- Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: These tests use sound waves to create images of your blood vessels, helping your doctor understand the cause of leg pain, swelling, or other circulatory problems and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Tilt Table Testing: If you experience fainting or lightheadedness, tilt table testing helps diagnose the cause, so you and your doctor can develop the best treatment strategy.
- Thrombolysis: As part of your heart health journey, thrombolysis can help break up dangerous blood clots that block arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart.
- Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: For seniors experiencing symptoms like dizziness or fatigue due to irregular heartbeats, a pacemaker can help maintain a steady rhythm and improve quality of life.
- Cardioversion: If a senior's heart is beating too fast or irregularly, cardioversion can help reset the rhythm, contributing to a more effective heart health management strategy.
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 Cardiology in Florida.
Dr. Barry Kusnick 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 careful management of her coronary artery aneurysm, a senior woman felt more secure in her home environment, enjoying her favorite activities without the lingering anxieties she once experienced.
- With regular checkups and medication, a senior felt significantly less stressed and more secure in their ability to manage their daily activities, allowing them to enjoy their morning walks with greater peace of mind.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Barry Kusnick:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Kusnick and his team specialize in the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist works with seniors to manage heart health, especially important for those with existing conditions, new symptoms, or risk factors. This partnership helps maintain independence and quality of life.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Barry Kusnick?
- Your first visit with Dr. Kusnick will be a comprehensive and unhurried conversation about your heart health. We will review your medical history and medications, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This is the first step in creating a personalized care plan that respects your goals.
- What are the most important heart health tips for seniors?
- Dr. Kusnick and his team emphasize regular, gentle exercise, like walking, taking medications as prescribed, and a heart-healthy diet. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke and promptly reporting them to Dr. Kusnick are also critical. Your active participation in your care is essential for optimal heart health.
- How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in older adults?
- Dr. Kusnick and his team focus on safely managing high blood pressure in older adults to protect vital organs and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. A careful approach combines lifestyle modifications with medication when needed to achieve optimal blood pressure control and long-term health.
- What is the difference between 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol?
- Good" HDL cholesterol is like a helpful cleaner, carrying away "lousy" LDL cholesterol that can build up in your arteries. Dr. Kusnick helps manage both types to keep your heart and circulation healthy.
- How can cardiac rehabilitation help me after a heart procedure?
- Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program designed to help you safely regain strength and confidence after a heart procedure. It provides education on diet, exercise, and stress management to help you build a healthier future and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
- What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common irregular heartbeat that often occurs in older adults. It is highly manageable, and treatment focuses on preventing stroke with blood thinners and controlling symptoms with other medications.
- What is a Holter monitor?
- A Holter monitor is a small, portable EKG that you wear for a day or two. It helps catch infrequent heart rhythm problems that might not show up during a regular office visit, and can help diagnose the cause of palpitations or dizziness.
100 Arricola Ave
Saint Augustine FL 32080
Phone: (904) 825-4368
Dr. Barry Kusnick, 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): 1194788117
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. Cardiology like Dr. Barry Kusnick 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.