Dr. Benita Thomas, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Jensen Beach, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. She is committed to serving adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years.
Dr. Benita Thomas, MD is a family medicine physician in Jensen Beach, FL. She is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Thomas is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (772) 223-5619 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Benita Thomas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Thomas acts as a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and collaborates closely with families to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and goals, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling senior life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Benita Thomas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Benita Thomas 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:
- Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, causing stuffiness, pressure, and sometimes pain, which can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes to improve breathing and comfort.
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: For older adults, even a simple lung infection can impact daily activities; however, appropriate medical care, which may involve antibiotics or other treatments, helps to manage symptoms, ensuring comfort and reducing the disruption to your routine.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): PMR is an inflammatory condition affecting older adults, causing significant aches and pains, but with treatment such as daily medication, it can be managed effectively and help you live more comfortably.
- Rash: Rashes can appear in many forms, from a simple redness to raised bumps or blisters, and managing them effectively can help maintain your daily activities and overall well-being.
- Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to something that touches your skin, while eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition, both causing discomfort that can be eased with proper skincare and treatment to maintain daily activities.
- Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can affect your overall well-being, but with a team approach involving your doctor, a speech therapist, and perhaps a dietitian, you can work towards managing this condition and maintain a good quality of life.
- Yeast Infections: Yeast infections are common fungal infections, often treatable with antifungal creams or medications, helping restore comfort and prevent further complications.
- Itchy Skin: Dealing with itchy skin can be frustrating, but understanding the cause whether it's dryness, allergies, or a medical condition allows for targeted treatment and better quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, causing osteoarthritis. In the shoulder, this can result in aching and limited range of motion, but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms with strategies like medication, injections, or assistive devices.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that causes joint pain and stiffness, often improving with simple strategies like regular exercise and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Acid reflux, also known as reflux esophagitis, is a common condition where stomach acid irritates the esophagus, leading to burning sensations; it's often treatable with simple remedies and medication to help you eat and sleep better.
- Depression: Depression is a common mood disorder that can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, but with proper treatment, like therapy and medication, it's manageable and you can feel better.
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. Benita Thomas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Ovarian Cancer Screening: For women, ovarian cancer screening is an important part of preventive care, contributing to a proactive approach to your long-term health.
- Disability Evaluation: Disability evaluations help tailor your treatment and care plan, making sure you have the right support to address your specific needs and maintain your well-being.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that measures your heart's electrical activity, helping your doctor detect any irregularities or problems like an irregular heartbeat.
- ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: As part of your comprehensive care plan, this test can help diagnose adrenal insufficiency, a condition where your body doesn't produce enough cortisol, impacting many aspects of your well-being.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation helps your doctor understand your mental health and identify conditions like depression or anxiety that may be affecting your well-being.
- Diabetic Evaluation: Regular diabetic evaluations are crucial for monitoring your blood sugar control and preventing serious health problems associated with diabetes.
- Vaginosis Screening: As part of a comprehensive health assessment, vaginosis screening helps to manage or prevent infections that may impact a senior woman's overall health and well-being.
- Chronic Care Management: It's a supportive service that helps seniors and their families navigate the complexities of managing multiple long-term conditions, simplifying healthcare.
- Gonorrhea Screening: Regular gonorrhea screening, especially if sexually active, is a crucial step in managing your sexual health and overall well-being as you age.
- Patch Testing: As part of your routine care, patch testing can help determine the cause of persistent skin problems, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about treatment and long-term health strategies.
- Blood Allergy Testing: For seniors experiencing unexplained symptoms like swelling or itching, blood allergy testing can offer a more accurate diagnosis than skin tests and guide treatment decisions.
- Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor diagnose the cause of joint pain and swelling, guiding treatment decisions for better mobility.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Benita Thomas 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 improved sinus drainage and reduced pressure, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of attending their grandchildren's performances, enjoying clear communication and comfortable breathing.
- A senior citizen, experiencing a bothersome lung infection, found relief from their symptoms with appropriate medical care. The family felt reassured knowing their loved one was receiving the best possible support to return to their usual activities and routines.
- With daily medication, a senior woman with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) found relief from debilitating aches and pains, allowing her to resume enjoying her beloved daily walks in the park.
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)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Benita Thomas:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Thomas and her practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients from childhood through adulthood. This long-term relationship provides a comprehensive understanding of a senior's health history. We are skilled in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care, acting as a trusted primary care partner.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Benita Thomas, we'll partner to review your medications, conduct a physical exam, assess your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks. This visit is a key opportunity to set health goals together.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Thomas, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (including over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small they seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Thomas's practice partners with you to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular medication reviews to check for interactions, simplify regimens when possible, and confirm every prescription is still needed and effective.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Thomas works with you as a partner to manage your conditions. She coordinates your care, creating a personalized plan that includes monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your quality of life.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, Dr. Thomas and her team are happy to see you for urgent issues like falls, colds, or UTIs. Seeing your primary care physician is ideal because we know your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Yes, Dr. Thomas's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots. This avoids the need for separate appointments and travel, making it convenient for seniors.
3496 NW Federal Hwy Ste D
Jensen Beach FL 34957
Phone: (772) 223-5619
Dr. Benita Thomas, 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): 1124043260
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Benita Thomas 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.