Dr. Bernd Raphael, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Lehigh Acres, 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. Raphael is currently welcoming new patients; please call (239) 368-7270 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Bernd Raphael, MD is an internist in Lehigh Acres, FL. He is affiliated with medical facilities Lee Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Raphael completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at University of Louisville Hospital (graduated 1995) and a residency in Internal Medicine at University of Louisville Hospital (graduated 1997). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. As part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams, Dr. Raphael and his team are focused on providing care for people ages 65+. They help you reach your personal health goals, focusing on your total well-being while supporting you in preventing health problems and managing chronic conditions. Dr. Raphael provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Bernd Raphael is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Raphael acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions with empathy, and focuses on preserving your overall well-being and independence. His approach prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, ensuring a personalized plan of action that maximizes your comfort and quality of life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Bernd Raphael can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Bernd Raphael 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:
- Herpes Zoster Without Complication: Managing shingles effectively involves antiviral medications and pain relief to improve comfort and help you maintain your daily activities.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Itchy, red, and watery eyes might be a sign of allergic conjunctivitis, a common allergy affecting the surface of the eye, but simple treatments like cool compresses and eye drops can significantly alleviate discomfort and maintain your daily routines.
- Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless can be frightening, but it's a common symptom with various treatable causes, so talking to your doctor is crucial for finding the right support and management.
- Dizziness: Don't let dizziness control your life. With proper medical evaluation and a tailored approach, you can find relief and maintain a fulfilling and independent lifestyle.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition, often overlooked, can significantly affect your quality of life and independence; working with your doctor or a dietitian can help develop a tailored plan to ensure you receive the proper nutrients to maintain your health.
- Malaise and Fatigue: While some fatigue is normal, persistent tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell can dramatically affect your quality of life. Your doctor can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet.
- Shingles: The painful rash of shingles can be relieved through medication and sometimes other therapies, allowing you to get back to enjoying your life without constant discomfort and worry.
- Foot Infection: Foot infections are common, especially in older adults, but prompt medical attention leads to faster healing, reducing pain and the risk of more serious issues that could limit your independence.
- Leg and Foot Ulcers: Developing leg or foot ulcers can be concerning, but they are treatable, and timely medical attention can help prevent complications, reduce pain, and improve your ability to walk and participate in activities you enjoy.
- Fever: If you or a loved one has a fever, understanding the cause is vital for appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent serious problems and preserve your quality of life.
- Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, affects many older adults and often improves with simple adjustments to diet, fluid intake, and bathroom habits, along with potential medical interventions.
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Diabetes with kidney problems means your diabetes is affecting your kidneys' ability to filter waste, but with careful management and medication, you can protect your kidneys and maintain your health.
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. Bernd Raphael offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: For seniors with intricate medical needs, care coordination acts as a central hub, simplifying communication and ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling is a crucial step in diagnosing and addressing smoking-related illnesses and preventing future health complications in seniors.
- Coronary Interventional Procedures: As part of your comprehensive heart health plan, coronary interventions may be recommended to diagnose and treat serious blockages in your heart's arteries.
- In-Office Treatment of Cervical Dysplasia: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, in-office cervical dysplasia treatment provides a convenient way to manage abnormal cervical cells and reduce the risk of 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. Bernd Raphael 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 effective antiviral treatment and pain management, a senior was able to resume her cherished knitting hobby, a source of comfort and joy, without the debilitating discomfort of shingles.
- The senior citizen's itchy, watery eyes were significantly reduced with the guidance of the internal medicine specialist. This allowed her to return to her beloved hobby of reading without discomfort.
- With the guidance of a supportive medical professional, a senior felt a significant reduction in shortness of breath, enabling them to once again enjoy their 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. 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. Bernd Raphael:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Raphael's practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive internal medicine care for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health, including the unique medical needs of older adults. They are skilled in managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated medical management.
- Does Dr. Bernd Raphael have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Raphael's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Raphael's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Bernd Raphael?
- Please bring a list of all 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 discuss.
- 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?
- 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 does Dr. Bernd Raphael help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Raphael helps patients manage blood pressure by combining medication with regular monitoring, personalized lifestyle counseling (diet and exercise), and a comprehensive plan to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Raphael's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients understand and manage their symptoms, use inhalers properly, and develop action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
470 Lee Blvd
Lehigh Acres FL 33936
Phone: (239) 368-7270
Dr. Bernd Raphael, 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): 1255306213
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. Bernd Raphael 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.