Dr. Cara Prier, MD is a Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Internal Medicine care for older adults at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. She 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Prier, affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida, is an internist in Jacksonville, FL. She is not accepting new patients, but you can call (904) 953-6722 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. She earned her medical degree from Florida State University and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. I am proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, my team and I help you reach your personal health goals. We focus on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Call now to get started. Dr. Cara Prier provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Cara Prier is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cara Prier is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and focuses on creating a personalized plan to help you thrive as you age, ensuring your comfort and continued independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Cara Prier can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Cara Prier 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:
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Experiencing burning or stinging during urination can be distressing, but it's important to know that many treatable conditions cause dysuria, and your doctor can help determine the cause and provide effective solutions to ease your discomfort.
- Tension Headache: Tension headaches are a common type of headache that feels like a tight band squeezing your head, often relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers and stress-reduction techniques, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- Muscle Weakness: Experiencing unexplained muscle weakness? Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause – whether it's a vitamin deficiency, medication side effect, or another medical condition – and develop a treatment plan to help you feel stronger.
- Cellulitis: Sometimes, a bacterial infection called cellulitis can cause painful swelling and redness in your skin; prompt treatment with antibiotics from your doctor can usually resolve this quickly, improving comfort and preventing more serious issues.
- Constipation: Constipation is when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass, often causing discomfort and reduced quality of life for older adults.
- Hyperkalemia: Managing hyperkalemia involves carefully controlling your potassium intake through diet and medication, enabling you to enjoy a better quality of life and reduce the risk of serious health issues.
- All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Headaches, including migraines, are common but treatable types of head pain that can significantly impact your daily life, and we can work together to find ways to manage them and improve your comfort.
- Polyuria: If you're noticing you need to urinate much more often than usual, it could be polyuria. Working with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying reason and find the right treatment can make a big difference.
- Sleep Apnea: If you or a loved one snores loudly and often feel tired despite sleeping enough, it might be sleep apnea, a condition easily diagnosed and treated to restore restful nights and improve energy levels.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, but with the right treatment and care, you can manage your symptoms and stay active.
- Tonsillitis: Experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing might indicate tonsillitis, a common infection of the tonsils. With proper medical care including medication and supportive measures, you can manage the discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
- Urinary Incontinence: Experiencing accidental urine leakage can be embarrassing, but it's a very manageable condition. Your doctor can help find the right solution to improve bladder control and your overall comfort.
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. Cara Prier 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.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a Pap smear helps your doctor monitor the health of your cervix and guide decisions about future care.
- Medication Management for Learning and Behavioral Disabilities: Medication management helps address the specific medication needs of seniors with learning and behavioral disabilities, working closely with their doctors and caregivers.
- Trichomoniasis Screening: To maintain your sexual health and well-being, trichomoniasis screening is a valuable tool for early detection and treatment of this treatable infection, improving your overall quality of life.
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. Cara Prier 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:
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to leave her home due to painful urination, regained her confidence and enjoyed frequent visits with her grandchildren after a personalized treatment plan. Her quality of life significantly improved with the relief of discomfort and the restoration of her independence.
- A senior citizen, experiencing frequent tension headaches, found relief through guidance on stress-reducing techniques and over-the-counter medication, allowing her to return to her beloved knitting hobby without discomfort.
- After consulting with a medical professional, a senior felt less fatigued and more secure navigating their home, allowing them to resume their daily walks with greater ease and confidence.
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 Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Cara Prier:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Prier and her team at our practice are internists, which means they are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can occur as we age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists when needed.
- Does Dr. Cara Prier have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Prier's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific needs of older adults. She has extensive experience managing the health concerns common in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Prier 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 input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Cara Prier?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Prier, 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 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?
- 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 breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Prier's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, focusing on helping patients effectively manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and create action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus of our practice. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help reduce fall risk.
4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-6722
Dr. Cara Prier, 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): 1639463029
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. Cara Prier 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.