Dr. Carlos Salazar, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Salazar is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, having completed his medical degree in Universidad Central de Venezuela, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at UT Medical School, Houston, Texas, and a clinical fellowship in Geriatric Medicine and a clinical research fellowship in Cardiovascular Science at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 304-1299.
Dr. Salazar's expertise extends beyond his extensive training, encompassing a deep understanding of the unique health needs of older adults. He earned his medical degree from Dr. Vodder School and completed an internship at the University of Texas Health Center in 2001, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Health Center in 2003, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Salazar's clinical research interests include the age-related changes in the heart and vasculature, as well as dementia. We provide a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for the Tampa Bay area, offering both internal medicine and geriatric medicine. Dr. Carlos Salazar offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Carlos Salazar is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Carlos Salazar is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your independence and comfort. His approach emphasizes understanding your individual needs and goals, creating a personalized plan to help you thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Carlos Salazar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- National POS (POS)
- Open Access Plus
- Seamless HMO (HMO)
- Select HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Carlos Salazar 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:
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: ALRI, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, is a sudden lung infection causing symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing; early diagnosis and treatment are key to speeding up recovery and preventing complications that could impact your independence.
- Pneumonia: Experiencing coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing might indicate pneumonia; early diagnosis and treatment with medication and supportive care is key to preventing complications and ensuring you can continue living your life fully.
- Back Pain: Back pain is a common problem that can be managed with various treatments to help you stay comfortable and maintain your independence.
- All Types of Food Poisoning: Experiencing food poisoning can be uncomfortable, but with appropriate management, like resting and rehydrating, you can usually recover well; seeking professional help for severe cases ensures your health and safety.
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Experiencing pain in your anal or rectal area? It's important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment for lasting relief.
- Gastritis: Experiencing stomach upset? Gastritis might be the cause; it's a condition where your stomach's lining is irritated, but medication and dietary adjustments can significantly ease symptoms and improve your daily life.
- Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain can impact your quality of life, but appropriate diagnosis and treatment, often involving medication or lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce discomfort and improve well-being.
- Food Poisoning: Getting food poisoning means you've eaten something contaminated, leading to stomach upset; focusing on fluids and avoiding solid foods until symptoms improve can help you recover comfortably.
- Shingles: Managing shingles involves antiviral medicines to shorten the illness and reduce pain; prompt treatment is key to preventing lingering discomfort and ensuring you can maintain your independence.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain can signal a heart problem, requiring prompt medical attention for diagnosis and treatment to improve your heart health and reduce future risks.
- Limb Swelling: Limb swelling, often noticed as puffiness, can sometimes be managed with simple lifestyle changes like elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings, improving your daily comfort.
- Asthma: Asthma makes breathing difficult due to inflamed airways, but with proper medication and a plan from your doctor, you can control your symptoms and stay active.
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. Carlos Salazar 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.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: By measuring your heart's response to exercise, a cardiovascular stress test helps your doctor create a personalized plan to manage your heart condition and prevent future problems.
- 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.
- Cholesterol Screening: This simple blood test helps your doctor detect high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease, and create a personalized plan to manage it.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Dementia and depression screening helps doctors identify cognitive and mood changes, allowing for early intervention and better management of these conditions.
- Diabetes Screening: As part of your senior care, diabetes screening helps your doctor assess your risk for diabetes and personalize your management plan.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Geriatric Assessment: This specialized assessment helps doctors diagnose underlying health problems, often unseen in a routine checkup, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
- Osteoporosis Screening: Osteoporosis screening helps your doctor create a comprehensive care plan to manage your risk of bone fractures and maintain your strength and mobility.
- Thyroid Screening: Thyroid screening helps create a personalized care plan by providing valuable insights into your thyroid function, supporting your doctor in making informed decisions about your overall health management.
- Vaccination: As part of your regular health check-ups, vaccinations help assess your immunity levels and protect you from potentially dangerous infections.
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. Carlos Salazar 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 citizen, struggling with a sudden cough and shortness of breath, found relief from their acute lower respiratory infection, enabling them to return to their favorite pastime of playing cards with friends.
- After experiencing coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing, a senior felt a significant improvement in their ability to breathe easily and sleep soundly, thanks to timely medical guidance and treatment. The family felt relieved knowing their loved one was on the path to recovery and regaining their usual energy levels.
- With the guidance of a supportive healthcare professional, a senior couple found relief from their chronic back pain, allowing them to enjoy their daily walks and maintain their independence in their home.
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)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Geriatric Medicine)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Carlos Salazar:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Salazar's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means he is a primary care doctor specializing exclusively in adult health. This expertise makes him well-equipped to handle the diverse and often complex health concerns that commonly arise with aging, including management of chronic conditions and coordination of care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Carlos Salazar have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Salazar's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He is experienced in managing conditions common in later life, and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Salazar and our practice 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 in ensuring clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Carlos Salazar?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Salazar, 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 prescription refill is through our patient portal or by calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed.
- 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.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Salazar's approach to chronic pain, such as arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate medication, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Salazar's practice prioritizes medication management, especially for patients taking multiple medications. Regular reviews ensure we check for drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and create a safe and effective medication plan tailored to each patient's needs.
4710 N Habana Ave Ste 402
Tampa FL 33614
Phone: (813) 304-1299
Dr. Carlos Salazar, 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): 1215900931
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. Carlos Salazar 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.