Dr. Carlos Santos, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive pulmonary care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in North Miami Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Santos understands the unique needs and challenges that can arise as individuals age. General pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex lung conditions like COPD, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and sleep apnea common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that every patient feels heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Carlos Santos is a pulmonologist in North Miami Beach, Florida, affiliated with multiple area hospitals. He brings over 20 years of experience to his practice, having completed rigorous medical training at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Further specializing in pulmonary disease and sleep medicine through a fellowship at University Hospital, he is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is recognized as a top pulmonologist in his field, having received awards including the National Academy of Medicine in 2012. Dr. Santos is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (305) 653-0425 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Carlos Santos is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Carlos Santos is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive pulmonary care with a focus on understanding each patient's unique needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to diagnose and manage complex lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and pneumonia, ensuring a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Carlos Santos can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
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- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
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- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
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- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
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- Seamless HMO
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- Small Group Elect HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Carlos Santos 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 Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is a common lung infection causing a cough, often with mucus, that usually clears up within a couple of weeks with rest and supportive care, helping you breathe easier and feel more comfortable.
- Asthma: Asthma can make breathing tough, but it's manageable! With regular checkups and a personalized treatment plan, seniors can reduce breathlessness and live fuller lives.
- Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions that cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, making it harder to breathe, but with proper management, you can maintain your independence and comfort.
- Aspergillosis: Aspergillosis is an infection caused by inhaling Aspergillus mold spores; proper treatment, including antifungal drugs and supportive care, helps maintain a senior's quality of life.
- Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: When you experience asphyxia and hypoxemia, it means your body isn't receiving sufficient oxygen, impacting your energy and comfort; treatment focuses on restoring oxygen levels to ease breathing difficulties and enhance quality of life.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath can impact your independence and daily routines; however, with a tailored treatment plan, many people find significant improvement in their breathing and can enjoy increased activity levels.
- Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Pneumonitis from solids or liquids means your lungs are inflamed because of something you inhaled or swallowed. Treatment focuses on resolving this inflammation and helping you breathe more freely, which can make daily activities much easier.
- Influenza (Flu): Managing the flu often involves supportive care like plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers, helping to alleviate discomfort and make daily life more manageable for seniors.
- Tuberculosis: If you're concerned about tuberculosis, know that early detection through testing and a course of antibiotics, diligently followed, can greatly improve your health and prevent further complications.
- Bronchiectasis: In bronchiectasis, the tubes carrying air to your lungs become damaged and enlarged, leading to frequent infections and breathing difficulties; thankfully, treatments are available to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your overall well-being.
- Mycobacterial Lung Infection: This type of lung infection, caused by mycobacteria, may cause symptoms like fatigue and coughing, but with proper treatment, it's possible to significantly improve your lung function and quality of life.
- Lung Nodule: A lung nodule is a small abnormality in your lung that is discovered through imaging; depending on the type, it may be closely watched or receive specific treatment to ensure your comfort and maintain your quality of life.
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 Santos offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Through testing and treatment, this service helps seniors overcome sleep disorders that may worsen existing lung conditions or create new health problems.
- Sleep Study: Understanding your sleep patterns and breathing while you sleep through a sleep study can help prevent serious health issues and improve your overall well-being.
- Respiratory Management: Respiratory management plays a key role in improving the quality of life for seniors by managing symptoms and preventing hospitalizations due to respiratory issues.
- Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: For seniors with suspected lung cancer or other serious lung conditions, robotic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive tool aiding in earlier, more precise diagnosis and improved treatment planning.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors with lung conditions, counseling to stop smoking is a crucial step in managing their symptoms and preventing further damage.
- Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) Testing: This test identifies whether exercise triggers asthma symptoms, allowing for better control and prevention of breathlessness during daily activities.
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) helps doctors determine how quickly you fall asleep during the day, which can be important for diagnosing sleep disorders like sleep apnea that affect breathing.
- Methacholine Challenge Testing: For seniors experiencing shortness of breath or wheezing, a methacholine challenge test can help distinguish asthma from other respiratory conditions, leading to more accurate diagnosis and management.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): As part of a comprehensive sleep study, CPAP therapy may be recommended to treat sleep apnea, improving your sleep quality and overall health.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: This program provides tailored exercises and education to help seniors manage their lung disease and become more independent.
- Spirometry: This painless test is a key part of creating a comprehensive care plan for managing your respiratory health, helping your doctor track your progress over time.
- Polysomnography With CPAP Titration: As part of a comprehensive care plan, polysomnography with CPAP titration helps identify and manage sleep apnea, a condition that can worsen other health problems like heart disease and COPD in older adults.
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 Pulmonology in Florida.
Dr. Carlos Santos 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 struggling with a persistent cough and shortness of breath, a senior felt a marked improvement in breathing and overall comfort, thanks to guidance and support. The family was relieved to see their loved one return to their favorite activities, such as reading and spending time with their pet.
- After regular checkups and a personalized asthma treatment plan, a senior couple was able to enjoy their morning walks outdoors without experiencing shortness of breath, regaining a cherished aspect of their daily lives.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Pulmonary care with Dr. Carlos Santos:
- What is a Pulmonologist?
- Dr. Santos is a pulmonologist, a specialist trained to diagnose and treat lung and respiratory conditions. They are skilled in managing chronic conditions like COPD and asthma, treating infections like pneumonia, and addressing sleep-related breathing problems, ultimately improving your overall well-being.
- I have a cough that won't go away. When should I see a pulmonologist?
- If your cough lasts more than a few weeks, especially with shortness of breath, wheezing, or mucus, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Santos. He can perform tests to identify the cause, from asthma to more serious conditions, and create a personalized treatment plan.
- I'm a former smoker. Am I still at risk for lung problems?
- We understand your history as a former smoker. Quitting smoking was the best decision for your health. While the risk of lung problems decreases significantly after quitting, a history of smoking remains a factor in conditions like COPD and lung cancer. Regular check-ups and, if eligible, low-dose CT screening for lung cancer are important preventive steps.
- My partner snores loudly and often seems to stop breathing in their sleep. Should we be concerned?
- Yes, these are classic signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It's crucial to get this evaluated. Dr. Santos can arrange a sleep study to diagnose the issue, and effective treatments, like CPAP therapy, are available.
- What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?
- A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a non-invasive breathing test that measures how well your lungs are working. It involves breathing into a machine called a spirometer. Dr. Santos uses PFTs as a key diagnostic tool to help diagnose and monitor conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Why might my doctor prescribe home oxygen therapy?
- Home oxygen therapy is prescribed when a lung condition makes it difficult for your body to get enough oxygen from the air. It's a medical treatment, like a prescription medication, that can improve breathing, protect vital organs, and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
- What is COPD, and how is it managed?
- COPD is a group of lung diseases that make breathing difficult. Dr. Santos can create a management plan including medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation to help reduce symptoms and maintain activity.
- A spot was found on my chest X-ray. What does that mean?
- A spot, or lung nodule, on a chest X-ray is very common in older adults and is usually not cancerous. Dr. Santos will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include follow-up scans or a biopsy to confirm the nature of the spot. Proactive evaluation is essential to ensure appropriate management.
909 N Miami Beach Blvd Ste 402
North Miami Beach FL 33162
Phone: (305) 653-0425
Dr. Carlos Santos, 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): 1851343578
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. Pulmonology like Dr. Carlos Santos 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.