Dr. Carol Hodges, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a dedicated partner in senior health, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice is deeply focused on providing compassionate, comprehensive Internal Medicine care for older adults, recognizing that 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. Hodges is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (813) 972-2000 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Carol Hodges, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL, and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive background, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1982 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hodges is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is accepting new patients.
Dr. Hodges understands the unique needs of older adults and is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care. She strives to ensure that each patient receives the attention and support they deserve. Her practice emphasizes open communication and collaboration to achieve optimal health outcomes. Dr. Carol Hodges provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Carol Hodges is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Carol Hodges acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey. She provides comprehensive internal medicine care, meticulously coordinating complex medical needs and proactively managing chronic conditions. Her focus is on maintaining your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you can thrive as you age. Dr. Hodges prioritizes understanding your personal health goals, working closely with you and your family to create a personalized plan for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Carol Hodges can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Carol Hodges 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:
- Environmental Allergy: For many seniors, environmental allergies can make breathing difficult and impact daily activities. Fortunately, with the help of a doctor, you can develop a personalized plan to manage your allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life, helping you maintain your independence.
- Hyperchylomicronemia: Having high levels of chylomicrons in your blood, known as hyperchylomicronemia, can sometimes be controlled by making adjustments to your diet, helping you stay healthier and more active.
- Crackles: If you're experiencing shortness of breath or a doctor detects 'crackles' in your lungs, it's important to discuss this as it could indicate a treatable respiratory problem that could improve your breathing and energy levels.
- Colonic Volvulus: If you experience severe abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation, you may have a colonic volvulus, a twisting of the large intestine. Fortunately, treatment, which may involve a minimally invasive procedure, is usually effective in resolving these problems and improving your comfort and wellbeing.
- Heroin Withdrawal: Heroin withdrawal is a difficult but treatable condition characterized by intense physical and emotional symptoms when someone stops using heroin, and medical support can significantly ease this transition and improve their comfort.
- Large Bowel Obstruction: A large bowel obstruction is a blockage in your large intestine that prevents waste from passing through normally, often causing significant abdominal discomfort, which can be relieved with treatment such as surgery or medication.
- Still's Disease: While Still's disease can be challenging, it is a manageable condition with treatments designed to control inflammation and lessen symptoms like fatigue and joint pain, allowing seniors to stay as active and independent as possible.
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. Carol Hodges offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Anemia Treatment: Anemia treatment helps restore healthy red blood cell counts, improving energy levels and overall well-being in seniors.
- Heart Failure Management: This service focuses on helping seniors whose hearts aren't pumping blood effectively, providing strategies to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Understanding metabolic bone disease helps your doctor create a personalized plan to protect your bones and prevent fractures.
- Urethral Dilation: As part of a comprehensive care plan, urethral dilation can help diagnose and manage urinary problems, ensuring seniors receive the right treatment for their specific needs.
- Dermatitis Due to Drugs: To create a comprehensive care plan, your doctor will consider whether your skin rash might be linked to any of your medications, ensuring the safest and most effective treatment approach.
- Hospice Care Services: When a cure is no longer possible, hospice helps manage pain and symptoms, allowing seniors to live their remaining time as comfortably as possible.
- Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART): To create a personalized treatment plan for nerve-related conditions or sweating issues, your doctor might use the QSART to precisely gauge your body's responses to nerve stimulation.
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. Carol Hodges 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 a personalized treatment plan, a senior citizen found relief from bothersome allergy symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their beloved outdoor gatherings more comfortably. The family rejoiced at their improved quality of life, feeling a renewed sense of security and joy in their shared home.
- With dietary adjustments guided by the internal medicine specialist, a senior couple experienced a significant reduction in fatigue and an improved ability to enjoy their daily walks, boosting their overall well-being.
- Concerned about persistent shortness of breath, a senior found relief from lung crackles with a personalized treatment plan. The patient regained energy and was able to enjoy a leisurely walk with her grandchildren again.
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
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- 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. Carol Hodges:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Hodges and her team are internists, primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Carol Hodges have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Hodges is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the conditions commonly affecting seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Hodges and our practice strongly 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 supporting the best possible care plan.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Carol Hodges?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Hodges, 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 prescription 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. Carol Hodges approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Hodges takes a comprehensive approach to managing type 2 diabetes, focusing on medication management tailored to individual needs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling encompassing diet, exercise, and foot care. This empowers patients to actively participate in their health and achieve optimal outcomes.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Hodges and her team use a multifaceted approach to manage chronic pain like arthritis, including appropriate medication, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000
Dr. Carol Hodges, 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): 1710937602
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. Carol Hodges 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.