Dr. Carolyn Pass, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Lake Wales, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to being a trusted partner in your health journey. 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. Carolyn Pass, MD is an internist in Lake Wales, FL. She is affiliated with AdventHealth Lake Wales. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Pass completed rigorous medical training at esteemed institutions, including an internship at George Washington University Hospital (graduated 1994) and a residency in Internal Medicine at George Washington University Hospital (graduated 1996). As part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+, her team and she are dedicated to helping you reach your personal health goals. They focus on your total well-being, helping you to prevent health problems and manage any chronic conditions you may have. Dr. Carolyn Pass provides consultations primarily in English. Call (863) 679-8815 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Carolyn Pass is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Carolyn Pass is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. She expertly coordinates complex medical needs, manages chronic conditions with compassion, and focuses on maintaining your overall well-being and independence. Her approach prioritizes understanding your individual goals and creating a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Carolyn Pass can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- 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)
- Blue Select 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
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Carolyn Pass 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:
- Hypoxemia: If you have hypoxemia, it means the oxygen levels in your blood are too low. Working with your doctor to find the cause and address it with appropriate treatment can significantly improve your comfort and well-being.
- Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): If you're experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest, or low energy for an extended period, it could be chronic depression, a condition treatable with medication, therapy, or both, significantly improving your overall well-being.
- Diabetic Polyneuropathy: High blood sugar over time can damage the nerves throughout your body, a condition called diabetic polyneuropathy that often shows up as numbness or pain in your feet and hands. Good blood sugar control is key to slowing its progression and improving your quality of life.
- Yeast Infections: Managing yeast infections effectively helps maintain your overall health and well-being, reducing discomfort and preventing complications. Your doctor can create a personalized treatment plan.
- Leukocytopenia: Leukocytopenia is a condition where you have a lower than normal number of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections, and managing it often involves addressing the underlying cause to help you stay healthy and active.
- Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Sometimes, the way your body handles phosphorus gets out of balance, causing symptoms like weakness or bone pain. Your doctor can guide you on the right approach, whether it's diet changes, medication, or both, improving your comfort and enabling you to stay active and independent.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can make everyday activities feel harder, but understanding its cause and working with your doctor can often ease your breathing and improve your comfort.
- Atrophic Vaginitis: As we age, the vagina can become thinner and drier, leading to atrophic vaginitis, a condition causing irritation and discomfort; however, simple treatments like moisturizers and hormone therapy can greatly alleviate these symptoms.
- Animal Allergies: Many older adults enjoy pets, but pet allergies can lead to discomfort and even impact daily activities. Fortunately, simple adjustments like air purifiers, regular cleaning, and medications prescribed by your doctor can effectively manage your allergies and maintain your comfort.
- Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): Nocturia can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of certain medications, but it's manageable. Let your doctor help you find a solution that restores your nighttime sleep and improves your comfort.
- Symptomatic Menopause: Symptomatic menopause is when a woman's transition into menopause causes noticeable and disruptive symptoms. Treatment focuses on alleviating these symptoms to restore comfort, improve sleep, and help women maintain their independence and enjoyment of life.
- Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs, often causing a cough and making breathing uncomfortable, but with proper treatment, you can breathe easier and improve your daily activities.
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. Carolyn Pass offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage is a procedure to remove pus or excess fluid, which can help diagnose underlying medical issues and guide your care plan.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Having an advance directive offers peace of mind, knowing your healthcare decisions align with your values and beliefs, easing anxieties for you and your family.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination creates a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of a senior's health, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening tool that can help detect hidden blood in your stool, an early sign that might indicate colorectal cancer.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Pap Smear: This quick test can help manage your risk of cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells early, enabling prompt intervention.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, smoking cessation counseling supports seniors in overcoming nicotine addiction and reducing their risk of serious health problems.
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. Carolyn Pass 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 improved oxygen levels, a senior couple felt more secure at home, enjoying evening strolls in their neighborhood without shortness of breath.
- With the support of a comprehensive treatment plan, a senior felt a noticeable reduction in persistent sadness and a renewed interest in activities, leading to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. Family members reported a significant improvement in the overall atmosphere at home.
- With improved blood sugar control guided by a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior couple found relief from the debilitating numbness in their feet, allowing them to resume their evening walks together.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Carolyn Pass:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Pass and her team are internists, a type of primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating complex care.
- Does Dr. Carolyn Pass have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Pass is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about common conditions affecting seniors and provides personalized care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Pass and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their participation is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Carolyn Pass?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Pass, 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 a list of 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 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.
- What is your philosophy on maintaining quality of life for patients with serious illnesses?
- Dr. Pass's philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care. Her primary goal is to manage symptoms effectively, aligning treatment plans with each patient's individual values and goals. Comfort and dignity are always prioritized.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Pass's practice manages common respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients effectively manage their symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop personalized action plans to prevent flare-ups.
1143 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales FL 33853
Phone: (863) 679-8815
Dr. Carolyn Pass, 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): 1306814553
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. Carolyn Pass 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.