Dr. Catherine Smith, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Internal Medicine care for older adults. 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. Currently, Dr. Smith is not accepting new patients, but you may call (904) 396-4886 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Catherine Smith, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. She earned her medical degree from Brown University and is Board Certified in Infectious Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Smith's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is committed to understanding the unique needs of her patients and providing personalized, high-quality care. Dr. Catherine Smith provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Catherine Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Catherine Smith is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and prioritizes understanding your personal goals and preferences to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Catherine Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Catherine Smith 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:
- Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Loose stools from an infection can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but thankfully, most cases respond well to simple measures like staying hydrated and resting. Your doctor can guide you on the best approach to manage your symptoms and get back to your normal routine.
- Candidiasis of Mouth: A yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis) can appear as white patches inside the mouth, causing discomfort and affecting your ability to enjoy meals. Fortunately, it's easily treated with medication, helping you maintain your appetite and overall well-being.
- Dysentery: Dysentery is an infection that can lead to severe diarrhea and cramping, making daily activities difficult, however, timely diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medication can restore comfort and energy.
- Syphilis Infections: Catching syphilis early is key – antibiotics can effectively treat it, preventing serious complications and letting you enjoy life to the fullest.
- Lung Abscess: If you have a lung abscess, a serious lung infection, you'll likely receive antibiotics and possibly other treatments to help clear the infection and improve your breathing, enabling you to continue enjoying your life.
- Bacterial Sepsis: Sepsis, caused by bacteria, is a dangerous condition requiring prompt treatment with antibiotics to combat the infection and reduce the risk of organ damage, improving your overall health and well-being.
- Pharyngitis: While a sore throat (pharyngitis) can be bothersome, especially for older adults, simple treatments like gargling with salt water and drinking warm liquids can often provide significant relief.
- Nausea: Managing nausea can help you maintain your appetite, energy levels, and overall quality of life, allowing you to remain independent.
- Infective Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis is a serious heart infection treatable with antibiotics, and early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications and improving your ability to enjoy your usual lifestyle.
- Mononucleosis: Dealing with the fatigue and discomfort of mononucleosis can be challenging, but focusing on proper rest and symptom management like throat lozenges and over-the-counter medications can help to ease these symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
- Gastric Ulcer: Experiencing stomach pain? It might be a gastric ulcer, a sore on your stomach lining that can be treated with medication to help you manage your symptoms and feel more comfortable.
- Hepatitis B: Getting diagnosed with hepatitis B can be concerning, but it's important to remember that effective treatments exist to control the virus and prevent long-term liver damage, allowing you to focus on enjoying your daily 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. Catherine Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 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.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling helps seniors develop a personalized plan to quit smoking, improving their lung health and overall well-being.
- Individual Therapy: For seniors facing complex health problems, individual therapy can be a valuable tool for improving self-management skills and emotional resilience.
- SomnoDent® (for Sleep Apnea): As part of a comprehensive care plan, SomnoDent® can improve sleep quality and overall health for seniors struggling with sleep apnea.
- Chronic Care Management: This service provides ongoing support for seniors dealing with long-term illnesses, helping them track their health, manage medications, and prevent complications.
- Dialysis: Dialysis helps to regulate fluid balance in your body, alleviating discomfort and reducing strain on your heart, thus improving your comfort and wellbeing.
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. Catherine Smith 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 the guidance of a medical professional, a senior citizen quickly recovered from an infectious diarrheal illness, regaining the energy to enjoy their favorite hobby of playing mahjong with friends.
- A senior citizen, experiencing discomfort from oral thrush, found relief with medication prescribed by the internal medicine specialist. They were soon able to enjoy their favorite meals again, improving their overall quality of life.
- After experiencing debilitating diarrhea and cramping, a senior felt a renewed sense of well-being thanks to effective treatment for dysentery, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of knitting.
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 (Infectious Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Catherine Smith:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Smith's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means she's a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. She's uniquely trained to manage the complex health needs of older adults, including chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Catherine Smith have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Smith is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about age-related conditions and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Smith 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 in ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Catherine Smith?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Smith, 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?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- 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 do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Smith coordinates care by acting as the central point of contact for all your specialists. She handles referrals, shares your medical information, and then synthesizes all recommendations into a clear, unified treatment plan. This ensures that all your care is well-coordinated and addresses all of your needs.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Smith and our team are dedicated to preventive care for older adults. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. It's a key part of our practice philosophy.
820 Prudential Dr Ste 515
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 396-4886
Dr. Catherine Smith, 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): 1386847903
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. Catherine Smith 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.