Dr. Chris Rathburn, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at our Jacksonville, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He 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. He serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Rathburn is currently welcoming new patients; please call (904) 622-9035 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Chris Rathburn, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the American University of The Caribbean School of Medicine in 1981 and completed an internship at Summa Health Systems Hospitals. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at St Thomas Hospital, graduating in 1984. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Ascension St Vincent's Riverside and Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is accepting new patients. It is our goal to extend to you dedication and excellence in medical care. Dr. Rathburn provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Chris Rathburn is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Chris Rathburn is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, skillfully coordinating complex care and managing chronic conditions to help you thrive as you age. He understands that each patient is unique and focuses on creating a personalized plan to maximize comfort and support.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Chris Rathburn can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- FL Medical Providers
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Chris Rathburn 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:
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia can lead to widespread pain and exhaustion, making daily tasks challenging, but a multi-faceted approach, combining medication, exercise, and stress management, can significantly help you maintain your independence and well-being.
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Menopause-related health concerns, including vaginal dryness and bone loss, can be addressed through medical interventions and self-care strategies, often preserving health and vitality in later life.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis makes digestion challenging, leading to discomfort and sometimes affecting your appetite; thankfully, many effective treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and support a better quality of life.
- Wheezing: That whistling sound you hear when you breathe, called wheezing, can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Asthma: If you have asthma, it means your lungs' airways become narrow and inflamed, making it hard to breathe, but regular treatment can significantly improve your lung function and quality of life.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition, often overlooked, can significantly affect your quality of life and independence; working with your doctor or a dietitian can help develop a tailored plan to ensure you receive the proper nutrients to maintain your health.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): If you're experiencing frequent, urgent urination or burning sensations, you might have a UTI. This infection is effectively treated with antibiotics, helping you regain your comfort and well-being.
- Hives: Dealing with hives can be frustrating, but thankfully, these itchy skin bumps are often temporary and can be treated with antihistamines or other allergy medications, enabling seniors to maintain their independence and daily routines.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: For older adults, quitting tobacco is an important step toward better health and maintaining independence. Medical professionals offer many strategies to address tobacco use disorder and ensure a successful journey to a smoke-free life.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: For seniors, gas-bloat syndrome can be uncomfortable, but it's often treatable. Working with your doctor to find the right approach, whether it's dietary modifications or medication, can make a big difference in your daily life.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and can cause pain, swelling, and even life-threatening complications if it travels to the lungs, but with proper treatment, you can manage the symptoms and prevent further problems.
- Gait Abnormality: A gait abnormality is a change in the way you walk, which can make it harder to move around safely and comfortably, but with the right assessment and plan, it can be managed and often improved.
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. Chris Rathburn 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.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- 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.
- Diagnostic Testing: These tests play a key role in managing your chronic conditions by helping your doctor track your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
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. Chris Rathburn 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 careful medication management and gentle exercises, a senior with fibromyalgia felt less pain and fatigue, allowing her to resume her beloved knitting hobby without discomfort. Her family was relieved to see her regain her joy and independence.
- With guidance on managing menopausal symptoms, a woman regained her confidence in daily activities and felt significantly less discomfort, allowing her to enjoy her grandchildren's visits without fatigue.
- With guidance from the internal medicine specialist, a senior was able to enjoy meals more comfortably, reducing nausea and regaining a sense of normalcy. The family felt a significant weight lifted as their loved one's symptoms improved and their quality of life enhanced.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Chris Rathburn:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Rathburn and our internist team are primary care doctors who specialize in the care of adults. They are experts in the complex health issues that can arise with age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists. This makes them uniquely suited to provide comprehensive care for older adults.
- Does Dr. Chris Rathburn have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Rathburn and our practice have extensive experience treating older adults. Internists are specifically trained in adult medicine and are highly experienced in managing the health needs of older patients, including conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Rathburn and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their involvement is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Chris Rathburn?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Rathburn, 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 refill is through our patient portal. You can also contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed.
- 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. Chris Rathburn help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Rathburn's approach to managing blood pressure involves regular monitoring, personalized lifestyle counseling (including diet and exercise), and creating a tailored plan to help patients achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Dr. Rathburn and his team prioritize fall prevention for our patients. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations as needed.
7011 A C Skinner Pkwy Ste 160
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 622-9035
Dr. Chris Rathburn, 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): 1548244403
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. Chris Rathburn 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.