Dr. Christina Talerico, DO is a Geriatric Medicine specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at HCA Florida Senior Healthcare Center at Crown Pointe in Gainesville, FL. She is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Geriatric medicine specialists act as your primary healthcare partners, coordinating complex care for multiple chronic conditions, managing geriatric syndromes, and focusing on preserving your independence and overall well-being to ensure the highest quality of life. She serves individuals aged 65 and older, and those of any age with age-related health conditions. Currently, Dr. Talerico is not accepting new patients, but you can call (352) 375-1999 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Talerico earned her medical degree from Midwestern University and completed a comprehensive residency in Family Medicine at Crozer Keystone Family Medicine Residency in Springfield, PA, followed by a fellowship in Geriatrics at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. This specialized training, culminating in board certifications in both Family Practice and Geriatric Medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine, equips her to provide exceptional care. Her dedication to her patients is rooted in building strong relationships, and she strives to understand each individual's unique needs and preferences. She is passionate about helping her patients live fulfilling lives, prioritizing their well-being and quality of life. Dr. Talerico provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Talerico, a native of Gainesville, FL, is actively involved in the community, bringing her expertise and compassionate approach to senior health.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christina Talerico is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christina Talerico is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive geriatric care that addresses the unique needs of aging adults. She expertly coordinates complex medical conditions, manages geriatric syndromes, and focuses on preserving independence and quality of life. Her personalized approach prioritizes understanding each patient's individual goals, ensuring a supportive and collaborative experience for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christina Talerico can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christina Talerico 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:
- Vertigo: Vertigo often stems from inner ear problems but can also be linked to other health issues; a healthcare professional can identify the cause and recommend the best approach.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Managing tobacco use disorder involves working with healthcare professionals to develop a plan to quit, which may include medication, counseling, and support groups, improving your overall health.
- Joint Pain: Dealing with aching joints? It's important to talk to your doctor to find the best ways to relieve your discomfort and maintain your mobility and independence.
- Arthritis: If you have arthritis, know that you're not alone and that effective management strategies are available to help ease your pain, improve joint function, and maintain your quality of life.
- Heart Disease: Managing heart disease often involves a team approach with your doctor, focusing on medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol, coupled with lifestyle changes to improve heart health, enabling you to live a longer and more comfortable life.
- Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking is a common concern as we age, but it doesn't have to limit you. Working with your doctor can help find ways to improve your walking ability and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Sciatica: Sciatica, a painful condition affecting the lower back and leg, can be eased with treatments such as physical therapy and medication to maintain your independence and ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Chronic Neck Pain: If you suffer from chronic neck pain, know that you're not alone, and help is available. Treatment options are tailored to individual needs and can range from simple stretches to more specialized therapies, improving your overall well-being.
- All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Don't let headaches control your life! Many effective treatments exist to reduce the pain and frequency of headaches and migraines, allowing you to maintain your active lifestyle and enjoy time with loved ones.
- Low Back Pain: Experiencing lower back pain doesn't have to limit your activities; with the right care plan from your doctor, including possibly medication or therapies, you can manage your pain and maintain your independence.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain doesn't have to control your life; with a doctor's guidance, you can find ways to manage your pain and live more comfortably.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): While blood in your urine can be worrying, it's often manageable with appropriate medical care, allowing you to maintain your daily activities and overall well-being.
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. Christina Talerico offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps organize your doctor visits and treatments to make managing multiple health issues easier.
- Dipstick Urinalysis: A dipstick urinalysis is a quick and easy test that helps your doctor check for urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and other health issues, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of your overall health.
- Patch Testing: To better understand and manage skin allergies, a patch test can be an important part of your overall health assessment, helping your doctor develop a plan to reduce discomfort and improve your well-being.
- Rapid Flu Test: Knowing if you have the flu quickly, thanks to a rapid flu test, allows for better management of your symptoms and helps prevent spreading the illness to others.
- Osteoporosis Screening: Regular osteoporosis screening is a vital step in preventing falls and fractures, thereby preserving your mobility and quality of life.
- VAP Lipid Testing: As part of your overall health plan, VAP Lipid Testing provides valuable insights into your lipid profile, which helps in preventing and managing cardiovascular problems.
- Skin Screenings: Skin screenings are a vital part of preventative care for seniors, allowing for early detection and management of skin conditions like melanoma, reducing health risks and improving your quality of life.
- Blood Allergy Testing: For seniors experiencing recurring skin rashes, breathing difficulties, or digestive problems, blood allergy testing can help reveal underlying allergic sensitivities.
- Mammography: For women over 50, a mammogram is a valuable tool for managing breast health, helping to identify concerning changes and leading to timely medical attention if necessary.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: This non-invasive procedure helps doctors determine if your heart is receiving enough blood flow during activity, which is crucial for maintaining your independence and daily life.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of a comprehensive care plan, draining an abscess can significantly alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing for seniors.
- Strep Test: A strep test is a quick procedure to check for a bacterial infection causing a sore throat, helping your doctor determine the best treatment plan.
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 Geriatric Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Christina Talerico 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 experiencing debilitating vertigo, a senior was able to return to enjoyable activities like attending church and visiting friends, thanks to a personalized treatment plan. The patient reported a significant reduction in dizziness and felt much safer navigating their home environment.
- With support from a healthcare professional, a senior was able to quit smoking, regaining their energy and improving their overall health. The family felt a sense of relief and security knowing their loved one was healthier.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Geriatric Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric care with Dr. Christina Talerico:
- What is a Geriatrician, and how are they different from a regular primary care doctor?
- A geriatrician is a primary care doctor with specialized training in the health needs of older adults. They are experts in managing multiple chronic conditions, common geriatric syndromes, and creating care plans that focus on maintaining independence and quality of life.
- At what age should someone consider seeing a Geriatrician like Dr. Christina Talerico?
- There's no specific age to see a geriatrician like Dr. Talerico, but it's often a good choice for adults over 65 who have multiple health issues, functional challenges, or memory problems. A geriatrician provides specialized, comprehensive care for seniors' unique needs.
- How does your practice work with family members and caregivers?
- We consider caregivers essential members of the care team. With the patient's permission, Dr. Talerico values caregiver input, provides education, and works collaboratively to create a care plan that supports everyone involved.
- What should we bring to our first appointment?
- Please bring all prescription bottles, over-the-counter medications, and supplements in a bag, a summary of your medical history and past surgeries, and any notes about specific concerns or changes in function.
- What is Palliative Care, and is it the same as hospice?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for anyone with a serious illness, regardless of stage. It's different from hospice, which is for people nearing the end of life and focuses on comfort care. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment.
- My loved one has memory loss. How can Dr. Christina Talerico help?
- Dr. Talerico specializes in evaluating cognitive changes to determine the cause. She can diagnose conditions like dementia, manage symptoms, and provide crucial support and resources for both you and your family.
- What is your approach to managing so many different medications (polypharmacy)?
- Our approach to managing multiple medications (polypharmacy) focuses on de-prescribing and safety. A thorough medication review is a core part of our care, identifying and eliminating unnecessary drugs, checking for harmful interactions, and simplifying the regimen to make it safer and easier for our patients to follow.
- How does Dr. Christina Talerico help prevent falls?
- Dr. Talerico prioritizes fall prevention. She reviews medications for side effects, assesses balance and gait, checks for osteoporosis, and recommends physical therapy or home safety modifications as needed.
HCA Florida Senior Healthcare Center at Crown Pointe
2205 NW 40th Ter # B
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 375-1999
Dr. Christina Talerico, DO 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): 1912343971
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. Geriatric Medicine like Dr. Christina Talerico 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.