Dr. Christine Kirlew, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in New Port Richey, 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. Christine Kirlew, MD is an internist in New Port Richey, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 2012 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital, she is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She utilizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Dr. Kirlew provides consultations primarily in English, and new patients should call (727) 375-7929 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christine Kirlew is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christine Kirlew is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your well-being and independence. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and focuses on creating a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and goals, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christine Kirlew can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Choice Option POS (POS)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Open Access (Small Grp)-GA POS (POS)
- BlueChoice-GA PPO (PPO)
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christine Kirlew 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:
- Enteritis: If you're struggling with diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, enteritis could be a possibility. Prompt medical attention can help determine the cause and ensure you receive the appropriate care to feel better quickly.
- Urinary Hesitancy: Urinary hesitancy, a delay in starting urination, can be resolved or significantly improved with proper diagnosis and treatment, helping you avoid accidents and maintain your dignity.
- Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can affect your nutrition and overall health, but your doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan, possibly including dietary changes or therapy, ensuring you receive adequate nourishment and maintain your quality of life.
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Feeling under the weather with a stuffy nose, cough, or sore throat? This could be an acute upper respiratory infection (URI), a common viral infection that often resolves on its own with supportive care and plenty of rest, protecting your overall health and energy levels.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease is a broad term for conditions impacting the heart, and working closely with your doctor to manage it through proper diet, exercise, and medication helps reduce symptoms and prevents complications.
- Anemia: Anemia is a common condition, especially in older adults, characterized by low red blood cell count; thankfully, various treatments are available to help restore energy levels and enhance overall well-being.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Experiencing bloating and gas? Gas-bloat syndrome might be the cause, and thankfully, many effective strategies, from diet adjustments to medication, can help you feel better and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Experiencing pain in your anal or rectal area? It's important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment for lasting relief.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain can impact sleep, mood, and daily functioning, but many treatments, such as gentle stretches, medication, and other therapies, can help reduce pain and restore your ability to move comfortably.
- Testicular Dysfunction: Changes in testosterone levels as men age can sometimes lead to testicular dysfunction, impacting sexual health and energy levels; however, treatments are available to help restore balance and improve quality of life.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to problems with your nerves and blood, causing symptoms like tiredness and memory issues; thankfully, regular B12 injections or supplements can often restore your vitality.
- Vertigo: Feeling like you're spinning or that the world is moving around you is called vertigo, and it can be quite unsettling, however, your doctor can identify the cause and suggest ways to lessen the dizziness and improve your balance.
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. Christine Kirlew offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you actively participate in shaping your healthcare decisions and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones.
- 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).
- 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.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps you understand your diabetes diagnosis and create a personalized plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- 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. Christine Kirlew 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:
- The senior felt a significant improvement in their quality of life after the internal medicine specialist helped manage their enteritis, allowing them to enjoy their favorite family dinners again without discomfort.
- A senior felt a renewed sense of security and independence at home, no longer worried about accidents, after a personalized treatment plan addressed their urinary hesitancy. The family was relieved to see their loved one regain their confidence and participate more fully in daily life.
- With the guidance of a helpful medical professional, a senior was able to enjoy meals more comfortably, regaining the joy of sharing meals with family.
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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Christine Kirlew:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Kirlew, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can come with aging and are skilled at managing chronic conditions. They also coordinate care with other specialists to ensure comprehensive treatment.
- Does Dr. Christine Kirlew have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Kirlew is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the diverse health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the conditions frequently encountered in later life and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Kirlew and our team believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and providing ongoing support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Christine Kirlew?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Kirlew, 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 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 contact our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Yes, our practice proudly accepts Medicare. We are committed to providing high-quality care for our senior patients. We recommend contacting our office to confirm details about your specific plan.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus for our practice. We review medications for side effects that may increase fall risk, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations as needed.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In our office, we can perform common tests like electrocardiograms (EKGs), blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
5089 Little Rd
New Port Richey FL 34655
Phone: (727) 375-7929
Dr. Christine Kirlew, 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): 1851657399
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. Christine Kirlew 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.