Dr. Christopher Jefferson, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Venice, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. He serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Currently, he is not accepting new patients, but you can call (941) 952-4220 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Christopher Jefferson, MD is a family medicine physician in Venice, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1993 and completed an internship at Eglin Afb, graduating in 1994, gaining valuable foundational clinical experience. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Jefferson is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher Jefferson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Jefferson is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. He understands that managing health in later life often involves complex needs and chronic conditions. His approach prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, coordinating care with other specialists and family members to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher Jefferson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Jefferson 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:
- Chronic Prostatitis: Experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic area? Chronic prostatitis may be the cause, and with your doctor's help, appropriate management strategies can significantly ease symptoms and help you maintain your independence.
- Iodine Deficiency: Maintaining adequate iodine intake is essential for thyroid health, and thankfully, this deficiency is easily corrected with supplements or dietary adjustments, leading to a noticeable improvement in your health and energy.
- Arthritis of the Elbow: Experiencing pain and stiffness in your elbow? It could be elbow arthritis, a treatable condition that often responds well to a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help you stay active and independent.
- Herpes Zoster Without Complication: While shingles can be painful, effective antiviral medicines are available to manage the rash and nerve pain, helping you maintain your daily activities and independence.
- Hypotension: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded might be due to low blood pressure (hypotension). Working with your healthcare provider, you can develop a plan that addresses the underlying cause and improves your overall well-being, preventing falls and keeping you active.
- Cluster Headache: Imagine a piercing, intense headache in one side of your head, often accompanied by other symptoms; that's a cluster headache, and while it sounds daunting, effective management strategies exist to help you stay comfortable and independent.
- Contact Dermatitis: Dealing with contact dermatitis can be uncomfortable, but identifying and avoiding the substance causing the reactionlike certain plants, detergents, or metalsis key to relieving symptoms and keeping you comfortable.
- Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a bone thinning condition that often precedes osteoporosis; it's manageable through lifestyle changes and medication, helping you stay active and enjoy life.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is easily treated by increasing fluid intake; simple strategies like keeping water readily available and setting reminders can significantly improve an older adult's comfort and safety.
- Cough: Coughing can signal a range of health issues, from a simple cold to more serious conditions; getting it checked by your doctor ensures you receive appropriate treatment to improve your breathing and overall comfort.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, causing osteoarthritis. In the shoulder, this can result in aching and limited range of motion, but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms with strategies like medication, injections, or assistive devices.
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the digestive system; it's managed by strictly avoiding gluten-containing foods, and with careful dietary management, you can maintain your well-being and avoid complications.
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. Christopher Jefferson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screening and counseling for alcohol misuse helps your healthcare provider address potential alcohol-related issues impacting your health and quality of life.
- Independent Educational Evaluation: This evaluation provides an objective look at a senior's skills and needs, helping family and healthcare providers build a more effective care plan addressing any identified challenges.
- Mammography: This imaging test allows for the assessment of breast health and the timely management of any potential issues discovered.
- Strep Test: This simple test helps identify strep throat, allowing for prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and speed recovery.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To ensure your heart and lungs are working efficiently as you get older, an ABG test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, helping your doctor fine-tune your treatment plan.
- Impairment Rating Evaluation: An impairment rating evaluation helps assess the extent of physical limitations and functional difficulties to better tailor a care plan for seniors.
- Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening helps identify and manage bacterial imbalances in the vagina, a common concern for women as they age, contributing to a comprehensive wellness plan.
- Cholesterol Screening: Monitoring your cholesterol levels through regular screenings helps ensure early detection and management of high cholesterol, contributing to a longer, healthier life.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a thorough evaluation of your overall health and well-being as you age, helping to identify any health issues early and plan for your future health needs.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Regular alcohol and substance misuse screenings are a key part of ensuring your overall health and well-being as you age.
- HIV Screening: HIV screening is part of a holistic approach to healthcare for seniors, assisting in early diagnosis and treatment, if needed, and improving your overall health outlook.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For a more complete picture of your health as you age, a DEXA scan is a valuable tool your physician can use to detect bone loss and make appropriate recommendations to preserve bone strength.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Christopher Jefferson 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:
- A retired teacher, experiencing persistent pelvic pain, found significant relief from chronic prostatitis with the help of a personalized treatment plan. This allowed her to return to her beloved volunteer work at the local library.
- With dietary changes and supplementation, a senior couple experienced a noticeable increase in energy levels and a return to their favorite hobby of gardening, a joy they had been missing for some time.
- With elbow arthritis better managed through a combination of medication and physical therapy, a senior was able to resume playing the piano, a cherished pastime.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Christopher Jefferson:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Jefferson and his team are uniquely suited to care for seniors because they often care for patients throughout their entire lives, giving them a deep understanding of a senior's health history. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled at coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- An annual wellness visit with Dr. Jefferson is a crucial opportunity to work together on your health goals. We'll review your medications, perform a physical exam, assess your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Jefferson, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all your medications (including over-the-counter items), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Jefferson's practice partners with patients to safely manage multiple medications. Regular reviews ensure proper dosages, check for interactions, and simplify regimens whenever possible. We confirm that every medication is still needed and effective for your health goals.
- How does Dr. Christopher Jefferson approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Jefferson understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being in older adults. He provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, performs initial assessments, manages medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Jefferson can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help you stay safe and independent.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Jefferson and our team can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
997 US Highway 41 Byp N Ste 201
Venice FL 34285
Phone: (941) 952-4220
Dr. Christopher Jefferson, 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): 1861467946
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Christopher Jefferson 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.