Dr. Christopher Lopez, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Winter Haven, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As your internist, he 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. Lopez is currently welcoming new patients; please call (863) 293-1191 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Christopher Lopez, MD is an internist in Winter Haven, FL. He is affiliated with Winter Haven Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Lopez completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at Medical Center Del (graduated 1996) and a residency in Internal Medicine at Medical Center Del (graduated 1998). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, his team helps you reach your personal health goals, focusing on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Dr. Lopez provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher Lopez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christopher Lopez is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively 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. Christopher Lopez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Blue Select PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Lopez 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:
- ADHD and-or ADD: While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD and ADD can persist into older age, impacting memory, organization, and daily routines; however, effective management strategies, including medication and lifestyle changes, can help seniors live more fulfilling lives.
- Overweight: Being overweight means carrying more body fat than is considered healthy, which can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, but with a healthy diet and exercise plan, you can often manage your weight and improve your overall well-being.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: If you're struggling with stomach or intestinal upset not due to an infection, you might have noninfectious gastroenteritis or colitis; with the right treatment plan, you can get relief from symptoms and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis involves damage to the tubes in your lungs, causing a persistent cough with phlegm and potential recurring infections; however, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, improving your overall well-being.
- Bedsores: Treatment for bedsores aims to relieve pain, prevent complications like infection, and help the skin heal, leading to improved mobility and overall well-being.
- Difficulty With Walking: Walking difficulties can significantly impact your quality of life, but there are effective treatments and supportive strategies to manage this and maintain your activity level.
- Acute Pharyngitis: Experiencing a sudden and painful sore throat? Acute pharyngitis is often treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers and plenty of rest, helping you feel better and maintain your independence.
- Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis: Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis are conditions affecting your veins, sometimes involving a blood clot, leading to discomfort but often treatable with medication, compression stockings, and other simple strategies to maintain mobility and independence.
- Hypokalemia: Having low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can impact your daily life, causing fatigue and muscle weakness. With the right approach, including diet modifications and medication if needed, you can restore your potassium levels and enhance your quality of life.
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis happens when these little pockets in your intestines become infected, causing pain and discomfort, but with the right care, you can feel better and stay independent.
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Experiencing a cough, fever, and shortness of breath might mean you have an acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), which can be managed with medication and rest to help you feel better sooner and maintain your daily activities.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Blood in your urine is a sign that needs a medical check-up. Early detection and proper care can ease your concerns and maintain your quality of 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. Christopher Lopez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Draining an abscess or fluid collection helps clear infections and reduce discomfort, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service helps diagnose and manage the interaction of multiple chronic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving overall wellness.
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps seniors with multiple health problems develop a personalized plan to better manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- 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: Smoking cessation counseling is a crucial step in diagnosing and addressing smoking-related illnesses and preventing future health complications in seniors.
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. Christopher Lopez 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 medication and lifestyle adjustments, a senior felt significantly less overwhelmed by daily tasks, allowing them to rediscover the joy of engaging in hobbies like painting and knitting.
- By following a tailored diet and exercise plan, a senior felt more energetic and secure in their own home, allowing them to resume playing bridge with friends.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple found relief from persistent stomach discomfort, allowing them to enjoy their favorite restaurant outings and family gatherings again.
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. Christopher Lopez:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Lopez's practice specializes in internal medicine, meaning they are primary care doctors who exclusively treat adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with aging, including the management of chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Christopher Lopez have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Lopez is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is well-versed in the conditions commonly affecting seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Lopez's practice believes in a team approach and welcomes the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is valuable for ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Christopher Lopez?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Lopez, 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 calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed. If you have any questions, please call 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.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Lopez and his team manage common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, focusing on helping patients manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop action plans to prevent flare-ups.
- How does Dr. Christopher Lopez help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Lopez helps manage blood pressure by prescribing medication when needed, but also by closely monitoring blood pressure, providing lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise, and creating a personalized plan to help patients reach and maintain healthy levels.
500 E Central Ave
Winter Haven FL 33880
Phone: (863) 293-1191
Dr. Christopher Lopez, 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): 1992702716
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. Christopher Lopez 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.