Dr. Christopher O'Connell, MD is a Dermatologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dermatological care for older adults at his clinic in Coral Gables, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). A dermatologist offers specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions common in seniors, including skin cancers and chronic diseases, working collaboratively with your primary care physician to ensure comprehensive care. He serves older adults (65+) and those with age-related skin concerns, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (305) 443-6606 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Christopher O'Connell, MD is a dermatologist in Coral Gables, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2004 and is affiliated with HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2004, followed by residency training in Dermatology at Saint Lukes Roosevelt Hospital, graduating in 2008. He is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, and his specialized focus is on the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and those with age-related skin concerns. Dr. O'Connell offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher O'Connell is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. O'Connell is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dermatological care with a focus on the individual. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians to ensure holistic and coordinated care. His approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment to maximize comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher O'Connell can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Cigna
Golden Rule
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicare
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher O'Connell 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:
- Lipomas: If you notice a small, movable lump under your skin, it might be a lipoma, a benign growth that rarely causes problems and typically needs no treatment unless it's bothersome.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): If you're caring for someone with eczema, understanding their triggers and helping them maintain a consistent skincare routine, including regular moisturizing and medication application as prescribed, can greatly enhance their comfort and quality of life.
- Keloid Scar: A keloid scar is a raised, often lumpy scar that grows beyond the original wound's boundaries, and while it's not harmful, treatments can help flatten it and improve its appearance.
- Melanoma: Melanoma treatment focuses on removing the cancerous cells, and with proper care and follow-up, it's possible to live a long and healthy life after a melanoma diagnosis.
- Nonbullous Impetigo: For older adults, a skin infection like nonbullous impetigo can be managed effectively with simple antibiotic creams or ointments prescribed by a doctor, allowing you to maintain your daily activities with minimal interruption.
- Herpes Simplex Infection: Herpes simplex infections, marked by painful blisters, are treatable. Antiviral medication helps reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks, thus improving overall well-being for seniors.
- Inflamed Seborrheic Keratosis: Inflammation of a seborrheic keratosis, while not serious, can be bothersome; treating the inflammation can prevent further irritation and help maintain your daily activities.
- Cellulitis: Don't ignore a spreading area of redness, warmth, and swelling on your skin, as it may be cellulitis; early treatment with antibiotics can significantly reduce pain, discomfort, and the risk of serious complications.
- Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is a temporary increase in hair shedding due to underlying factors like stress, illness, or medication; addressing these factors usually helps your hair to regrow naturally.
- Hair Loss: Hair loss, a common concern among seniors, can be managed through various treatments and lifestyle changes to help maintain self-esteem and confidence.
- Jock Itch: Dealing with jock itch can be frustrating, but it's a treatable fungal infection affecting the groin and inner thighs; simple antifungal medications can clear it up and improve your comfort.
- Candidiasis of Skin and Nails: Maintaining good hygiene and using appropriate antifungal treatments can help resolve candidiasis, a type of fungal infection affecting skin and nails, improving overall skin health and well-being for older individuals.
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 O'Connell offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy: By analyzing a small skin tissue sample, a biopsy helps your dermatologist decide on the most appropriate treatment strategy for your specific skin problem, whether cancerous or benign.
- Excision of Skin Lesion: Removing a skin lesion allows doctors to examine it under a microscope, providing a definitive diagnosis for conditions like skin cancer or other skin problems.
- Acne Surgery: Incorporating acne surgery in your care plan can help seniors maintain healthy and clear skin, thereby improving quality of life.
- Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: For seniors with cancerous skin lesions, this procedure offers a way to remove the abnormal tissue, aiding in the prevention of further complications and promoting long-term health.
- Excision: As part of a comprehensive skin cancer care plan, excision helps remove cancerous or precancerous skin lesions, minimizing the risk of spread or recurrence.
- Laser Hair Removal: For seniors with ingrown hairs or skin irritation from shaving, laser hair removal offers a long-term solution for smoother skin.
- Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: Removal of a non-cancerous skin growth helps ensure your skin remains healthy and prevents potential future problems.
- Skin Surgery: For seniors with skin conditions like cysts or lesions, skin surgery offers a safe and effective way to remove them, improving comfort and appearance.
- Melanoma Screening: Regular melanoma screenings are a crucial part of a senior's preventative healthcare plan, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: For seniors with infected skin lesions, incision and drainage is a quick and effective treatment to resolve the infection and promote healing.
- Wart Freezing: Wart freezing, or cryotherapy, is a simple procedure that can effectively remove warts, improving your skin's appearance and preventing further spread.
- Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation allows for the timely detection of changes in existing moles or the appearance of new ones, ensuring prompt attention to any concerning skin lesions.
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 Dermatology in Florida.
Dr. Christopher O'Connell 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 senior felt more comfortable and secure moving about their home after a dermatologist helped them manage bothersome lipomas. They were able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without the discomfort previously caused by the lipomas.
- With expert guidance on managing their eczema, a senior was finally able to resume their love of gardening without the constant discomfort and itching. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one's skin was healing and their quality of life was improving.
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 Dermatology (Dermatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dermatological care with Dr. Christopher O'Connell:
- What is a Dermatologist?
- Dr. O'Connell is a medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions. He diagnoses and treats a wide range of issues, including skin cancer, chronic skin problems, and age-related skin changes. His expertise is crucial for maintaining healthy and comfortable skin in older adults.
- How often should I get a full-body skin exam?
- We strongly recommend a full-body skin exam with Dr. O'Connell at least once a year. For seniors with a history of skin cancer or numerous moles, Dr. O'Connell may recommend more frequent checks. This is the single most important step in catching skin cancer early, when it's most treatable.
- What changes in a mole should I watch for?
- Changes in moles, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, changing colors, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving/changing appearance (the ABCDEs of melanoma), should be promptly evaluated. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. O'Connell immediately if you notice any of these changes in a new or existing spot.
- Are 'age spots' or 'liver spots' dangerous?
- Age spots are usually benign and not dangerous. However, any new or changing brown spots should be checked by Dr. O'Connell to rule out skin cancer. If desired, there are treatments to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons.
- What are these small skin tags, and do they need to be removed?
- Skin tags are common benign growths that often appear as we age. While they don't need to be removed medically, if they are bothersome, Dr. O'Connell can easily remove them during an office visit.
- What is actinic keratosis?
- Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous skin growth often appearing as rough, scaly patches, caused by years of sun exposure. Treating AKs is important because they can sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
- What is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?
- Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to remove skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. It's designed to remove all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, which is especially important in areas like the face.
- What treatments do you offer for thinning hair?
- Hair thinning is a common concern for seniors. Dr. O'Connell will first diagnose the cause. Treatment options range from topical solutions and oral medications to advanced therapies, aiming to slow loss and promote healthier hair growth.
4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 200
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 443-6606
Dr. Christopher O'Connell, 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): 1598934671
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. Dermatology like Dr. Christopher O'Connell 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.