Dr. Christopher Smith, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Miramar, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (800) 400-6354 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Christopher Smith, MD is a family medicine physician in Miramar, FL, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences College Of Medicine in 1993 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. 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 is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christopher Smith is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your unique needs and goals, working closely with you and your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Large Group POS
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Open Access Plus
- Small Group Elect HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Smith 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:
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Dealing with a URI, like a cold or the flu, can be uncomfortable, but with proper rest, fluids, and simple home remedies, you can ease symptoms and prevent complications, helping you maintain your usual activities and independence.
- Contact Dermatitis: A common skin reaction, contact dermatitis presents as itchy, inflamed skin from touching something you're sensitive to; early identification of the irritant and application of prescribed creams are crucial for faster healing and preventing complications.
- Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to something that touches your skin, while eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition, both causing discomfort that can be eased with proper skincare and treatment to maintain daily activities.
- Strep Throat: While a strep throat infection can be uncomfortable with its sore throat and swallowing difficulties, it's easily managed with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
- Chronic Back Pain: For seniors, chronic back pain can be especially challenging, but working with your doctor to develop a personalized plan that considers your individual needs and limitations can greatly improve your quality of life.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily routines; treatment often includes counseling and/or medication to help seniors feel calmer, reduce stress, and maintain their independence.
- Shingles: If you've had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant and later reactivate as shingles, causing a painful, blistering rash; thankfully, prompt medical attention with antiviral drugs helps to shorten the illness and lessen the pain.
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 Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Diabetic Evaluation: Regular diabetic evaluations are crucial for monitoring your blood sugar control and preventing serious health problems associated with diabetes.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Addressing alcohol or substance misuse in a proactive manner contributes to a comprehensive care plan to support your senior years.
- Psychological Evaluation: This assessment can identify underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which can impact your physical health and quality of life as you age.
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: A pre-operative evaluation helps your doctor assess your overall health before a surgery to ensure it's safe and to plan the best approach for your specific needs.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: By detecting dementia or depression early through screening, doctors can develop a personalized care plan to manage symptoms and support independence.
- Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening is a proactive step in your overall wellness journey, assisting your physician in tailoring preventive measures.
- Tuberculosis Screening: Tuberculosis screening is a simple test that helps detect latent tuberculosis infection, preventing it from developing into active disease and protecting your health.
- Disability Evaluation: Disability evaluations help tailor your treatment and care plan, making sure you have the right support to address your specific needs and maintain your well-being.
- 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.
- Herpes Simplex Screening: For seniors, herpes simplex screening is a crucial part of ongoing care, enabling early detection and minimizing the potential severity of future episodes.
- Skin Testing and Screening: Skin tests can assist in diagnosing various skin issues, enabling your doctor to create a tailored treatment plan to improve your comfort and quality of life.
- Hepatitis Screening: Regular hepatitis screening is a crucial preventive measure to ensure your liver health and improve your overall well-being as you age.
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 Smith 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:
- Feeling better rested and stronger, a senior couple was able to enjoy their weekly bridge game again, a treasured social activity, after successfully managing their acute upper respiratory infection.
- A senior citizen, plagued by itchy, inflamed skin, found significant relief from contact dermatitis after identifying the trigger and diligently applying prescribed creams, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of gardening without discomfort.
- With improved skincare routines and targeted treatment, a senior felt significantly less itching and discomfort from eczema and contact dermatitis, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of gardening without interruption.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Christopher Smith:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Smith's family medicine practice is uniquely suited to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients throughout their lives, building a deep understanding of their health history. They are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care, making them a trusted primary care partner.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Smith, we'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer checks, tailored to your individual needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Smith on achieving your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Smith, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (including over-the-counter items), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.
- 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.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Smith's office can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How does Dr. Christopher Smith approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Smith recognizes that mental well-being is essential for seniors' overall health. He provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, performs initial assessments, manages medications, and coordinates care with specialists as needed.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Smith acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, he will not only make the referral but also coordinate care to ensure all treatments are seamlessly integrated. This ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care for your health needs.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Smith's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots (actinic keratosis). This often avoids the need for a separate appointment or trip to a specialist, making it convenient for seniors.
3350 SW 148th Ave
Miramar FL 33027
Phone: (800) 400-6354
Dr. Christopher Smith, 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): 1023024387
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 Smith 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.