Dr. Cindy Shaffer, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Miami Beach, 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. She is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (305) 538-3828 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Cindy Shaffer, MD is an internist in Miami Beach, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her dedication to Internal Medicine care is evident in her comprehensive approach. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and a compassionate touch, she brings a patient-centered focus to her practice. Dr. Shaffer earned her medical degree from Universidade De Santo Amaro in 2003 and completed her internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2008, further solidifying her commitment to providing exceptional care. She is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and is accepting new patients. Dr. Shaffer's focus on wellness and prevention, alongside her expertise in managing illness, creates individualized plans for her patients' health and well-being. She is fluent in Portuguese and also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Cindy Shaffer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cindy Shaffer is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being. She expertly coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your independence and comfort, ensuring you thrive as you age. Her compassionate approach emphasizes understanding your individual needs and goals, creating a personalized plan that maximizes your quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Cindy Shaffer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Global Excel Insurance
Humana
Medicare
Preferred Medical Plan
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Special Needs Plan
- Special Needs Plan SNP (SNP)
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Cindy Shaffer 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:
- Gait Abnormality: Difficulty walking, such as unsteadiness or an unsteady gait, can affect your balance and increase your risk of falls, but many treatments can help improve stability and reduce falls.
- Hemorrhoids: While hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, effective treatment options are available to ease symptoms and help you maintain your independence and daily activities.
- Diabetic Polyneuropathy: If you have diabetes, diabetic polyneuropathy is a possible complication affecting your nerves, causing sensations like pins and needles or even burning pain. With your doctor's help, managing your blood sugar and taking prescribed medications can help reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle by causing pauses in breathing, but with proper medical attention and potentially a simple device used at night, you can experience better sleep and more energy during the day.
- Ringworm: An itchy, circular rash might be ringworm, a fungal skin infection treatable with antifungal medicines; getting timely medical advice and treatment can help you avoid further complications and maintain your independence.
- Nail Infection: Fungal or bacterial infections under or around your nails can cause discomfort and disfigurement; early diagnosis and treatment from your doctor can quickly clear it up and avoid worsening.
- Constipation: Managing constipation involves increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and regular exercise, all of which can help maintain independence and comfort.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) gradually affects your lungs' ability to function properly, but treatments like inhalers and oxygen therapy can greatly improve your breathing and overall well-being.
- Hernia: Hernias are essentially a weakness in the body's wall allowing internal contents to protrude, and fixing the weakness, often through surgery, can greatly enhance your comfort levels and restore normal function.
- Sinusitis: If you're struggling with persistent headaches, nasal congestion, and facial pressure, you may have sinusitis, a common infection of the sinuses; appropriate treatment from your physician will bring relief and improve your quality of life.
- Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Problems with how your body processes phosphorus can lead to various health issues, but through a combination of dietary changes and potentially medication, we can help you feel your best and maintain a high quality of life.
- Emphysema: Emphysema makes it difficult to exhale fully, trapping air in your lungs, resulting in chronic shortness of breath, yet management strategies and lifestyle adjustments can greatly improve 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. Cindy Shaffer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Preventive Care: Preventive care helps identify potential health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and better management of chronic conditions.
- Agency Surrogacy: Agency surrogacy helps avoid conflicts and ensures consistent, ethical decision-making for seniors facing complex health challenges by appointing a neutral, professional advocate.
- Acute Stroke Therapy With Tissue Plasminogen Activator: As part of stroke care, tPA is used to quickly break up blood clots in the brain, improving chances of a faster and more complete recovery.
- Diagnostic Testing: Regular diagnostic testing, such as checkups and screenings, can help detect potential health issues early on when they are easier to treat.
- Intracranial Vessels Stenting: Intracranial vessel stenting is a key component in creating a tailored care plan for seniors with conditions like stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) by directly addressing the root cause of impaired blood flow to the brain.
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. Cindy Shaffer 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 improved balance and stability, a senior was able to confidently navigate their home again, reconnecting with their beloved grandchildren through daily visits.
- With effective treatment, a senior woman experienced a significant reduction in hemorrhoid discomfort, allowing her to return to her cherished hobby of gardening without pain or embarrassment. Her family felt immense relief knowing she could enjoy her outdoor activities more comfortably.
- With improved blood sugar control and medication, a senior was able to resume their beloved evening walks without the burning pain in their feet, greatly enhancing their quality of life.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Cindy Shaffer:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Shaffer's practice specializes in internal medicine, which means she's a primary care doctor who focuses exclusively on adult health. She's an expert in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, and skilled at managing chronic conditions and coordinating your care.
- Does Dr. Cindy Shaffer have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Shaffer's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the care of older adults. She has extensive experience managing the diverse health concerns common in later life. Her team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Shaffer and our practice believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their involvement is valuable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Cindy Shaffer?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Shaffer, 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 address.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a prescription 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 call our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- Does Dr. Cindy Shaffer treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Shaffer and her team at the practice treat acute illnesses like colds and the flu. Please call the office at the first sign of symptoms to discuss the best course of action for you.
- How does Dr. Cindy Shaffer approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Shaffer's approach to managing type 2 diabetes is comprehensive, focusing on medication management tailored to each patient's needs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling. This includes personalized guidance on diet, exercise, and foot care to support patients in effectively managing their condition and improving their overall well-being.
1691 Michigan Ave Ste 500
Miami Beach FL 33139
Phone: (305) 538-3828
Dr. Cindy Shaffer, 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): 1649587247
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. Cindy Shaffer 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.