Dr. Craig Stemmer, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65+) and seniors at his clinic in Boca Raton, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Nephrologists provide specialized expertise in managing complex kidney conditions like CKD, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances common in seniors, working closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible care, including dialysis and post-transplant management. Prospective patients should call (561) 241-7100 to confirm if Dr. Stemmer is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Craig Stemmer, MD is a nephrologist in Boca Raton, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Medical College Of Wisconsin in 1981 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a strong commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as UF Health Shands Hospital and Delray Medical Center and is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Stemmer is fluent in Chinese and also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Craig Stemmer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Craig Stemmer is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive nephrological care. He specializes in managing complex kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances, frequently encountered in older adults. His expertise extends to dialysis and post-transplant care, ensuring a coordinated approach with your primary care physician and other specialists to achieve the best possible outcomes. Dr. Stemmer prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and preferences, working collaboratively with families to create a personalized care plan that fosters comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Craig Stemmer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice 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
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- Focus - Small Employer Groups
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Craig Stemmer 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 Kidney Disease Stage V: When your kidneys are in Stage V Chronic Kidney Disease, they need significant help. Dialysis or a transplant helps remove waste and excess fluids, improving your comfort and overall well-being.
- Proteinuria: If you have proteinuria, it's important to work with your healthcare team to find the underlying cause and manage it, as this can help maintain your overall health and well-being.
- Acute Kidney Failure: Acute kidney failure is a serious but potentially treatable condition where your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from your blood efficiently; treatment focuses on supporting your kidneys and helping them regain their function.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage I: A diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease Stage I indicates a very early stage of kidney damage; with proactive lifestyle changes and regular checkups, you can significantly slow its progression and prevent complications.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage II: Having Chronic Kidney Disease Stage II doesn't mean your kidneys have failed; instead, it signifies that they're not working as efficiently as they should. Early intervention, including regular monitoring and adjustments in your diet and medication, can help you live a full life.
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Chronic glomerulonephritis is a long-term kidney disease where the tiny filtering units in your kidneys become inflamed and damaged, gradually reducing their ability to filter waste and excess fluid.
- Acute Nephritic Syndrome: Acute nephritic syndrome is a serious condition involving kidney inflammation that can lead to symptoms like swelling and high blood pressure; however, early diagnosis and treatment can often help you recover fully and maintain your independence.
- Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your parathyroid glands, small glands near your thyroid, produce too much parathyroid hormone, which can weaken your bones and affect your kidneys.
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are mineral and salt build-ups in the kidneys that can lead to excruciating pain if they block the urinary tract, but treatment options such as shock wave lithotripsy can break them down and relieve your pain.
- Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic condition where cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually reducing kidney function over time, but managing it with medication and lifestyle changes can help maintain a good quality of life for many years.
- Chronic Nephritic Syndrome: Chronic nephritic syndrome is a long-term kidney condition where the kidney's filtering units are inflamed, causing symptoms like swelling, blood in the urine, and high blood pressure, but with proper management, you can maintain a good quality of life.
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Diabetic kidney disease is a serious but manageable condition where high blood sugar harms your kidneys, however, by carefully controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, along with following your doctor's recommendations, you can significantly improve your kidney health and overall well-being.
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. Craig Stemmer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: For seniors with ESRD, these services provide a comprehensive care plan that includes dialysis (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), medication management, and nutritional guidance to help maintain overall health.
- Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a regular treatment that helps control blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances often associated with chronic kidney disease, enhancing your quality of life.
- Kidney Transplant Evaluation: This evaluation thoroughly assesses your overall health to manage risks and optimize your chances of a successful kidney transplant.
- Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: A living kidney donor evaluation thoroughly assesses a potential donor's health to ensure they're a safe and suitable match for kidney transplantation, a life-saving option for many seniors.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure where a cleansing fluid is used inside your abdomen to remove waste and extra fluid.
- Renal Scan: If you're experiencing kidney-related symptoms, a renal scan can help your doctor determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
- Central Line Insertion: A central line allows for the continuous delivery of vital medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream, improving the treatment efficiency for seniors facing various kidney-related complications.
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 Nephrology in Florida.
Dr. Craig Stemmer 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 the support of a skilled nephrology team, a senior felt a significant reduction in swelling and fatigue, enabling them to once again enjoy their beloved hobby of knitting.
- After working closely with their healthcare team, a senior couple felt more confident navigating their daily routines, reducing the anxiety associated with proteinuria. They were able to resume their cherished weekly bridge games, a source of great joy.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Nephrology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Nephrological care with Dr. Craig Stemmer:
- What is a Nephrologist?
- A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney health and diseases. They are experts in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, which are especially important for seniors' overall health and kidney function.
- What are the most common causes of kidney disease in older adults?
- The two leading causes of kidney disease in older adults are high blood pressure and diabetes. Over time, these conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Dr. Stemmer specializes in managing these conditions to protect the kidneys.
- Can kidney disease be cured or reversed?
- While damage from chronic kidney disease is usually not reversible, its progression can often be slowed considerably. Dr. Stemmer's goal is to preserve the kidney function you have and manage symptoms to maintain a good quality of life. Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline, can sometimes be reversed.
- What is dialysis and when is it needed?
- Dialysis is a treatment that does the work of your kidneys when they can no longer function on their own, filtering waste products and excess fluid from your blood. It's typically needed in the last stage of kidney failure, and Dr. Stemmer carefully monitors your kidney function to determine if and when dialysis is the right next step.
- How does high blood pressure affect my kidneys?
- High blood pressure is like having too much pressure in your plumbing system. Over time, this constant high pressure damages the delicate filtering units in your kidneys. Working with Dr. Stemmer to control your blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is one of the most important ways to protect your kidney health.
- What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should, a condition that develops over many years. In the early stages, people may not feel sick. Dr. Stemmer's goal is to slow the progression of the disease through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
- What is involved in the care after a kidney transplant?
- Post-transplant care is a lifelong partnership with our team. It involves taking daily anti-rejection medications, regular blood tests, and frequent check-ups with Dr. Stemmer. This diligent follow-up is key to ensuring the long-term health and success of your new kidney.
- What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
- Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically at a dialysis center a few times a week. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood, and can often be done at home. Dr. Stemmer can discuss which option might be best for you.
2900 N Military Trl Ste 195
Boca Raton FL 33431
Phone: (561) 241-7100
Dr. Craig Stemmer, 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): 1013900299
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. Nephrology like Dr. Craig Stemmer 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.