Dr. Douglas Spriggs, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his Clearwater, FL clinic. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Spriggs is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 445-1911.
Dr. Douglas Spriggs, MD is an internist in Clearwater, FL, and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Cincinnati, Medical Center in 1984, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Spriggs has a strong focus on Interventional Cardiac Procedures, Adult Congenital Heart Conditions, and Heart Conditions, and is dedicated to providing the latest technologies and highest standards of service to patients and referring physicians in providing comprehensive personalized patient-focused cardiovascular care. He is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Douglas Spriggs is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Spriggs is a compassionate 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 collaborates with you and your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and supports your continued thriving as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Douglas Spriggs can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- 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 Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice 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
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx (HMOx)
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Douglas Spriggs 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:
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Aortic valve regurgitation means a heart valve isn't closing completely, leading to extra strain on the heart; however, treatment options exist to reduce that strain and help you stay independent.
- Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Rheumatic fever can sometimes damage the aortic valve in the heart, resulting in a condition called rheumatic aortic valve disorder; thankfully, with proper medical attention and possibly surgical intervention, you can manage this condition and continue living a full life.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Limb swelling from fluid retention can be managed effectively with medical attention, often through medications and dietary adjustments, which can significantly ease discomfort and help you remain active and independent.
- Hyperkalemia: Having too much potassium (hyperkalemia) in your blood can sometimes cause heart problems, but with careful monitoring and treatment from your doctor, you can feel better and stay active.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Many people live long and healthy lives with congenital heart disease; modern treatments focus on managing symptoms and maintaining independence.
- Congestive Heart Failure: If you have CHF, your heart isn't as strong as it should be and can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, however, treatment can help manage these symptoms and improve your daily life.
- Chest Pain: While chest pain can have various causes, understanding the source allows for better management and reduces your discomfort, helping you enjoy your daily activities.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of your heart, and it can be managed with medications or procedures to help you feel better and stay active.
- Atrial Septal Defect: A small opening, an atrial septal defect (ASD), between the two upper sections of the heart might be present from birth. It can cause fatigue or shortness of breath, but many with ASD live full and active lives, and a simple procedure, if necessary, can manage any issues, maintaining independence.
- Hypertension: Having hypertension means your heart has to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks; however, with proper treatment and monitoring, you can significantly reduce these risks and maintain a good quality of life.
- Hypotension: Feeling faint or weak might be due to hypotension, a condition where your blood pressure is too low, but a tailored treatment plan can help you feel stronger and more energetic.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: RSD/CRPS is a painful condition causing intense discomfort in an arm or leg, sometimes after an injury or surgery. Pain management strategies including medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help improve your daily life and reduce pain levels.
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. Douglas Spriggs offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiogram, uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping your doctor assess its structure and function to better manage your heart health.
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess how well your heart is working during physical exertion, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure uses a thin tube inserted into a blood vessel to visualize your heart's blood vessels, aiding in managing heart disease and preventing future heart attacks or strokes.
- Arrhythmia Screening: Arrhythmia screening helps detect irregular heartbeats, allowing for early intervention and preventing serious heart problems.
- Chest Pain Evaluation: Understanding the source of your chest pain is crucial for managing your health, and a thorough evaluation helps create a personalized care plan.
- Cardioversion: To effectively manage a senior's heart condition, cardioversion can be a valuable tool in restoring and maintaining a regular heartbeat, enhancing their overall well-being.
- HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware Online Risk Screening is a quick and easy online tool that helps assess your risk of developing heart problems, allowing you and your doctor to create a personalized prevention plan.
- Tilt_Testing: By identifying the underlying cause of your fainting spells through tilt table testing, your doctor can recommend more effective treatment strategies.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI): As part of a comprehensive heart health plan, TAVR can be a life-changing treatment option for seniors with aortic valve disease, enabling them to live more actively and independently.
- Treadmill Stress Test: This test measures your heart's response to physical exertion, helping your physician determine your fitness level and manage conditions like heart disease.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): This simple test can help your doctor assess your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), allowing for early intervention and better management of symptoms.
- Stress Test: This non-invasive test measures your heart's response to stress, providing valuable information for creating a personalized plan to manage your heart health.
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. Douglas Spriggs 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 guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior couple found relief from the symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation, allowing them to resume their weekly ballroom dancing class with renewed energy and confidence.
- With careful medical management of their rheumatic aortic valve disorder, a senior couple found renewed energy to enjoy their weekly bridge games, a cherished pastime. The couple felt more secure and confident in their ability to manage their condition at home.
- With careful medical management, a senior was able to reduce the swelling in their limbs, regaining the ability to comfortably walk around their home and enjoy their favorite hobbies. The family felt a sense of relief and security knowing their loved one was more comfortable and active.
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. Douglas Spriggs:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Spriggs and our internists are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health, making them experts in the many health issues that can arise with age. They are skilled at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment for adults.
- Does Dr. Douglas Spriggs have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Spriggs is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the diverse health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the common conditions affecting seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Spriggs and our team believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and support for our patients.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Douglas Spriggs?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Spriggs, 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 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.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Spriggs coordinates care by acting as the team captain. He handles referrals to specialists, shares your medical information, and synthesizes recommendations into a single, comprehensive treatment plan.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- We manage chronic pain like arthritis with a multifaceted approach, including appropriate medications, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
455 Pinellas St Ste 400
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 445-1911
Dr. Douglas Spriggs, 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): 1811986698
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. Douglas Spriggs 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.