Dr. Drew Palmer, MD is a Urologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Urological care for older adults (65+) at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General urologists provide expert medical and surgical care for age-related urinary and reproductive health issues like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and incontinence, working closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, personalized senior care. Dr. Palmer is committed to collaborating with patients and their families, fostering a supportive environment where healthcare decisions are made together.
Dr. Palmer, a Board Certified Urologist by the American Board of Urology, brings over 10 years of dedicated experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2011 and completed his Urology residency at Lahey Clinic, followed by a fellowship in Robotic Surgery and Laparoscopy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His areas of interest include robotic and minimally invasive urologic surgery, specifically for prostate cancer, kidney cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), and ureteral strictures and UPJ obstruction. Dr. Palmer is fellowship trained in robotic surgery, utilizing the da Vinci Xi and Si surgical systems. He has a strong background in evidence-based medicine and a commitment to creating a patient-centered environment. Dr. Palmer's commitment to senior health is rooted in his extensive training and experience, as well as his personal connection to the community. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached by calling (813) 877-7434 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Palmer provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Drew Palmer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Palmer is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive urological care. He expertly addresses age-related urinary and reproductive concerns, including BPH and prostate cancer, with a focus on personalized treatment plans. Working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists, he ensures a holistic approach that prioritizes patient comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Drew Palmer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Drew Palmer 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:
- Overactive Bladder: Overactive bladder can be frustrating, but it's manageable. It involves the need to urinate often and urgently, often more than eight times per day. With the right approach, you can regain control and improve your daily life.
- Trigonitis: Trigonitis is a condition affecting the lower urinary tract, causing irritation and bladder pain. With appropriate medical care, including medication and sometimes changes in what you eat and drink, you can find relief and better manage your bladder health.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Seeing blood in your urine can be concerning, but it's important to know that many treatable causes exist, and prompt medical attention can help manage the issue and maintain your comfort.
- Bladder Infection: Dealing with a bladder infection can be really bothersome, but it's treatable! Antibiotics help clear up the infection, allowing you to feel better and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Orthotopic Ureterocele: In an orthotopic ureterocele, a tube from your kidney to your bladder has a bulge or cyst, sometimes causing pain or difficulty urinating. Treatment aims to correct the structural problem to restore normal bladder function and improve your comfort.
- Phimosis: If an older man has trouble pulling back the foreskin of his penis, it might be phimosis, a condition easily managed with appropriate medical attention.
- Urinary Incontinence: If you're experiencing unexpected urine loss, you're not alone. Many effective strategies exist to help manage urinary incontinence and regain confidence in your daily routines.
- Priapism: If your loved one experiences a prolonged, painful erection that won't go away, it could be priapism, a condition needing prompt medical care to restore normal function.
- Elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen): Having a raised PSA result doesn't automatically mean prostate cancer, but it's a signal that your doctor needs to investigate further with additional tests to determine the cause.
- Interstitial Cystitis: If you experience persistent bladder pain and increased urination, it could be interstitial cystitis; working with a doctor to explore treatment options such as medication or nerve stimulation can help you live more comfortably.
- Kidney Cancer: Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the kidneys grow abnormally, potentially affecting kidney function; with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy, you can improve your comfort and quality of life.
- Bladder Atony: Bladder atony is a condition where the bladder muscle weakens, making it difficult to empty your bladder completely, leading to urinary retention and potential infections, but with proper medical management, you can regain better bladder control and reduce discomfort.
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. Drew Palmer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Cystectomy with Robotic Assist: Robotic-assisted cystectomy is a state-of-the-art surgical option to address serious bladder conditions in older individuals, offering better precision and potentially faster recovery times than traditional methods.
- Prostatectomy with Robotic Assist: As part of a comprehensive prostate cancer care plan, robotic prostatectomy offers precise surgical removal of the prostate, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
- Nephrectomy with Robotic Assist: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, robotic-assisted nephrectomy may be recommended for seniors with kidney cancer to help remove the tumor and improve long-term health.
- Prostate Removal: As part of a comprehensive care plan for prostate issues, prostate removal aims to alleviate urinary symptoms and improve overall health.
- Bladder Scan: By measuring the urine remaining after you urinate, a bladder scan helps your doctor understand the effectiveness of your current treatment for conditions like an enlarged prostate or bladder problems.
- Bladder Function Test: A bladder function test helps your doctor understand how well your bladder is working and identify potential problems like incontinence or bladder weakness.
- Urethral Dilation: For seniors experiencing difficulty urinating, urethral dilation can be a minimally invasive treatment option to address underlying anatomical issues.
- Cystometry: To create a personalized care plan for managing your urinary problems, cystometry provides valuable information about your bladder's function and helps determine the best approach for you.
- Vasectomy: Vasectomy is a relatively quick procedure that can provide peace of mind and simplify family planning considerations in later life.
- Cystotomy: A cystotomy is a surgical procedure where a small incision is made into the bladder to help diagnose or treat bladder problems, improving your overall urinary health.
- Bladder Surgery: Bladder surgery can help address urinary problems by removing bladder tumors or correcting structural issues.
- Lithotripsy: As part of your comprehensive kidney stone care plan, lithotripsy offers a non-invasive way to remove stones, minimizing the need for more extensive surgery.
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 Urology in Florida.
Dr. Drew Palmer 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 retired couple rediscovered their love for evening strolls, no longer worried about frequent restroom trips, thanks to a urology specialist's guidance and tailored treatment plan.
- A senior couple found significant relief from bladder pain and irritation, allowing them to enjoy evening walks and social gatherings with newfound comfort and ease.
- Concerned about blood in their urine, a senior felt reassured by the urology's explanation of potential causes and treatment options. With regular check-ups and medication, they regained confidence in their daily activities and felt more comfortable at home.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Urology (Urology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Urological care with Dr. Drew Palmer:
- What is a Urologist?
- Dr. Drew Palmer and his team are urologists, meaning they are medical and surgical specialists who treat conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women, and the male reproductive system. They have expertise in managing common senior health concerns such as enlarged prostate, incontinence, kidney stones, and cancers of the urinary organs.
- I have to urinate frequently, especially at night. Is this just a normal part of getting older?
- While urinary patterns can change with age, frequent or urgent urination is a symptom that should be evaluated. For men, it's often a sign of an enlarged prostate (BPH), and for both men and women, it can be a sign of an overactive bladder. Dr. Drew Palmer can diagnose the cause and offer effective treatments to improve your comfort and sleep.
- What is a PSA test and who should have it?
- The PSA test is a simple blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. Deciding whether or not to have a PSA test is a personal choice best made after discussing the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. Dr. Drew Palmer can help you have this important conversation, considering your age, family history, and overall health.
- I sometimes leak urine when I cough or laugh. What can be done?
- This is a common condition called stress urinary incontinence, often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, especially in women. Fortunately, it's very treatable. Treatments range from exercises to minimally invasive procedures like a urethral sling.
- What is a kidney stone and how is it treated?
- Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause significant pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Many small stones can be passed by drinking plenty of water and taking pain medication, but for larger stones, Dr. Drew Palmer can perform procedures like shock wave lithotripsy or use lasers to break them up.
- I'm experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). Is this something a urologist treats?
- Yes, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition, and Dr. Drew Palmer is a urologist specializing in its treatment. ED can sometimes be linked to other health issues, and he can conduct a confidential evaluation to discuss various effective treatments.
- What is robotic surgery for prostate cancer?
- Robotic surgery, like the da Vinci® system, is an advanced, minimally invasive technique for prostate cancer removal. It allows for precise surgery through small incisions, leading to less pain, less blood loss, and often a faster recovery and return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.
- What is a cystoscopy?
- A cystoscopy is a common in-office procedure where Dr. Palmer uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your bladder and urethra. It's often used to investigate issues like blood in your urine or recurrent urinary tract infections. The procedure is quick and performed with numbing gel for your comfort.
2708 W Saint Isabel St
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 877-7434
Dr. Drew Palmer, 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): 1174818710
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 provider named. Urology like Dr. Drew Palmer 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.