Dr. Duane Belongie, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at his Clearwater, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Orthopedic Surgeons possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions common in seniors, such as arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 935-0330 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Duane Belongie, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Clearwater, FL, with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2002 and is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is affiliated with Mease Countryside Hospital and Mease Dunedin Hospital and is accepting new patients. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He treats a broad spectrum of patients and their orthopedic problems, valuing contact with his patients and personally seeing them at office visits before and after surgery. He embraces conservative treatments when appropriate, and surgery when these other options have failed. He does not hesitate to help arrange appropriate referrals for problems outside his scope of practice. He is very open to other cultures, and speaks Spanish fluently for those more comfortable in that language. Dr. Belongie provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Duane Belongie is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Duane Belongie is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to individual needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to ensure a personalized approach, addressing musculoskeletal concerns like arthritis and fractures with expertise and empathy. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's unique goals and creating a plan that maximizes comfort and independence for a positive and fulfilling life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Duane Belongie can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Duane Belongie 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 an unsteady gait or stumbling, might indicate a gait abnormality that can often be improved through physical therapy, assistive devices, or medication, improving your independence and quality of life.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head, often from a car accident, resulting in pain, stiffness, and headaches, which can be effectively managed with physical therapy and medication to improve comfort and mobility.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a serious injury to the knee joint, often requiring surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament and restore stability, thus improving mobility and reducing pain for older adults.
- Hip Pointer: A hip pointer is a bruise to the bone of your hip, causing pain and discomfort that can be eased with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, helping you maintain your mobility.
- Chondromalacia: The wearing down of cartilage beneath the kneecap, known as chondromalacia, can lead to knee pain, but treatment like physical therapy and medication can significantly improve comfort and mobility.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs in our spine can lose their cushioning ability, leading to degenerative disc disease which can cause back pain and limitations in movement; however, many treatments can help manage symptoms and maintain your mobility.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness? It may be osteoarthritis, a condition where the joint's cartilage degrades, causing friction and discomfort. Treatment focuses on managing pain and improving function, often through physical therapy, medication, or minimally invasive procedures.
- Bursitis: If you're experiencing pain and swelling around a joint, it could be bursitis, a common condition treatable with simple measures like over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and sometimes cortisone injections, significantly improving your comfort and daily function.
- Hip Fracture: Breaking your hip can be frightening, but with timely medical care, including surgery and rehabilitation, you can recover and return to a more comfortable, active life.
- Lumbosacral Stenosis: Lumbosacral stenosis is a common age-related condition affecting the lower spine, causing pain and weakness in the legs. Fortunately, various treatment approaches, from lifestyle adjustments to surgery, help to manage symptoms and enhance daily function.
- Back Pain: Dealing with persistent back pain can significantly impact daily life, but many effective treatments exist, including medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures, which can improve quality of life for seniors.
- Herniated Disc: With appropriate care for a herniated disc, such as medication or minimally invasive surgery if needed, you can find relief and enjoy a more active 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. Duane Belongie offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Grafting: Bone grafting supports comprehensive care for seniors by addressing bone defects and improving the success rate of other orthopedic procedures such as spinal fusion.
- Shoulder Fracture Treatment: Shoulder fracture treatment helps repair broken bones in the shoulder, restoring mobility and reducing pain for seniors.
- Hip Replacement: A hip replacement can be part of a comprehensive care plan to help seniors manage chronic hip pain and regain their independence by restoring joint function.
- Cartilage Repair: Cartilage repair can be a valuable diagnostic tool, helping determine the extent of joint damage and guide treatment decisions for seniors with arthritis.
- Hardware Removal: Removing outdated hardware can alleviate pain and improve mobility for seniors who have experienced complications from previous orthopedic procedures.
- Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: For seniors experiencing recurrent ankle sprains, ligament reconstruction can help restore the joint's structural integrity and reduce the risk of further injury.
- Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): ORIF surgery provides a comprehensive solution for seniors experiencing significant bone breaks, addressing the fracture and facilitating a smoother recovery path by mending the broken bone securely.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): As part of a comprehensive care plan, PRP injections may help accelerate healing from a sports injury or a fracture, allowing active seniors to regain mobility faster.
- Ulnar Nerve Transposition: Ulnar nerve transposition is a treatment option for seniors struggling with cubital tunnel syndrome or other conditions causing ulnar nerve compression, enhancing their comfort and mobility by improving nerve function.
- Fracture Care: A comprehensive fracture care plan helps seniors heal properly and safely return to their daily activities.
- Synovial Biopsy: A synovial biopsy helps healthcare providers differentiate between various joint diseases, facilitating better-informed decisions about surgery or other treatments.
- Neuroplasty: As part of a comprehensive care plan, neuroplasty can help diagnose and treat nerve damage contributing to pain or mobility issues in older adults.
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 Orthopedic Surgeries in Florida.
Dr. Duane Belongie 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 a tailored treatment plan, including physical therapy and assistive devices, a senior was thrilled to regain their confidence in walking around their neighborhood, enjoying their daily walks again.
- After experiencing debilitating whiplash pain, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of security in their home, able to navigate stairs and enjoy their favorite hobby of gardening without the constant discomfort.
- With the guidance of a skilled orthopedic surgeon, a senior was able to regain the ability to walk comfortably and confidently around their home again, reducing the fear of falling.
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 Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Duane Belongie:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Belongie and his team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning they specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Their expertise covers a wide range of issues, from injuries to arthritis, and they offer both surgical and non-surgical approaches to help seniors regain function and reduce pain.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Belongie's practice emphasizes finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often starting with conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing. Surgery is only considered when it's the most effective way to restore quality of life.
- How is a broken hip (hip fracture) treated in seniors?
- A hip fracture in an older adult is a serious injury almost always requiring surgery to stabilize the bone. The specific type of surgery depends on the fracture pattern, but the primary goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again as safely and quickly as possible, often with physical therapy.
- What is joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Belongie, is a procedure to replace a damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve severe bone-on-bone pain, dramatically improve mobility, and restore independence for activities like walking and climbing stairs. This is a very successful procedure for seniors.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- We understand the pain you're experiencing. Treatment for arthritis is a gradual process, often starting with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, and injections. If pain persists and impacts your daily life, Dr. Belongie may discuss joint replacement surgery as a potential solution.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful area, like a knee or shoulder joint. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing significant, though temporary, pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to help manage flare-ups.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after a knee or hip replacement is a process that involves a hospital stay and extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, and most patients experience a dramatic reduction in pain and return to daily activities within a few months.
- What can be done for the numbness and tingling in my hand?
- Numbness and tingling in the hand are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Initial treatment often involves bracing or a steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Belongie can perform a simple outpatient surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
3131 N McMullen Booth Rd
Clearwater FL 33761
Phone: (727) 935-0330
Dr. Duane Belongie, 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): 1790825180
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. Orthopedic Surgeries like Dr. Duane Belongie 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.