Dr. Effie Samitas, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Currently, Dr. Samitas is not accepting new patients, but you can call (321) 725-5050 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Effie Samitas, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1986 and completed an internship at Orlando Regional Medical Center in 1987. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Melbourne Regional Medical Center. She is fluent in Greek and also offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Samitas is proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, her team and she help you reach your personal health goals, focusing on total well-being, preventing health problems, and providing support for managing any chronic conditions you may have.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Effie Samitas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Samitas is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your independence and comfort, ensuring a smooth transition as you age. Her dedication extends to understanding your personal needs, creating a collaborative plan with you and your family, and empowering you to thrive.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Effie Samitas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Assurant Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Superior Health Plan
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Effie Samitas 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:
- Dizziness: If you're feeling dizzy, it's crucial to consult your doctor to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized plan for managing your symptoms and preventing falls.
- Sarcoidosis: Think of sarcoidosis as an unusual inflammatory response that can affect multiple organs. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms like joint pain or skin rashes, improving your overall well-being and helping you maintain your daily routine.
- Dysphagia: Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, a common problem that can make eating and drinking challenging, but with the right care and strategies, you can still enjoy your meals and maintain your independence.
- Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition where the airways become damaged and widened, making it harder to clear mucus and leading to frequent coughs and infections, but with proper management, you can breathe easier and maintain your independence.
- Acute Bronchitis: If you've developed a cough and chest congestion, it might be acute bronchitis, a temporary lung infection that often resolves on its own with supportive care, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Leg and Foot Ulcers: These sores on your legs or feet can be uncomfortable and limit your activity, but treatments like special dressings, medication, and regular checkups can help them heal and prevent further complications, so you can maintain your active lifestyle.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition affecting your breathing, but with a well-managed treatment plan, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, you can prevent flare-ups and maintain your independence.
- Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and prompt treatment with blood thinners can prevent it from traveling to the lungs and causing life-threatening complications, helping you maintain your mobility and independence.
- Loss of Taste: Experiencing a diminished sense of taste doesn't have to mean bland meals; discussing this with your internist can reveal underlying medical issues and lead to improved quality of life.
- Sleep Apnea: Experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or interrupted sleep? Sleep apnea may be the cause, affecting your daily functioning and potentially your independence, but it's manageable with effective treatments like lifestyle changes or a CPAP machine.
- Itchy Skin: Persistent itching can significantly impact sleep and overall well-being, but with the right medical attention and personalized treatment plan, you can find relief and maintain your independence.
- Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia is a condition where you have too much calcium in your blood, which can cause tiredness, weakness, and kidney problems, but with proper medical management, including medication and lifestyle changes, you can feel better and maintain your independence.
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. Effie Samitas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor understand how well your lungs are working and how your body is managing oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that uses small sensors placed on your chest to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping your doctor assess your heart health and manage any potential problems.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your regular checkups, a fecal occult blood test helps your doctor assess your risk of colorectal cancer and develop a personalized prevention plan.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Drug Allergy Testing: To prevent potentially harmful reactions, drug allergy testing helps your doctor tailor your medication regimen and avoid triggering allergic responses.
- Pleurodesis: Pleurodesis assists in managing persistent fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), a common problem in seniors, by creating scar tissue to seal the space and improve breathing.
- Cancer Immunotherapy: Cancer immunotherapy harnesses the power of your own immune system to fight cancer cells, offering a potentially less toxic treatment option for eligible seniors.
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. Effie Samitas 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:
- Feeling dizzy and unsteady at home, a senior experienced significant relief after a consultation with a medical professional. With personalized guidance and medication adjustments, the senior regained confidence and safety, enjoying walks in the park again.
- With careful management of sarcoidosis symptoms, a senior couple regained the energy to enjoy their weekly bridge club games, a cherished social activity. The couple felt more secure and confident in their ability to manage their daily lives.
- With improved swallowing techniques and dietary modifications guided by the internal medicine specialist, the senior couple regained the joy of sharing meals together, a cherished family tradition.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Effie Samitas:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Samitas and her team are internists, which means they are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Effie Samitas have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Samitas is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience caring for the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the conditions commonly affecting seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Samitas and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Effie Samitas?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Samitas, 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 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?
- Yes, our practice proudly accepts Medicare. We are committed to providing high-quality care for our senior patients. We recommend contacting our office to confirm details about your specific plan.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Samitas and her team are dedicated to preventive care. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. It's a key part of our practice to keep our patients healthy.
- Does Dr. Effie Samitas treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Samitas and her team 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.
2222 S Harbor City Blvd
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 725-5050
Dr. Effie Samitas, 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): 1205891934
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. Effie Samitas 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.