Dr. Elias Gerth, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Key West, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Gerth recognizes the unique health needs of seniors. 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. Please call (305) 293-7201 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Elias Gerth, MD is an internist in Key West, FL, with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. His extensive background includes a medical degree from Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara in 1978, followed by an internship at the University of California, Irvine, and residency training in Internal Medicine at Prince Georges General Hospital Me. He further specialized with fellowship training at Prince Georges General Hospital Me, deepening his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of seniors. Dr. Gerth is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Fishermen's Community Hospital and Lower Keys Medical Center. He offers telehealth appointments and welcomes consultations in German. With over 45 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, employing a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. His goal is to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Elias Gerth is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gerth acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions with empathy, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you thrive as you age. His approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a tailored plan for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Elias Gerth can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
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 Plus POS (POS)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Medica Choice
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO (PPO)
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Elias Gerth 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:
- Polyuria: If you're noticing you need to urinate much more often than usual, it could be polyuria. Working with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying reason and find the right treatment can make a big difference.
- Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure can sometimes lead to falls, but your doctor can work with you to find ways to prevent them and maintain your independence.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia is a condition where there's an imbalance of fats in your blood, potentially leading to heart issues, but working with your doctor, through medication and dietary adjustments, you can help protect your heart and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Sleep Apnea: While sleep apnea can cause tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and even impact mood, it's treatable; talking to your doctor can lead to a diagnosis and a personalized plan to help you feel refreshed and more alert.
- Urinary Incontinence: Experiencing accidental urine leakage can be embarrassing, but it's a very manageable condition. Your doctor can help find the right solution to improve bladder control and your overall comfort.
- Bursitis: If you have bursitis, the inflammation around your joints can make everyday tasks challenging. Fortunately, it's often managed effectively with pain relievers, gentle exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce discomfort and enhance your daily life.
- ADHD and-or ADD: Untreated ADHD or ADD in later life can lead to difficulties managing daily tasks and impacting social interactions; however, a comprehensive approach involving medication, therapy, and support groups can greatly enhance a senior's ability to live independently and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Acute venous embolism thrombosis is a dangerous blood clot in a vein, typically in the leg, that needs immediate medical attention to prevent it from moving to your lungs and causing further problems; effective treatments help manage symptoms and keep you active.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Neurogenic bladder is a condition where nerve problems affect bladder control, making it difficult to empty your bladder completely or causing leaks, but with the right care and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Esophagitis: If you're struggling with painful swallowing or persistent heartburn, it could be esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus that can be effectively treated with medication and simple lifestyle modifications to improve your eating and overall well-being.
- Shortness of Breath: If you're experiencing shortness of breath, don't hesitate to seek medical attention; with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can maintain your independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Leg and Foot Ulcers: Leg and foot ulcers are open sores that can be painful and slow to heal, often impacting mobility and daily life, but with proper care and treatment, healing is possible and can restore comfort and 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. Elias Gerth 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.
- Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: It's a supportive step in managing heart health, helping seniors make informed decisions about their care and improve their quality of life.
- Diabetes Counseling: With diabetes counseling, you'll work with a healthcare professional to set realistic goals and track your progress in managing your diabetes.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: To support your overall health, a fecal occult blood test is used to screen for colorectal cancer, allowing for early intervention and better health management.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps seniors identify potential barriers to weight management and provides them with strategies to overcome these challenges, creating a path to improved health outcomes.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, smoking cessation counseling supports seniors in overcoming nicotine addiction and reducing their risk of serious health problems.
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. Elias Gerth 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:
- Concerned about frequent urination, a senior found relief from bothersome polyuria symptoms after working with a healthcare provider. This allowed them to enjoy a more comfortable and secure evening at home.
- Concerned about frequent dizziness, a senior felt more secure at home after working with a healthcare professional to manage their low blood pressure. They were able to resume their beloved hobby of walking in the park without fear of falling.
- Following a personalized plan that included medication and dietary changes, a senior felt more confident about their heart health, allowing them to enjoy a more active and fulfilling retirement.
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. Elias Gerth:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Gerth and our internists are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health, making them experts in the complex health issues that commonly arise with aging. They are skilled at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment for our patients.
- Does Dr. Elias Gerth have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Gerth's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, ensuring comprehensive and appropriate care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Gerth 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 involvement is valuable for ensuring clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Elias Gerth?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Gerth, 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?
- 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.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Gerth coordinates care by acting as the central point of contact for all your specialists. He handles referrals, ensures smooth communication of your medical information, and synthesizes recommendations into a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Gerth and our team are dedicated to preventive care for older adults. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. We believe in proactive health management to maintain well-being.
1501 Government Rd
Key West FL 33040
Phone: (305) 293-7201
Dr. Elias Gerth, 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): 1235164740
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. Elias Gerth 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.