Dr. Erik Carrasco, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Hialeah, FL. He 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. He serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. Please call (305) 548-8497 to confirm if Dr. Carrasco is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Erik Carrasco, MD is an internist in Hialeah, FL. He is affiliated with Palmetto General Hospital and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Carrasco's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to understanding and addressing the unique health needs of seniors, ensuring a smooth and effective healthcare journey. Dr. Erik Carrasco provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Erik Carrasco is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Carrasco is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your individual needs. He prioritizes coordinating complex care, effectively managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence. His compassionate approach ensures a smooth and supportive experience, empowering you to thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Erik Carrasco can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- BCBS PPO (PPO)
- Blue Acess Employer Sponsored
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Blue Priority NY EPO (EPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- BluePPO HSA PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Community Blue PPO (PPO)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (PPO)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- Engage (large group) HMO (HMO)
- Engage - Small Employer Groups
- Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- Focus - Small Employer Groups
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- National POS (POS)
- PPOBlue PPO (PPO)
- Performance Blue
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue/Simply Blue Plus PPO (PPO)
- Superior Health Plan
- myBlue Access EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Erik Carrasco 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:
- Urinary Incontinence: If you're struggling with unexpected urine leaks, know that you're not alone. Treatment options are available, ranging from pelvic floor exercises to medication, to help regain control and enhance your quality of life.
- Acidosis: Acidosis means your body's acid-base balance is off, leading to potential weakness or fatigue; however, with proper medical attention, you can effectively manage this and enhance your overall well-being.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems, but with a focus on managing symptoms, you can improve your comfort and maintain a fulfilling life.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces in your head, often causing facial pain, pressure, and congestion, which can be treated with over-the-counter medications or a doctor's prescription to improve breathing and overall comfort.
- Influenza (Flu): For older adults, the flu can pose a greater risk of pneumonia and other serious complications, but timely vaccination and medical care can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.
- Insomnia: Insomnia is the difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a common problem that can significantly impact your energy levels and overall well-being, but thankfully, there are treatments that can help you rest better.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain, which lasts for a prolonged period, can be addressed through various strategies like pain medications, physical therapy, and coping techniques to help you remain active and engaged in your daily life.
- Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking is a common concern, especially as we age, but we can work together to find solutions that make moving around easier and safer.
- Throat Pain: While a sore throat often resolves on its own, understanding the underlying cause and obtaining appropriate treatment from your doctor ensures you receive the best care and prevents complications that might reduce your independence.
- Nausea: Nausea is that queasy, uneasy feeling in your stomach that can make you feel like you might vomit.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: A blood clot forms in a vein, often in the leg, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications, but prompt treatment with blood thinners can prevent it from traveling to the lungs and affecting breathing.
- Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Phosphorus is vital for many bodily functions, and if your levels are off, it can affect your health. Working with your doctor, you can develop a management plan, potentially including diet modifications or medication, that helps you feel stronger and healthier.
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. Erik Carrasco offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of a comprehensive approach to your health, incision and drainage can treat an infection, relieving symptoms and preventing further complications.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Advance directive end-of-life planning allows you to make informed choices about your medical care, even if you can no longer communicate them yourself.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service helps diagnose and manage the interaction of multiple chronic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving overall wellness.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening tool that can help detect hidden blood in your stool, an early sign that might indicate colorectal cancer.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Obesity Counseling: Through discussions about diet and lifestyle, obesity counseling supports seniors in managing their weight, lowering the risk of related health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling helps seniors develop a personalized plan to quit smoking, improving their lung health and overall well-being.
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. Erik Carrasco 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 senior felt a significant improvement in their confidence and security at home, no longer worried about unexpected accidents, thanks to a personalized treatment plan.
- With careful management of acidosis, a senior couple regained their energy and were able to enjoy leisurely walks in the park again, boosting their overall well-being.
- With guidance on managing symptoms, a senior found relief from chronic pain and regained the energy to enjoy daily walks in the park, a cherished activity.
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. Erik Carrasco:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Carrasco is an internist, a primary care doctor who specializes in treating adults. They are uniquely qualified to manage the complex health needs of older adults, including chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Erik Carrasco have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Carrasco is an internist, specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults, including common conditions of later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Carrasco and our practice strongly believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their insights and support are invaluable in ensuring clear communication and a comprehensive plan of care.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Erik Carrasco?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Carrasco, 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.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Carrasco's practice prioritizes safe and effective medication management, especially for patients taking multiple medications. We regularly review prescriptions to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary medications, and ensure the overall medication plan is optimized for your health and well-being.
- Does Dr. Erik Carrasco treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Carrasco and our practice treat acute illnesses like colds and the flu. Please call the office as soon as symptoms appear to determine the best course of action.
1550 W 84th St Ste 64
Hialeah FL 33014
Phone: (305) 548-8497
Dr. Erik Carrasco, 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): 1073762043
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. Erik Carrasco 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.