Dr. Francis Salazar, DO is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Salazar recognizes the unique needs of this population and strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered. 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. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Westside Hospital and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, Osf St Francis Medical Center, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of this population. Dr. Salazar's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that all decisions are made with your best interest in mind. While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (954) 271-7180 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Francis Salazar offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Francis Salazar is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Salazar is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, coordinating complex care, and proactively managing chronic conditions to maintain your independence and overall well-being as you age. His approach emphasizes a holistic view of your health, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your personal circumstances.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Francis Salazar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Humana
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Inc.
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Francis Salazar 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:
- Acute Sinusitis: Experiencing sinus pain, congestion, and headaches may indicate acute sinusitis, a common infection easily managed with a doctor's guidance using medication or home remedies to promote healing and maintain comfort.
- Poison Ivy: While a poison ivy rash can be uncomfortable, especially for seniors, managing it with readily available treatments allows you to maintain your daily activities and quality of life.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of your arteries due to cholesterol and other substances building up. Treatment focuses on slowing or reversing this process to prevent serious heart problems and maintain your quality of life.
- Warts: Warts are common skin growths caused by a virus, and while often harmless, they can sometimes be uncomfortable or unsightly, affecting your confidence and daily activities.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and stiffness, often making everyday activities more challenging, but with proper management, you can maintain your mobility and independence.
- Candidiasis of Skin and Nails: Candidiasis, a yeast infection affecting the skin and nails, can be treated with antifungal medications to relieve discomfort and prevent further spread, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis makes digestion challenging, leading to discomfort and sometimes affecting your appetite; thankfully, many effective treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and support a better quality of life.
- Muscle Cramping: Experiencing muscle cramps? These are often temporary and treatable, helping you stay active and independent.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition causing itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, often manageable with creams and ointments to improve comfort and prevent scratching.
- Nasopharyngitis: Dealing with nasopharyngitis (a cold) can be frustrating, but it's typically a self-limiting illness meaning it resolves without specific treatment. Managing symptoms with rest and over-the-counter medications can help improve your comfort and well-being.
- Gait Abnormality: Changes in your walking style, like shuffling or stumbling, can be a sign of a gait abnormality; understanding the cause can help your doctor create a plan to help you maintain your independence.
- Essential Tremor: While essential tremor can't be cured, it can be successfully managed with medication or even therapy that improve your ability to perform daily tasks such as eating and dressing.
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. Francis Salazar offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Draining an abscess or fluid collection helps clear infections and reduce discomfort, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- 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): 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.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination creates a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of a senior's health, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
- Diabetic Foot Exam: Regular diabetic foot exams are a vital part of your diabetes care plan, helping your doctor customize treatment and prevent long-term foot problems.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Pap Smear: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a Pap smear helps your doctor monitor the health of your cervix and guide decisions about future care.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
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. Francis Salazar 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 the familiar pressure and congestion ease, a senior couple was able to enjoy a much-needed evening of cards with friends, a cherished activity they had put on hold due to sinus discomfort.
- A senior citizen, plagued by a bothersome poison ivy rash, found relief with readily available treatments prescribed by an internal medicine specialist. With the rash under control, they could once again enjoy their daily walks in the park.
- With atherosclerosis management, a senior couple rediscovered their love for hiking, enjoying scenic trails with renewed energy and confidence.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Francis Salazar:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Salazar and other internists are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the complex health issues that often arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Francis Salazar have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Salazar is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience caring for the unique health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions frequently seen in later life and is well-equipped to manage your care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Salazar and our practice 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. Francis Salazar?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Salazar, 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 prescription refill is through our patient portal. You can also call our office, but please allow 2-3 business days for processing. If you have questions, please contact your pharmacy directly.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Salazar's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients effectively manage symptoms, including proper inhaler use, and develop personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- How does Dr. Francis Salazar help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Salazar helps manage blood pressure by prescribing medication when needed, but also by closely monitoring blood pressure, providing lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise, and creating a personalized plan to help patients reach and maintain healthy levels.
2301 N University Dr Ste 104
Pembroke Pines FL 33024
Phone: (954) 271-7180
Dr. Francis Salazar, DO 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): 1093923849
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. Francis Salazar 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.