Dr. Frank Lavernia, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Pompano Beach, 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 primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs in his practice.
Dr. Lavernia is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He earned his medical degree from Universidad De Zaragoza, Facultad De Medicina and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (954) 418-8146 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Frank Lavernia, MD is an internist in Pompano Beach, FL. He is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Frank Lavernia is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lavernia is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, creating a personalized plan to maximize comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Frank Lavernia can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Frank Lavernia 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:
- Malaise and Fatigue: While some fatigue is normal, persistent tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell can dramatically affect your quality of life. Your doctor can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet.
- Abnormal Thyroid: An abnormal thyroid can impact your daily activities, but regular check-ups and appropriate treatment from your doctor, such as medication, are crucial in managing the condition effectively and maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Hyposmolality and Hyponatremia: Having low sodium (hyponatremia) and low solute concentration (hyposmolality) can disrupt your body's balance, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness. Treatment focuses on restoring these levels through medication, fluid changes, or dietary adjustments, to help you remain active and engaged.
- Hypoparathyroidism: This condition involves low levels of a crucial hormone that helps control calcium, sometimes causing muscle aches, seizures or even heart problems; however, treatment focusing on replacing this hormone, often with medication and diet modifications, helps ensure a healthy lifestyle.
- Obesity: While obesity means having more body fat than is healthy, leading to various health concerns, it is manageable through a personalized approach with your doctor, improving your health and quality of life.
- Goiter: Goiters can sometimes cause a noticeable swelling in your neck, but with proper medical management, like medication adjustments or surgery, many people can live comfortably.
- Testicular Dysfunction: While some age-related changes in the testicles are normal, significant dysfunction can affect sexual function and overall health; discussing any concerns with your physician can lead to improved comfort and well-being through appropriate treatment.
- Gynecomastia: Gynecomastia, or increased breast tissue in men, is sometimes caused by medications or underlying health issues, and addressing the root cause or managing it directly can improve a senior's quality of life.
- Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Autoimmune thyroid conditions affect the thyroid gland's ability to regulate essential hormones. Treatment often involves medication to restore hormonal balance, relieving symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings, so you can maintain your energy levels and quality of life.
- Hyperparathyroidism: If you have hyperparathyroidism, it means your body is making too much of a hormone that affects your bones and kidneys; however, treatment, such as medication or surgery, can help you feel better and reduce your risk of complications.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can make you feel sluggish and affect your overall health, but with the right medication and care, you can effectively manage your symptoms and feel healthier.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia simply means you have high levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, increasing your risk of heart problems, however, by working with your doctor on a treatment plan, you can significantly lower these risks 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. Frank Lavernia offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- Skin Cancer Tumor Treatment: Managing skin cancer with appropriate treatment helps prevent the spread of the disease and improve your quality of life.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration: This simple procedure involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to help your doctor accurately diagnose blood cancers or other blood-related illnesses, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment.
- Emergency Contraception Counseling: This counseling helps manage potential risks associated with unintended pregnancy in older adults, addressing a significant health concern that may impact their overall well-being.
- Respirator Fit Evaluations: As part of your ongoing healthcare, a respirator fit evaluation helps determine if your respirator is the right fit to prevent exposure to harmful particles and improve your lung health.
- WATCHMAN LAA Closure Procedure: This procedure helps manage the risk of stroke in seniors by closing off a part of the heart (the left atrial appendage) known to be a source of blood clots.
- Cryosurgery for Skin Lesions: Cryosurgery helps your doctor assess skin lesions and determine if they are cancerous, enabling early intervention and treatment.
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. Frank Lavernia 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 significantly less fatigued, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly book club meetings, reconnecting with friends and enjoying stimulating conversations.
- With regular check-ups and medication, a senior felt less fatigued and more able to enjoy their favorite hobbies, like knitting and spending time with their grandchildren.
- A senior woman, struggling with muscle weakness due to hyponatremia and hyposmolality, found renewed energy and strength after a personalized treatment plan. She could now confidently walk her dog in the park again, a cherished activity she'd been missing.
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. Frank Lavernia:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Lavernia and his team are internists, who are primary care doctors specializing in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can develop with age, including managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Frank Lavernia have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Lavernia's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, and is well-equipped to care for your needs.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Lavernia 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. Frank Lavernia?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Lavernia, 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?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- 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.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Lavernia's practice emphasizes a coordinated approach to care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. We work as a central hub, coordinating with specialists, managing medications carefully, and creating a unified care plan to avoid conflicting treatments and simplify your healthcare experience.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Lavernia's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, focusing on helping patients manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop action plans to prevent flare-ups.
1347 E Sample Rd # 2
Pompano Beach FL 33064
Phone: (954) 418-8146
Dr. Frank Lavernia, 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): 1134115447
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. Frank Lavernia 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.