Dr. Gary Merlino, DO is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Miami Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a valued partner in senior health, Dr. Merlino's practice focuses on the unique needs of this population. 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 currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (305) 604-2888.
Dr. Gary J. Merlino's extensive background in Internal Medicine stems from a distinguished career. He grew up in South Florida, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida International University, and completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, culminating in a Doctorate degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Southeastern University of the Health Sciences (now Nova Southeastern). Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Mt Sinai Medical Center Of Fl, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Merlino is a founding partner of Primary Care Physicians Group and is also active within professional and charitable organizations, including serving as Director of Medical Education Osteopathic Internal Medicine Residency Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Assistant Dean of Clinical Studies at Nova Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians - American Society of Internal Medicine and the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Dr. Merlino's commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates a supportive environment for patients and their families. Dr. Gary Merlino provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Gary Merlino is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gary Merlino is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care. He meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you thrive as you age. He understands that each patient is unique and focuses on creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gary Merlino can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gary Merlino 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:
- Hypertension: Having hypertension means your heart has to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks; however, with proper treatment and monitoring, you can significantly reduce these risks and maintain a good quality of life.
- Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A chronic DVT means a blood clot in a deep vein that hasn't fully resolved and needs long-term care to reduce the risk of future clots, lung problems, or other health issues.
- Bronchiectasis: If you have bronchiectasis, your lung airways are abnormally enlarged and scarred, resulting in chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and infections; thankfully, with the right care, including medication and breathing techniques, you can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Bursitis: Experiencing pain and swelling in a joint? It might be bursitis, an inflammation of the cushioning sacs. Treatment often involves simple measures like rest and over-the-counter pain relief to help you stay active and comfortable.
- Emphysema: Emphysema is a lung condition where the air sacs in your lungs lose their elasticity, making it hard to breathe comfortably and easily.
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: For women experiencing discomfort or distress due to menopausal or postmenopausal changes, understanding treatment options—ranging from medication to natural therapies—can lead to improved management and a better quality of life.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Blood in the urine, or hematuria, may be a sign of a minor issue or something more serious, but prompt medical attention can lead to effective diagnosis and management to improve your health.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): If you're finding urination painful, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment of dysuria can prevent complications and help you maintain your independence and quality of life.
- Nausea: Nausea is that queasy, uneasy feeling in your stomach that can make you feel like you might vomit.
- Leukocytopenia: Leukocytopenia means your body has fewer infection-fighting white blood cells than usual; your doctor can work with you to identify the cause and develop a plan to minimize your risk of getting sick.
- Chronic Prostatitis: Managing chronic prostatitis may involve medications to reduce inflammation and pain, alongside strategies to enhance comfort and maintain independence for older adults.
- Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a sudden, serious allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure; quick treatment with medication like an EpiPen can save a life and allow you to 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. Gary Merlino offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage is a procedure to remove pus or excess fluid, which can help diagnose underlying medical issues and guide your care plan.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Having an advance directive offers peace of mind, knowing your healthcare decisions align with your values and beliefs, easing anxieties for you and your family.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 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: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect changes in the cells of your cervix, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
- 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. Gary Merlino 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:
- After consistent monitoring and medication, a senior felt more secure in their home environment, confidently resuming their favorite hobby of gardening without the previous limitations imposed by hypertension.
- With ongoing care for her chronic DVT, a senior woman felt more secure in her home, able to confidently enjoy her daily walks in the neighborhood without worrying about potential complications.
- With medication and breathing exercises, a senior was able to reduce coughing and shortness of breath, allowing them to enjoy their daily walks 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)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Gary Merlino:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Merlino and his team are internists, primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Gary Merlino have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Merlino's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, and is well-versed in the care of seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Merlino's practice believes in a team approach and welcomes the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is valuable for ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Gary Merlino?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Merlino, 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.
- 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 help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus for our senior patients. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help reduce fall risk.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Merlino and our team are dedicated to preventive care for older adults. We offer essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. This is a vital part of our practice.
4308 Alton Rd Ste 310
Miami Beach FL 33140
Phone: (305) 604-2888
Dr. Gary Merlino, 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): 1760483192
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. Gary Merlino 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.