Dr. Gerald Burford, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Fernandina Beach, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (904) 277-4690 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Burford, a Millennium Physician Group internal medicine provider, is located at 1250 S 18th St, Ste 202, bringing over 40 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Inst Tecnologico De Santo Domingo in 1984 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at St Barnabas Hospital in 1990. Dr. Burford is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is committed to providing exceptional care, and, as a partner in your senior health journey, he will work with you to achieve your health goals. Dr. Gerald Burford provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Gerald Burford is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gerald Burford is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a focus on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gerald Burford can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
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)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- GA Employee Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus EPO (EPO)
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Oscar Health
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gerald Burford 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:
- Herpes Simplex Infection: Genital herpes is a viral infection that causes painful sores in the genital area, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, improving your comfort and quality of life.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: If you're struggling with stomach or intestinal upset not due to an infection, you might have noninfectious gastroenteritis or colitis; with the right treatment plan, you can get relief from symptoms and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Back Pain: Many things can cause back pain, and understanding the cause is the first step toward getting effective relief and improving your quality of life.
- Pharyngitis: Managing a sore throat (pharyngitis) effectively can help maintain your daily routine and independence by easing discomfort and allowing you to eat and drink more easily.
- Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: Leg cramps at night can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medication, allowing for more restful sleep and greater independence.
- Ear Ache: If you're dealing with an earache, know that there are effective ways to manage the pain and address any underlying issues, allowing you to maintain your independence and well-being.
- Neurogenic Bladder: If you have a neurogenic bladder, it means that nerve issues are interfering with your bladder's ability to work as it should, leading to problems with bladder emptying or control; however, various treatment options can help you manage these issues and improve your daily life.
- Cold Sore: Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and manifest as painful blisters on the lips; while they usually heal without intervention, using pain relievers and antiviral creams can greatly ease discomfort and prevent secondary infections, allowing you to maintain your daily activities.
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Feeling under the weather with a stuffy nose, cough, or sore throat? This could be an acute upper respiratory infection (URI), a common viral infection that often resolves on its own with supportive care and plenty of rest, protecting your overall health and energy levels.
- Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: If you're dealing with ongoing pain that isn't linked to a serious illness, it may be benign chronic pain syndrome. Treatment focuses on pain relief and improving your daily activities.
- Diverticulosis: Diverticulosis is a common condition where small pouches develop in the digestive tract, often causing no symptoms but sometimes leading to discomfort that can be managed with dietary changes and medication.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition causing joint pain and stiffness, often manageable with medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to maintain mobility 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. Gerald Burford offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you actively participate in shaping your healthcare decisions and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: For seniors with intricate medical needs, care coordination acts as a central hub, simplifying communication and ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps seniors with multiple health problems develop a personalized plan to better manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling supports you in making informed decisions about your diabetes care, including medication choices and lifestyle changes.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your regular checkups, a fecal occult blood test helps your doctor assess your risk of colorectal cancer and develop a personalized prevention plan.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- 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.
- Pap Smear: Including a Pap smear in your routine checkups empowers you and your doctor to actively manage your long-term health and well-being.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling is a crucial step in diagnosing and addressing smoking-related illnesses and preventing future health complications in seniors.
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. Gerald Burford 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:
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior couple found relief from the recurring discomfort of herpes simplex infection, allowing them to enjoy intimacy and closeness again.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple found relief from persistent stomach discomfort, allowing them to enjoy their favorite restaurant outings again without worry.
- After a series of effective treatments, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of weekend walks, no longer hampered by debilitating back pain.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Gerald Burford:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Burford, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can occur as we age, such as managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists. They are well-versed in the complexities of adult health, making them ideal for comprehensive care as we get older.
- Does Dr. Gerald Burford have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Burford's practice specializes in adult medicine, and he has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions frequently encountered in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Burford's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care, and welcomes the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's consent. Their involvement is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and providing the best possible support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Gerald Burford?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Burford, 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 does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Burford's practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, coordinating care with specialists to manage multiple chronic conditions effectively. We work to create a unified care plan, carefully managing medications to avoid conflicts, and fostering open communication between all involved healthcare providers. This collaborative approach simplifies healthcare and improves overall well-being.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Burford 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're here to support your health and well-being.
1250 S 18th St Ste 202
Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Phone: (904) 277-4690
Dr. Gerald Burford, 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): 1992796254
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. Gerald Burford 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.