Dr. Gerard Flores, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Okeechobee, 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. Please call (863) 467-8770 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Gerard Flores, MD is an internist in Okeechobee, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Oakland College Of Medicine And Surgery in 1979, completing an internship at Santo Tomas University Hospital in 1980. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at St Lukes Hospital in 1981, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Cleveland Clinic Foundation|University Hospitals Of Cleveland (graduated 1981), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Flores is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Gerard Flores offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Gerard Flores is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gerard Flores is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a compassionate approach. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, helping you thrive as you age. His practice emphasizes understanding your personal needs and goals, working collaboratively with you and your family to create a personalized plan for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gerard Flores can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- Ambetter
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Care HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- PHCS Network PPO (PPO)
- Select HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gerard Flores 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:
- Chronic Tubulo Interstitial Nephritis: Chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis is a gradual kidney disease affecting the tiny tubes and tissues within the kidneys, often managed with medication and lifestyle changes to help slow its progression and maintain your kidney function.
- Parathyroid (Gland) Disease: Disorders of the parathyroid glands can cause problems with calcium levels in your body; managing these levels through medication or surgery helps maintain bone strength and overall well-being.
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are hard deposits that can form in your kidneys, causing severe pain and discomfort, but with proper medical care and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage them and improve your overall well-being.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V: Reaching Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V signifies a serious stage requiring specialized care, but with diligent management via dialysis or transplantation, you can still maintain a comfortable life and remain active.
- Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders involve imbalances in essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium, impacting bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being, and are often managed with dietary changes, medication, or supplements to improve comfort and independence.
- Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is an imbalance in a hormone that can weaken bones and cause kidney stones, but doctors can create a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and ensure you remain as active and comfortable as possible.
- Chronic Nephritic Syndrome: Chronic nephritic syndrome involves ongoing kidney inflammation that can affect your overall health. Working closely with your doctor, through careful monitoring and treatment, you can help slow its progression and feel your best.
- Acute Nephritic Syndrome: If you experience sudden swelling, blood in your urine, or changes in urination, you might have acute nephritic syndrome, a kidney inflammation requiring medical attention; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your comfort and prevent long-term complications.
- Hyperkalemia: Managing hyperkalemia involves carefully controlling your potassium intake through diet and medication, enabling you to enjoy a better quality of life and reduce the risk of serious health issues.
- Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: If you have both high blood pressure damaging your heart and chronic kidney disease, it's important to work closely with your doctor. A treatment plan can often slow the progression of these conditions and improve your quality of life.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV: Having Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV means your kidneys are less efficient at filtering waste, but we can work together to manage your symptoms and help you stay as healthy and active as possible.
- Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when your kidneys don't filter waste from your blood as well as they should, but with careful management, including diet changes and medication, you can often maintain your independence and quality of life.
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. Gerard Flores offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- 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.
- Hemodialysis: To support your health journey and improve your quality of life when facing kidney failure, hemodialysis plays a key role in removing toxins from your bloodstream.
- Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Through a thorough assessment, this evaluation helps doctors determine the best course of action for managing your kidney disease, including considering a transplant.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: If you have kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis can be included in your personalized care plan to efficiently remove waste and excess fluids from your body, enabling better management of your condition.
- Renal Scan: This imaging test provides valuable information about your kidney's function, helping your doctor manage any kidney-related issues you may have.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound helps your doctor visualize various parts of your body, allowing for better informed decisions about managing chronic conditions and creating a personalized care plan.
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. Gerard Flores 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 careful medication management and dietary adjustments, a senior couple found renewed energy and peace of mind, able to enjoy their favorite outings and maintain their independent lifestyle.
- After receiving guidance for managing her parathyroid condition, a senior was thrilled to regain her energy and enjoy daily walks with her beloved dog, a cherished activity she had been unable to do for months.
- After undergoing personalized care for kidney stones, a senior couple felt more confident in their ability to manage their daily activities and enjoy their home life without the persistent discomfort. They were able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without the painful interruptions.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Nephrology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Gerard Flores:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Flores's practice specializes in internal medicine for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who focus exclusively on adult health issues, including the complex medical needs that often arise with aging. They are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists when needed.
- Does Dr. Gerard Flores have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Flores is an internist, specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults, including conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Flores and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their involvement is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Gerard Flores?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Flores, 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 address.
- 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 do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Flores and his team work closely with specialists like cardiologists and oncologists. We coordinate referrals, share all relevant medical information, and synthesize recommendations to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Flores and our team understand that memory concerns are important to discuss. We provide a safe and supportive environment for these conversations, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to specialists if further evaluation is needed.
1300 N Parrott Ave
Okeechobee FL 34972
Phone: (863) 467-8770
Dr. Gerard Flores, 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): 1326096694
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. Gerard Flores 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.