Dr. Giovanni Baula, MD is an Internal Medicine specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in St. Petersburg, 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. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 322-4227.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Baula brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines Manila, College of Medicine in 1990, followed by an internship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Further honing his skills, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Wood Johnson University Hospital, and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, culminating in fellowship training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of his patient population. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with St Anthony's Hospital and Bayfront Medical Center. Dr. Baula's professional approach combines extensive experience with a personal touch, ensuring a high level of care for each patient. He is fluent in Filipino and also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Giovanni Baula is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Giovanni Baula is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you thrive as you age. His approach centers on understanding your individual needs and goals, fostering collaboration with family members, and creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Giovanni Baula can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Assurant Health
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Humana
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Principal Financial Group
WellCare
WellPoint
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- AvMed
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Giovanni Baula 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:
- Bird Flu: Bird flu is a type of influenza virus that comes from birds, and while most people don't get sick from it, those who do often experience flu-like symptoms that can be treated to lessen the severity and duration of the illness.
- Insomnia: Experiencing insomnia means struggling to get enough restful sleep, which can leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day; however, many effective strategies and medical interventions are available to help improve your sleep.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Dysuria, or painful urination, is often easily managed with medication or lifestyle changes prescribed by your doctor, making it less disruptive to your daily routine.
- Swine Flu: Swine flu is a type of influenza that can affect anyone, especially older adults, but treatment with antiviral medications and supportive care can prevent severe complications and help you regain your strength and energy.
- Dermatitis Due to Substances Taken Internally: A skin rash may be a reaction to something you've ingested, a condition known as dermatitis from internal substances; identifying and addressing the source of this reaction with your doctor can significantly improve your skin's health and overall well-being.
- 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.
- Alkalosis: Experiencing symptoms related to alkalosis, such as nausea or breathing difficulties? Treatment often involves correcting the underlying issue causing the imbalance, restoring your body's natural equilibrium and relieving symptoms.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome involves working with your doctor to find strategies that help you cope with fatigue, such as pacing activities and stress reduction techniques, improving your overall quality of life.
- Adult Failure to Thrive: Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT) is a concerning decline in older adults marked by unintentional weight loss, decreased activity, and sadness. Working with a healthcare team to uncover and address the root causes can help restore their health and improve their enjoyment of life.
- Hyperlipidemia: Having high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) means there's too much fatty substance in your blood, potentially harming your heart, but managing it through healthy eating, exercise, and possibly medication can help you live a long and fulfilling life.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): STDs are infections spread through sexual activity, and even though they're often associated with younger people, older adults can still contract them. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing long-term health problems.
- Hernia: Sometimes, internal organs can push through a weak area in the muscle, creating a hernia, which can be corrected with surgery or other treatments to improve your comfort and prevent further issues.
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. Giovanni Baula offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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).
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service ensures a smooth care journey for seniors undergoing complex procedures, coordinating appointments and follow-up care for optimal recovery.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling supports you in making informed decisions about your diabetes care, including medication choices and lifestyle changes.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- 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: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Male Condom Counseling: Condom counseling helps older adults make informed decisions about safe sex practices and prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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. Giovanni Baula 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 experiencing flu-like symptoms from bird flu, a senior was able to return to their beloved book club meetings, feeling much better and more energetic. The supportive care plan helped them recover quickly, allowing them to resume their social activities.
- With improved sleep habits and medication guidance, a senior couple found renewed energy and joy in their evening walks, a cherished activity they had almost given up.
- A senior felt a significant improvement in their daily comfort after a consultation with an internal medicine physician and the prescription of medication for painful urination. They were able to enjoy social gatherings and activities again without the discomfort.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Giovanni Baula:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Baula's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means he is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. He is uniquely equipped to handle the diverse health needs of older adults, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Giovanni Baula have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Baula is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and 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. Baula's practice strongly believes 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 throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Giovanni Baula?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Baula, 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. You can also call our office or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- 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.
- What is your philosophy on maintaining quality of life for patients with serious illnesses?
- Dr. Baula's practice prioritizes a patient-centered approach. We aim to manage symptoms effectively, align treatment with each patient's individual values and goals, and ensure comfort and dignity are always a top priority.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Baula's practice is designed to be a central hub for your care, coordinating with specialists to manage your multiple chronic conditions. We carefully manage medications to avoid conflicts and create a unified care plan, simplifying your healthcare experience. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive and effective management of your health needs.
1515 22nd Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33704
Phone: (727) 322-4227
Dr. Giovanni Baula, 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): 1699760181
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. Giovanni Baula 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.