Dr. Gladys Velarde, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at UF Health Cardiovascular Center - North in Jacksonville, FL. She is a respected member of the Florida medical community, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Velarde is currently welcoming new patients; please call (904) 383-1011 to schedule an appointment.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Velarde brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from New York University Grossman School Of Medicine in 1992, completing an internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia Presbyterian Center in 1993. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training at Boston Medical Center and Mount Sinai Hospital, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and offers consultations in Portuguese. Dr. Velarde, a University of Florida professor of medicine and board-certified cardiologist, is also passionate about medical education and reducing health disparities, particularly in cardiovascular health for women and minority populations. Her commitment to her patients and her community is evident in her extensive experience and accomplishments.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Gladys Velarde is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gladys Velarde is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a focus on your overall well-being. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age. Her patient-centered approach ensures that your individual needs and goals are central to every aspect of your care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gladys Velarde can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
MVP Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- GHI
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Select HMO (HMO)
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gladys Velarde 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:
- Septal Defect: Depending on the size and location, a septal defect might require no treatment; however, in some cases, surgery or medication can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Cachexia: Cachexia, characterized by significant muscle loss and weakness, can be effectively managed with a combination of nutritional support and medical treatments to help you maintain your independence.
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Aortic valve regurgitation is a heart condition where the aortic valve doesn't close tightly enough, allowing some blood to leak back into the heart, which can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery to improve heart function and your overall well-being.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is a condition where your heart beats irregularly and can lead to stroke, however, with appropriate medical care and attention to your health, you can significantly reduce this risk and maintain your independence.
- Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease occurs when high blood pressure damages your heart muscle; with proper treatment, including medication and a heart-healthy diet, you can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition leading to high cholesterol, but don't worry—following your doctor's recommendations on medication and healthy living can help keep your heart strong and your quality of life high.
- Second Degree Heart Block: Second-degree heart block is a condition where the electrical impulses that control your heartbeat are disrupted, leading to occasional irregular or slow heartbeats. However, this can often be managed effectively with medication or a pacemaker, helping you feel stronger and more energetic.
- Constipation: Constipation is when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass, often causing discomfort and reduced quality of life for older adults.
- Leukocytopenia: Leukocytopenia is a condition where you have a lower than normal number of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections, and managing it often involves addressing the underlying cause to help you stay healthy and active.
- Mild Asthma: Mild asthma is a type of lung disease that causes some breathing difficulties, but it's often easily controlled with medication, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy your daily activities with minimal disruption.
- Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease happens when the heart's aortic valve doesn't open or close properly, affecting blood flow and potentially leading to shortness of breath or chest pain, but treatments like medication or surgery can significantly improve your comfort and ability to enjoy daily life.
- Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: This condition, occurring around the time of childbirth, involves the heart muscle becoming weakened, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently; however, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications, improving 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. Gladys Velarde offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: By showing how well your heart is pumping blood, a pharmacologic nuclear stress test helps your doctor manage and potentially prevent serious heart problems, contributing to a healthier aging process.
- Tilt Table Testing: Tilt table testing can help determine if changes in blood pressure are causing your lightheadedness, guiding your doctor to create a more effective care strategy.
- Cholesterol Screening: Understanding your cholesterol levels through screening empowers you and your doctor to make informed decisions about your health and reduce your risk of future complications.
- Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac ablation is a procedure that can help correct irregular heartbeats, improving your overall heart health and quality of life.
- Stress Test: To ensure your heart is functioning well, a stress test can detect underlying issues, allowing for timely intervention and improved heart health outcomes.
- Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): A chest CT scan, including your heart and lungs, helps doctors see inside your chest to diagnose potential problems like pneumonia, lung cancer, or heart disease, ensuring you receive the right treatment.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: These tests provide crucial information to help your doctor create a personalized care plan to manage existing heart conditions and reduce your risk of future cardiovascular events.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): Early detection of PAD through screening allows for prompt treatment to reduce your risk of amputation, heart attack, and stroke.
- Thoracentesis: To better manage your breathing problems, your doctor might recommend thoracentesis, a procedure to drain excess fluid from around your lungs, improving your comfort and breathing.
- 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.
- Nuclear Stress Testing: Nuclear stress testing provides detailed images of your heart under stress, helping your doctor diagnose or rule out conditions like coronary artery disease and create a personalized care plan for your heart health.
- Chest Pain Evaluation: Through careful evaluation of your chest pain, your doctor can rule out serious conditions and develop a strategy for long-term health management.
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. Gladys Velarde 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 management of their septal defect, a senior couple felt more secure at home, enjoying peaceful evenings without the lingering symptoms that had previously disrupted their sleep.
- With nutritional support and medical guidance, a senior was able to regain strength and energy, allowing them to enjoy their daily walks and spend more time with family.
- With careful medication management and lifestyle adjustments, a senior couple experienced a significant reduction in the shortness of breath that had been limiting their daily walks and social activities.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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 (Cardiovascular Disease)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Gladys Velarde:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Velarde and her team are internists, a type of primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with age, and skilled at managing chronic diseases and coordinating care for older adults.
- Does Dr. Gladys Velarde have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Velarde and other internists are specifically trained in adult medicine, and have extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. They are highly knowledgeable about conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Velarde and our team believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the participation of family members and caregivers. Your involvement, with the patient's permission, is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Gladys Velarde?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Velarde, 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 prescription 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 don't hesitate to 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. Velarde's practice is designed to be a central hub for your care, coordinating with specialists and managing your medications to create a unified plan. This approach helps avoid conflicting treatments and simplifies your healthcare experience. We prioritize a comprehensive, personalized approach to address all your needs.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- Dr. Velarde's office can perform common diagnostic tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
UF Health Cardiovascular Center - North
15255 Max Leggett Pkwy Ste 3600
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: (904) 383-1011
Dr. Gladys Velarde, 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): 1720024508
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. Gladys Velarde 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.