Dr. Harry Choi, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65+) and seniors. He practices at veriMED Health Group Bell Shoals in Brandon, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Nephrologists provide specialized expertise in managing complex kidney conditions like CKD, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances common in seniors, working closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible care, including dialysis and post-transplant management. Dr. Choi is committed to a patient-centered approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Harry Choi, MD is a nephrologist in Brandon, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from The Catholic University Of Korea, School Of Medicine in 1987, followed by an internship at Temple University School Of Medicine, Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in 1992. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in University Of South Florida College Of Medicine, Nephrology, graduating in 1996. Dr. Choi is affiliated with MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments and offers consultations in Korean. If you or a loved one needs specialized nephrological care, please call (813) 681-6064 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Harry Choi is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Choi is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive nephrological care with a compassionate approach. He specializes in managing complex kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and hypertension, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. His expertise extends to dialysis and post-transplant care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each patient, prioritizing their comfort and well-being throughout their journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Harry Choi can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Cigna
Coventry Health Care of Delaware
Maryland Physicians Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Humana
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- National (BlueCard) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Harry Choi 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:
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Diabetic kidney disease is a serious but manageable condition where high blood sugar harms your kidneys, however, by carefully controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, along with following your doctor's recommendations, you can significantly improve your kidney health and overall well-being.
- Acute Kidney Infection: Acute kidney infection is a bacterial infection affecting the kidneys, often stemming from an untreated bladder infection; prompt medical attention and antibiotics are essential to resolve the infection and prevent long-term damage.
- Vasculitis: Vasculitis is a condition where inflammation damages blood vessels, sometimes affecting kidney function and requiring careful management with medication to reduce inflammation and protect your kidneys.
- Lupus Nephritis: Having lupus puts you at risk for lupus nephritis, a kidney problem caused by the autoimmune disease; proactive medical care, including regular check-ups and medication adherence, can effectively manage this condition and help you live a fulfilling life.
- Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: For seniors with weakened kidneys, phosphorus balance is vital because excess phosphorus can lead to problems like weak bones and heart complications; maintaining healthy phosphorus levels through a well-planned diet and medications often helps improve overall health and maintain independence.
- Chronic Renal Insufficiency: If you have chronic renal insufficiency, it means your kidneys are losing their ability to filter waste from your blood, but treatments are available to slow progression and ease symptoms.
- Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your parathyroid glands, small glands near your thyroid, produce too much parathyroid hormone, which can weaken your bones and affect your kidneys.
- Proteinuria: Proteinuria means your kidneys are leaking protein into your urine, which can be a sign of kidney damage and needs monitoring by your doctor.
- Nephritis and Nephropathy: Kidney inflammation (nephritis) or damage (nephropathy) can be managed through careful monitoring, medication, and lifestyle changes to help protect your kidneys and keep you feeling your best.
- Chronic Renal Failure Syndrome: Chronic renal failure syndrome, often called chronic kidney disease, means your kidneys aren't working as well as they used to, making it harder to filter waste from your blood.
- Hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is a build-up of urine in the kidney, causing it to enlarge. Treatment focuses on relieving this blockage to prevent further kidney damage and maintain your overall health.
- Bartter Syndrome: Bartter syndrome is a rare inherited condition where your kidneys don't absorb enough salt, leading to dehydration and high blood pressure, but it can be managed with medication and dietary changes to improve your comfort and overall well-being.
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. Harry Choi offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dialysis: Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that filters waste products and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do so effectively, improving your overall health and well-being.
- End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: ESRD related services offer a range of support for seniors, from helping determine the best dialysis option to managing related health issues like high blood pressure and anemia.
- Hemodialysis: For seniors with advanced kidney disease, hemodialysis offers a vital treatment option, improving your overall health and allowing you to manage your condition more effectively.
- Kidney Transplant Evaluation: The kidney transplant evaluation process involves tests to identify potential health issues and ensures a personalized care plan for a successful transplant.
- Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: A living kidney donor evaluation thoroughly assesses a potential donor's health to ensure they're a safe and suitable match for kidney transplantation, a life-saving option for many seniors.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis helps manage chronic kidney disease by allowing you to perform dialysis treatments at home and avoid frequent trips to a dialysis center.
- Renal Scan: To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use a renal scan to evaluate the size, shape, and blood flow to your kidneys.
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 Nephrology in Florida.
Dr. Harry Choi 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:
- A senior with diabetes and kidney problems felt a renewed sense of security in their daily life, enjoying more energy and fewer symptoms after working closely with a nephrologist on a personalized management plan. The family was relieved to see their loved one thriving with improved kidney health and overall well-being.
- After careful treatment for an acute kidney infection, the patient felt a significant reduction in the painful symptoms, allowing them to return to their familiar routine and enjoy evening walks with their beloved pet.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Nephrological care with Dr. Harry Choi:
- What is a Nephrologist?
- Dr. Choi is a medical doctor specializing in kidney health and diseases. He is an expert in managing conditions affecting the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, and is crucial for preserving kidney function in seniors.
- What are the most common causes of kidney disease in older adults?
- The two leading causes of kidney disease in older adults are high blood pressure and diabetes. Over time, these conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Dr. Choi specializes in managing these conditions to protect the kidneys.
- Can kidney disease be cured or reversed?
- While damage from chronic kidney disease usually can't be reversed, its progression can often be slowed significantly. Dr. Choi's goal is to preserve the kidney function you have left for as long as possible and manage symptoms to maintain a good quality of life. Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline, can sometimes be reversed.
- What is a kidney biopsy?
- A kidney biopsy is a procedure where a very small piece of kidney tissue is removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. It's often the best way to get a precise diagnosis for certain kidney problems. The procedure is performed with local anesthetic to numb the area and sedation for your comfort.
- What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should, a condition that develops over many years. In the early stages, people may not feel sick, but Dr. Choi's goal is to slow the progression of CKD through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
- How does high blood pressure affect my kidneys?
- High blood pressure is like having too much pressure in your plumbing system. Over time, this constant high pressure damages the delicate filtering units in your kidneys. Working with Dr. Choi to control your blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is one of the most important ways to protect your kidney health.
- What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
- Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically at a dialysis center a few times a week. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood and can often be done at home. Dr. Choi can discuss which option might be best based on your health and lifestyle.
- What is dialysis and when is it needed?
- Dialysis is a treatment that does the job of the kidneys when they can no longer function on their own, filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Dialysis is typically needed in the last stage of kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease). Dr. Choi carefully monitors kidney function to determine if and when dialysis is the right next step.
veriMED Health Group Bell Shoals
1150 Bell Shoals Rd
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 681-6064
Dr. Harry Choi, 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): 1942228382
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. Nephrology like Dr. Harry Choi 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.