Dr. Heather Sharp, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. She serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Dr. Sharp is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (904) 450-6700 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Heather Sharp, MD is a family medicine physician in Jacksonville, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from Florida State University and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. I am proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, my team and I help you reach your personal health goals. We focus on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Call now to get started. Dr. Heather Sharp provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Heather Sharp is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Heather Sharp acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in the health journey of seniors, providing comprehensive family medicine care. She prioritizes coordinating complex care, effectively managing chronic conditions, and focusing on each patient's unique needs and goals. Her approach emphasizes promoting overall well-being and independence, ensuring seniors can thrive in their later years with comfort and dignity.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Heather Sharp can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Heather Sharp 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:
- Leukocytopenia: Leukocytopenia is a condition where you have a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infections, and managing it often involves addressing the underlying cause to help keep you healthy and active.
- Dehydration: Even mild dehydration can cause confusion and dizziness in older adults, impacting their independence, so making sure they drink enough is crucial for maintaining their well-being.
- Acute Bronchitis: If you're experiencing a cough and chest discomfort, it could be acute bronchitis, a temporary lung infection; with proper rest, fluids, and possibly medication from your doctor, you can recover quickly and regain your energy.
- Malaise and Fatigue: Experiencing unexplained fatigue and malaise is never pleasant, but prompt medical attention can help identify the root cause and improve your overall well-being.
- Abdominal Pain: Stomach aches are common, but persistent or severe pain needs attention. A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying issue and provide appropriate care to improve your overall well-being and independence.
- Arthritis: Arthritis affects many older adults, causing joint pain and stiffness that can limit movement; however, effective treatments are available to ease pain and improve daily functioning.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Older adults can contract sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and while they might not always show symptoms, getting tested and treated promptly is vital for managing any infection and maintaining a good quality of life.
- Mild Asthma: Mild asthma means your airways sometimes narrow, causing occasional wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, but it's manageable with a plan to keep symptoms under control and ensure you can maintain your active lifestyle.
- Obesity: For seniors, addressing obesity can help maintain independence by reducing the risk of falls and improving strength and stamina for daily tasks.
- Mastodynia: Breast pain, known as mastodynia, can be uncomfortable, but understanding its cause whether hormonal changes, injury, or underlying conditions helps doctors recommend the right treatment to ease your discomfort.
- Gout: Gout can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments, improving your comfort and quality of life in your senior years.
- Fever: Managing a fever involves monitoring your temperature, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. If the fever is high or persists, seeking medical advice ensures appropriate care and helps maintain your 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. Heather Sharp offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Independent Educational Evaluation: By offering an objective assessment of a senior's educational needs, this evaluation helps ensure they receive the right level and type of support to maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: This non-invasive test helps your doctor evaluate your heart's health and tailor a treatment plan to best manage conditions like heart disease and improve your quality of life.
- Blood Allergy Testing: Blood allergy testing helps identify specific substances causing allergic reactions, allowing your doctor to create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms.
- Tuberculosis Screening: Tuberculosis screening is a simple test that helps detect latent tuberculosis infection, preventing it from developing into active disease and protecting your health.
- Diabetic Evaluation: This check-up thoroughly assesses your diabetes, helping your doctor identify any complications and adjust your treatment as needed.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a quick check by your doctor to feel the prostate gland and help detect any potential prostate problems early.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart health as you age, an EKG can help your doctor assess your heart rhythm and identify potential issues that may need further attention.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: As part of your ongoing health journey, prostate cancer screening can help identify potential problems early, allowing for proactive care and better health outcomes.
- Impairment Rating Evaluation: An impairment rating evaluation helps assess the extent of physical limitations and functional difficulties to better tailor a care plan for seniors.
- Hepatitis A Screening: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a hepatitis A screening test can help identify and manage any risk factors associated with this virus.
- Lyme Disease Evaluation: Through careful examination and testing, a Lyme disease evaluation assists in differentiating Lyme disease from other similar conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations are a key element of a comprehensive healthcare plan for seniors, boosting your immune system and reducing your chances of infection.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Heather Sharp 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 support of a family medicine practitioner, a senior was able to reduce the frequency of infections, regaining the ability to enjoy gardening and spending time with grandchildren without worry.
- After a consultation with a family medicine physician, Mrs. Hernandez felt much less confused and dizzy, regaining her confidence in navigating her home safely and comfortably. Her family was relieved to see her improved alertness and energy levels, allowing her to resume her beloved daily walks in the park.
- Feeling significantly better after a few days of rest and medication, a senior was able to resume her beloved knitting hobby, a source of comfort and joy.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Heather Sharp:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Sharp and her team are uniquely suited to care for seniors because they often care for patients over their entire lifespan, providing a deep understanding of their health history. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and in coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Sharp, we'll partner on your health goals. We'll review medications, perform a physical exam, check your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Sharp, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (including over-the-counter ones), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. This will help ensure a thorough and productive visit.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Sharp is your primary care quarterback. She'll expertly coordinate referrals to specialists like cardiologists or orthopedists, ensuring a smooth transition and seamless integration of all your care. She'll make sure everyone is on the same page.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Sharp works with you to create a personalized plan that coordinates your care for multiple conditions. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to help prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are here as your partners in this long-term journey.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Sharp's practice partners with you to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular reviews to check for interactions, simplify your regimen when possible, and make sure every prescription is still needed and working effectively.
- How does Dr. Heather Sharp approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Sharp understands that mental health is essential for overall well-being in seniors. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, performs initial assessments, manages appropriate medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.
10503 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32257
Phone: (904) 450-6700
Dr. Heather Sharp, 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): 1053769463
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Heather Sharp 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.