Dr. Howard Koch, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Sunrise, FL. He is a valued partner in your senior health journey, 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. He serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Please call (954) 486-5832 to confirm if Dr. Koch is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Howard Koch, MD is an internist in Sunrise, FL, with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1976 and is affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Koch provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Howard Koch is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Koch is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and focuses on understanding your personal goals to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and quality of life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Howard Koch can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- Engage (large group) HMO (HMO)
- Engage - Small Employer Groups
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- Focus - Small Employer Groups
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Medica Choice
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Howard Koch 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:
- Dehydration: Dehydration can make everyday tasks feel more difficult, but by staying well-hydrated and possibly working with your doctor to find the root cause, you can regain strength and easily maintain your daily routines.
- Heart Disease: Many heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or narrowed arteries, can be treated effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments to ensure you enjoy a full and comfortable life.
- Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the phase before menopause where a woman's body starts to produce less estrogen, potentially leading to symptoms like hot flashes, weight changes, and decreased libido; your doctor can help find solutions to manage these symptoms and ensure a smoother transition.
- Mild Asthma: With mild asthma, you may experience occasional bouts of coughing or shortness of breath, however, a simple treatment plan, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, can help you live comfortably and actively.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, but with the right treatment and care, you can manage your symptoms and stay active.
- Enteritis: Enteritis, an inflammation of the intestines, can be uncomfortable, but with the right treatment plan from your doctor, such as medication and dietary changes, you can get back to enjoying your life and maintain your independence.
- Canker Sore: While a canker sore might seem insignificant, the pain it causes can impact your daily life; however, with gentle care and perhaps some over-the-counter remedies, you can manage the discomfort and get back to enjoying your meals and social interactions.
- Postherpetic Neuralgia: Following a shingles infection, some people experience postherpetic neuralgia, a lingering nerve pain that can be quite bothersome. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to reduce the pain and help you live more comfortably.
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: Intestinal diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches in your intestines become inflamed or infected, causing discomfort but often manageable with medical care and lifestyle changes.
- Mononucleosis: Mono is a common viral illness that can cause tiredness, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes; while unpleasant, most people recover fully with rest and plenty of fluids, improving their overall well-being.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: A blood clot forms in a vein, often in the leg, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications, but prompt treatment with blood thinners can prevent it from traveling to the lungs and affecting breathing.
- Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Mycobacterial lung infections are bacterial infections of the lungs that can be effectively treated with medication to improve lung function and your 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. Howard Koch offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Having an advance directive offers peace of mind, knowing your healthcare decisions align with your values and beliefs, easing anxieties for you and your family.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- Diabetes Counseling: Through diabetes counseling, you'll learn practical strategies for healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication management to improve your overall well-being.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
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. Howard Koch 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 addressing dehydration, a senior felt much stronger and was able to resume her beloved weekly bridge games with renewed energy and confidence.
- With medication and lifestyle changes guided by the internal medicine specialist, a senior couple regained the energy to enjoy daily walks in the park, a cherished activity they had been unable to do for several months.
- Through guidance from a trusted medical professional, a woman found relief from bothersome perimenopause symptoms, allowing her to once again enjoy evening walks with her beloved dog.
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. Howard Koch:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Koch's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means he's a primary care doctor specializing exclusively in adult health. This makes him uniquely qualified to understand and manage the complex health conditions often seen in older adults, including chronic diseases and coordinating your care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Howard Koch have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Koch is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is well-versed in the conditions frequently seen in later life, providing comprehensive and personalized care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Koch and our practice 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. Howard Koch?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Koch, 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 or by contacting your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed. If you have any questions, please contact 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 Dr. Howard Koch approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Koch's approach to type 2 diabetes management is comprehensive, focusing on medication management tailored to individual needs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling. This includes personalized dietary recommendations, exercise plans, and detailed foot care instructions to empower patients in effectively managing their condition.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Koch coordinates care by acting as the team leader. We handle referrals to specialists, share all your medical information, and synthesize their recommendations into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
8391 W Oakland Park Blvd
Sunrise FL 33351
Phone: (954) 486-5832
Dr. Howard Koch, 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): 1003872375
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. Howard Koch 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.