Dr. James Heron, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at MDVIP - Atlantis, FL, in Atlantis, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. While not currently accepting new patients, you can call (561) 765-7514 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Heron 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 earned his medical degree from Medical College Of Wisconsin in 1993. Following medical school, he completed an internship and residency at Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine/Sinai Hospital Of Baltimore, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He has been a practicing internist for 20 years, joining MDVIP – Concierge Medicine in 2014. Dr. Heron emphasizes nutrition, fitness, preventative medicine, and cardiovascular health, believing in a personalized healthcare approach to achieve the good health and peace of mind his patients deserve. He personally cares for patients while they are hospitalized at JFK Medical Center. As an MSPB physician, he is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, quality care in a healing environment. Dr. Heron provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. James Heron is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Heron is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals. His compassionate approach ensures a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. James Heron can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerihealth
Assurant Health
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
HealthSmart
Humana
Neighborhood Health Plan
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Health Net
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. James Heron 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:
- Nausea: If you're experiencing persistent nausea, talking to your doctor is important to determine the cause and receive appropriate care, improving your well-being.
- Herpes Simplex Infection: Genital herpes is a viral infection that causes painful sores in the genital area, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, improving your comfort and quality of life.
- Muscle Weakness: Losing muscle strength can be frustrating, but with a proper assessment and personalized plan from your doctor, you can safely and effectively build back muscle strength and improve your overall well-being.
- Arthritis: Arthritis may make everyday tasks challenging, but it's treatable. Your doctor can create a personalized plan with medication, physical therapy, or even assistive devices to help you stay active and comfortable.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and impacting overall health, but thankfully, treatment like CPAP machines can significantly improve sleep quality and daily life.
- Limb Pain: Persistent limb pain can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Consulting your doctor will help determine the cause, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment and support to stay comfortable and mobile.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels; maintaining consistent blood sugar levels through regular monitoring and medication adherence can improve your energy and overall well-being.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can make everyday activities feel harder, but understanding its cause and working with your doctor can often ease your breathing and improve your comfort.
- Acute Laryngitis: Experiencing a loss of your voice? Acute laryngitis, a temporary inflammation of your voice box, often resolves with simple self-care measures, allowing you to regain your ability to communicate easily.
- Proteinuria: While protein in your urine isn't always serious, it's important to understand its potential causes and how managing it through lifestyle changes or medication can improve your overall well-being.
- Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: When someone experiences asphyxia and hypoxemia, it means their body isn't getting enough oxygen; treating the underlying cause, such as lung disease or heart problems, through medication or other therapies can help maintain their health and comfort.
- Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Managing magnesium levels often involves dietary changes, supplements under a doctor's guidance, and addressing any underlying health conditions that might be contributing to the imbalance.
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. James Heron offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Spirometry: Spirometry helps your doctor determine the severity of your lung condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment, improving your quality of life.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs, helping your doctor diagnose problems like gallstones or an enlarged heart.
- Body Composition Measurement: Measuring your body composition is a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like obesity, osteoporosis, and muscle loss, improving overall well-being.
- Vaccination: As part of your regular health check-ups, vaccinations help assess your immunity levels and protect you from potentially dangerous infections.
- 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.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that uses small sensors placed on your chest to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping your doctor assess your heart health and manage any potential problems.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Earwax Removal: Removing impacted earwax can improve hearing and prevent potential ear infections, thus supporting a senior's overall health.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Draining an abscess or fluid collection helps clear infections and reduce discomfort, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your regular checkups, a fecal occult blood test helps your doctor assess your risk of colorectal cancer and develop a personalized prevention plan.
- Urinalysis: As part of your regular check-up, a urinalysis provides valuable information about your kidney function and helps your doctor monitor your health over time.
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. James Heron 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 woman, previously plagued by persistent nausea, found relief through a comprehensive treatment plan. She was able to resume her beloved daily walks and enjoy meals with her family, significantly improving her overall well-being.
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable internal medicine professional, a senior couple found relief from frequent outbreaks of genital herpes, allowing them to enjoy intimate moments together again without discomfort.
- With personalized guidance from their physician, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without experiencing the debilitating muscle weakness that had previously held them back. This newfound strength brought a significant improvement to their overall well-being and sense of independence.
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. James Heron:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Heron's practice focuses on internal medicine, meaning he's a primary care doctor specializing exclusively in adult health. He's uniquely qualified to address the complex health issues common in older adults, such as managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. James Heron have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Heron is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about age-related conditions and is well-equipped to manage the complex health issues that can arise in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Heron 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 input is invaluable for clear communication and providing comprehensive support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. James Heron?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Heron, 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 calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed. If you have any questions, please call our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Heron's practice manages common respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients effectively manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and create personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- We can perform common tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests in our office. These help us quickly assess your health and manage any conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
MDVIP - Atlantis, FL
5401 S Congress Ave Ste 218
Atlantis FL 33462
Phone: (561) 765-7514
Dr. James Heron, 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): 1013964840
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. James Heron 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.