Dr. Joan Carter, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in your senior health journey. 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, and prospective patients should call (813) 998-8000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Joan Carter, MD is a family medicine physician in Tampa, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of West Alabama in 1977. Dr. Carter is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She strives to provide the best possible care, tailoring her approach to meet each patient's unique needs. Dr. Joan Carter provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Joan Carter is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Joan Carter is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition through the senior years. Her approach emphasizes understanding your unique needs and goals to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joan Carter can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- LocalPlus
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joan Carter 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:
- Anxiety: Anxiety can manifest as persistent nervousness, fear, or unease, affecting your daily activities, but effective treatments like medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes can restore your peace of mind and allow you to live more comfortably.
- 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.
- Back Pain: Many things can cause back pain as we age, but understanding the cause through a doctor's visit is crucial for effective pain management, helping you move more freely and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia, or high cholesterol and/or triglycerides, is treatable and can be controlled through diet, exercise, and medication to prevent heart disease, strokes and other health issues, enabling you to maintain your independence and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a common digestive issue where stomach acid backs up, leading to discomfort. With the right treatment plan from your doctor, you can reduce symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
- Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, known as hyperlipidemia, means you have too much fat in your blood, increasing the chances of heart problems. Working with your doctor on a plan of healthy eating and possibly medication can significantly lower those risks and help you enjoy a longer, healthier life.
- Hypertension: If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), it's vital to work with your doctor to keep it under control. Regular blood pressure checks and the right medications can help prevent serious health problems and maintain your quality of life.
- Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy levels of fats in your blood, known as lipid disorders, increase your risk of heart problems, but they can often be controlled with medication, a balanced diet, and exercise, which can help preserve your quality of life.
- Low Back Pain: Low back pain is a common problem that can make everyday tasks difficult, but with the right care, including gentle exercise and pain management strategies, you can regain comfort and mobility.
- Malaise and Fatigue: If you're feeling constantly tired and generally unwell, it's important to consult your doctor to rule out any serious conditions and develop a strategy to manage your symptoms and improve your day-to-day functioning.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis makes bones more likely to break, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists; however, treatment can significantly reduce your risk of falls and fractures, allowing you to live more comfortably.
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. Joan Carter offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Herpes Simplex Screening: Regular herpes simplex screening, especially if you have risk factors, helps your doctor monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
- Drug Allergy Testing: Drug allergy testing helps identify specific medications causing allergic reactions, ensuring safer medication choices for seniors.
- Hepatitis Screening: To maintain a healthy liver and prevent liver damage, a hepatitis screening can help diagnose the virus early, allowing for timely treatment.
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This test helps ensure your ongoing well-being by identifying the presence of the hepatitis C virus, a critical step in creating a personalized care plan for your liver health.
- Patch Testing: Patch testing plays a key role in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, aiding your physician in developing a comprehensive management plan to reduce discomfort and prevent future flare-ups.
- Dementia Evaluation: Dementia evaluation helps determine the best strategies to support seniors' memory, thinking, and daily living skills as their condition progresses.
- Vaccination: Through vaccination, your healthcare provider can help prevent many common infectious diseases, a vital step in ensuring long-term health and vitality.
- Strep Test: A strep test is a key diagnostic tool in managing sore throats and respiratory infections in seniors, helping ensure the right care and medication.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): This exam allows your doctor to screen for prostate cancer, a common concern for men as they age, and ensures timely intervention if necessary.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps your doctor understand your mental health and emotional well-being, ensuring your overall care plan addresses all your needs.
- Chlamydia Infection Screening: Chlamydia screening is a simple test that helps detect a common sexually transmitted infection, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health issues.
- Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is a simple, early diagnostic tool that can help determine if a woman is pregnant, allowing for timely management of her 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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Joan Carter 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:
- Feeling less anxious and more at ease, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of attending their weekly book club, a cherished activity they had put aside due to persistent worry.
- With arthritis symptoms significantly reduced, a senior couple was able to enjoy their daily walks in the park again, a cherished activity they had to give up for several months.
- After a thorough evaluation, a senior woman found relief from her persistent back pain, allowing her to enjoy her daily walks with newfound ease and confidence. Her family was thrilled to see her renewed mobility 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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Joan Carter:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Carter and her team of family physicians are uniquely suited to care for seniors because they often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This allows for a deep understanding of a senior's health history and ongoing needs. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled at 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. Carter, we'll partner on your health goals. This includes reviewing medications, performing a physical exam, checking memory and mobility, and discussing 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. Carter, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter ones. Be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how seemingly minor.
- 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 support for your health.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Carter works with you to create a personalized plan to manage your multiple conditions. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your quality of life. She acts as your central coordinator for all your care needs.
- How does Dr. Joan Carter approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Carter understands that mental well-being is essential for seniors. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety or depression, performs initial assessments, manages relevant medications, and coordinates care with specialists if necessary.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Carter's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots. This avoids the need for separate appointments or trips to a specialist, making it convenient for our senior patients.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Carter acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, she will make the referral and coordinate care to ensure all treatments are seamlessly integrated. This helps avoid any gaps or overlaps in your care.
13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd # 7A-708B
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 998-8000
Dr. Joan Carter, 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): 1760401715
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. Joan Carter 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.