Dr. Joel Van Sickler, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults in Fort Myers, FL. He is a registered member of 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 primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Sickler is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 939-0999 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Joel Van Sickler, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1984 and earned his medical degree from that institution. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Sickler is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Joel Sickler is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Joel Sickler is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a focus on your overall well-being and independence. He coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your unique needs and goals to create a personalized plan for thriving as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joel Sickler can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Seamless HMO (HMO)
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joel Sickler 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:
- Tobacco Use Disorder: If you or a loved one struggles with tobacco use, know that effective treatments and support groups are available to help overcome nicotine addiction, leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
- Systemic Vasculitis: If you have systemic vasculitis, it means your blood vessels are inflamed, potentially affecting various organs; working closely with your doctor to manage this condition can help prevent serious complications and maintain your independence.
- End-Stage Renal Disease: ESRD is a serious kidney condition where your kidneys have significantly lost their function; thankfully, effective management strategies including dialysis or kidney transplantation offer ways to improve symptoms and prolong life.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Swollen limbs can happen when your body holds onto too much fluid, making it harder to move around, but your doctor can help manage this with medication or lifestyle changes to improve your comfort and independence.
- Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, but with careful monitoring and treatment, we can help you manage it and stay safe.
- Fever: If you or a loved one has a fever, understanding the cause is vital for appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent serious problems and preserve your quality of life.
- Mineral Metabolism Disorders: An imbalance of vital minerals in your body can cause various health problems, but a doctor can create a plan that may include diet changes or medication to effectively manage these imbalances and improve your daily functioning.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in your lungs, leading to a cough and sometimes shortness of breath; with appropriate care, you can manage symptoms and quickly return to your normal activities.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are infections in your urinary system, often causing pain and urgency when you urinate. Fortunately, UTIs are usually treatable with antibiotics, helping you to feel more comfortable and prevent serious complications.
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: An acute upper respiratory infection is a short-lived infection in your upper airways that can cause symptoms like a cough, sneezing, and congestion. While it can be uncomfortable, focusing on rest and hydration will usually help your body fight it off quickly, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Renal Artery Arteriosclerotic Disease: As we age, sometimes the blood vessels to our kidneys can become narrowed and stiff (renal artery arteriosclerotic disease), potentially affecting kidney function. However, your doctor can manage this condition with medication and monitoring, often allowing you to stay active and independent.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is a serious condition that occurs when you lose more fluids than you take in, leading to health problems; however, by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, you can often prevent or treat it.
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. Joel Sickler offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor understand how well your lungs are working and how your body is managing oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service helps diagnose and manage the interaction of multiple chronic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving overall wellness.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: To support your overall health, a fecal occult blood test is used to screen for colorectal cancer, allowing for early intervention and better health management.
- Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that helps remove waste products and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer working properly.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Kidney Transplant Evaluation: A kidney transplant evaluation helps determine if you're a good candidate for a kidney transplant to improve your kidney function and overall health.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: As part of your comprehensive care plan, peritoneal dialysis can help manage kidney failure by filtering your blood, improving your quality of life and reducing the burden of kidney disease.
- Plasmapheresis: This specialized treatment helps manage conditions where your immune system attacks healthy tissues by removing harmful proteins from your blood, enhancing the effectiveness of your overall healthcare plan.
- Renal Scan: This imaging test provides valuable information about your kidney's function, helping your doctor manage any kidney-related issues you may have.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs, helping your doctor diagnose problems like gallstones or an enlarged heart.
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. Joel Sickler 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 comprehensive treatment plan, a senior was able to quit smoking, regaining their energy and enjoying more restful nights. Their family felt a sense of relief and optimism about their future health.
- With careful medical management of systemic vasculitis, a senior couple regained the energy to enjoy their daily walks in the park, a cherished activity they had been unable to do for months.
- With regular dialysis sessions and the support of a knowledgeable medical team, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, bringing joy and purpose back into their life.
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. Joel Sickler:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Sickler, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that can develop with age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Joel Sickler have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Sickler and our practice specialize in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. We have extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive care for our senior patients.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Sickler and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome family members and caregivers to participate in appointments and care planning, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is invaluable for clear communication and supportive care.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Joel Sickler?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Sickler, 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 address.
- 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.
- 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.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Sickler's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients understand and manage their symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop personalized action plans to prevent flare-ups.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Sickler and our team are dedicated to preventive care. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. This is a key part of our approach to healthy aging.
7981 Gladiolus Dr
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 939-0999
Dr. Joel Van Sickler, 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): 1245281864
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. Joel Sickler 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.