Dr. John Van Dongen, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Naples, FL. He 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. He serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Please call (239) 643-7888 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. John Van Dongen, MD is a family medicine physician in Naples, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of the Witwatersrand Medical School in 1982. He is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of The Witwatersrand Medical School in 1982 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. John Dongen offers consultations in Afrikaans.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. John Dongen is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. John Dongen is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care tailored to your unique needs. He understands the complexities of aging and works collaboratively with you and your family to manage chronic conditions, coordinate necessary specialists, and prioritize your overall well-being and independence. His compassionate approach ensures a smooth and supportive transition through the senior years, focusing on maximizing your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. John Dongen can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Humana
- National POS
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. John Dongen 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:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: As we age, carpal tunnel syndrome, marked by wrist pain and hand numbness, can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures to help you maintain your independence.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia, or high cholesterol, is a common condition where there's too much fat in your blood, which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication to help protect your heart and keep you active.
- Arthritis of the Elbow: Arthritis in the elbow can make everyday actions like opening jars or dressing challenging, but treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers, specialized exercises, and even joint replacement surgery can significantly improve comfort and function.
- Vertigo: Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning, impacting your ability to walk and move safely. However, many effective treatments are available to lessen its effects, enabling you to maintain your daily routine.
- Obesity: Managing obesity involves making gradual changes to your diet and exercise routine, often with support from a doctor or dietitian, to improve overall health and well-being.
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Dealing with an enlarged prostate can be frustrating, but it's a manageable condition. With the right medical care, you can find relief from urinary issues and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath can be frightening, but many treatments are available to manage it, helping you maintain your independence and enjoy life more fully.
- Asthma: If you have asthma, understanding your triggerslike pollen or certain smellsand using your inhaler as prescribed can help you stay well and maintain your quality of life.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become thin and weak, increasing the risk of fractures; medication, exercise, and a healthy diet can help manage the disease and prevent bone loss.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: These conditions, noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, involve inflammation in your gut that's not caused by an infection. By working with your doctor to manage the symptoms, you can prevent complications and maintain your independence.
- Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to something that touches your skin, while eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition, both causing discomfort that can be eased with proper skincare and treatment to maintain daily activities.
- Animal Allergies: For seniors with animal allergies, managing symptoms involves identifying triggers, such as specific pets or types of animal dander, and employing avoidance strategies, medications, or immunotherapy. This proactive approach can substantially improve your quality of life, ensuring comfort and participation in social activities.
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. John Dongen offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: As part of your comprehensive health assessment, a hepatitis C screening can identify this often silent infection, enabling you to proactively manage your liver health.
- Thyroid Screening: Regular thyroid checks are a key part of managing your overall health as you age, helping to prevent or control conditions impacting energy levels and well-being.
- Bone Density Scan: To ensure your overall well-being, a bone density scan is a valuable tool used to assess bone health and adjust treatment plans accordingly, reducing fracture risk.
- Blood Allergy Testing: To ensure your overall well-being, your doctor may recommend blood allergy testing to determine if allergies are contributing to your health challenges and adjust your care accordingly.
- Cancer Screening: Regular cancer screenings are a key part of preventative care, allowing for early detection and management of potential cancerous growths before they become serious health issues.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening helps identify and manage infections that can impact your health and well-being, ensuring a proactive approach to your sexual health as you age.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screening for and managing alcohol or substance use issues helps to maintain your physical and mental health as you age.
- Dementia Evaluation: Through a dementia evaluation, healthcare providers can diagnose cognitive impairments, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
- 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.
- Strep Test: This simple test helps identify strep throat, allowing for prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and speed recovery.
- Health Screening: These check-ups help your doctor create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and risk factors as you age, ensuring you receive the right support at the right time.
- Spinal and Postural Screening: Regular spinal and postural screenings are an important part of preventive care, allowing early detection of conditions impacting your balance and independence.
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. John Dongen 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 carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms significantly reduced, a senior was able to resume knitting, a cherished hobby, without discomfort. The family felt a sense of relief knowing their loved one could enjoy their activities again.
- With improved management of their dyslipidemia, a senior couple felt more confident and secure in their ability to continue their weekly trips to the local farmers' market, a cherished activity.
- With arthritis in her elbow better managed through a combination of exercises and over-the-counter medications, a senior woman regained her ability to easily open jars and felt more confident completing household tasks.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. John Dongen:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Dongen and our practice are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This allows us to have a deep understanding of your health history and current needs. We are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of your care, acting as your trusted primary care partner.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- Your annual wellness visit with Dr. Dongen is a key opportunity to partner with him on health goals. We'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, check your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer screenings.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To maximize your appointment with Dr. Dongen, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter items. Finally, be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.
- 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 help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Dongen's practice partners with patients to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular medication reviews to check for harmful interactions, simplify regimens when possible, and make sure every prescription is still needed and working effectively.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a fall, bad cold, or UTI. Seeing Dr. Dongen for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Dongen's practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Dongen's office can often handle minor 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 travel, making it convenient for our senior patients.
599 Tamiami Trl N Ste 308
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 643-7888
Dr. John Van Dongen, 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): 1366402695
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. John Dongen 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.