Dr. Karim Harfouche, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Hollywood, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Harfouche, a Venezuelan physician with extensive experience, holds board certification in Internal Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine and has a distinguished career spanning over a decade, including affiliations with the University of Texas, West Boca Medical Center, and Boca Regional Hospital. His focus is on senior care, recognizing that 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. While Dr. Harfouche is not currently accepting new patients, inquiries about waitlists or future openings are welcome by calling (954) 266-2920.
Dr. Harfouche's approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His practice emphasizes a holistic understanding of each patient's needs, considering not only their medical history but also their lifestyle, social connections, and personal goals. His experience in critical care and emergency medicine provides a strong foundation for managing complex medical situations. Dr. Harfouche is committed to fostering open communication and trust, ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality of care tailored to their individual circumstances. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Karim Harfouche is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Harfouche is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions with empathy, and focuses on creating a personalized plan to address your specific needs and goals, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling aging experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Karim Harfouche can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Karim Harfouche 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:
- Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, a natural process that may occur due to aging, certain medical conditions, or lifestyle factors, and treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause to improve overall well-being.
- Fever: A fever, or elevated body temperature, is often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, and managing it with rest and fluids can help you feel better faster.
- Constipation: If constipation is persistent or severe, consulting your doctor can lead to a personalized plan to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, enhancing your daily life.
- Cold Sore: If you experience a cold sore outbreak, know that it's a common viral infection that usually clears up on its own within a week or two; however, antiviral medications can be helpful in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms, maintaining your overall well-being.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia can lead to widespread pain and exhaustion, making daily tasks challenging, but a multi-faceted approach, combining medication, exercise, and stress management, can significantly help you maintain your independence and well-being.
- Laryngitis: Laryngitis is a temporary inflammation of your voice box, making your voice hoarse or causing you to lose your voice altogether, often improving with rest and home care.
- Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an infection that causes throat pain and may impact your ability to eat and socialize. Your doctor can determine the best course of treatment, which often involves medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort, helping you regain your health and independence.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Living with IBS can be challenging, but thankfully, there are many ways to manage symptoms, such as dietary changes and stress reduction techniques, helping you feel more comfortable and energetic.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is too high, and managing it with medication and lifestyle changes can help you stay healthy and independent.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath can significantly impact your daily life, but it's important to remember that effective management strategies exist that can help you breathe easier and participate in the activities you enjoy.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Finding blood in your urine doesn't have to disrupt your life; with a doctor's assessment and a personalized treatment plan, you can often manage the underlying cause and keep living comfortably.
- Influenza (Flu): Managing the flu involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, and your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten the illness and improve your comfort.
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. Karim Harfouche offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Removing fluid or pus through incision and drainage can relieve pain and pressure, improving your quality of life and facilitating faster recovery.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Advance directive end-of-life planning allows you to make informed choices about your medical care, even if you can no longer communicate them yourself.
- 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: Care coordination creates a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of a senior's health, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening tool that can help detect hidden blood in your stool, an early sign that might indicate colorectal cancer.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
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. Karim Harfouche 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 guidance of an internal medicine specialist, a woman regained her energy and confidence, allowing her to enjoy her favorite activities and feel secure in her home environment.
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior felt significantly better after managing their fever with rest and plenty of fluids, regaining their energy and enjoying a more comfortable evening at home.
- After struggling with persistent constipation, a senior felt a significant improvement in their daily comfort and confidence, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of playing cards with friends.
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. Karim Harfouche:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Harfouche, are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise with age, including managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists. This makes them uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for older adults.
- Does Dr. Karim Harfouche have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Harfouche 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 commonly affecting seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Harfouche and our team believe in a collaborative approach, and we welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is invaluable for ensuring clear communication and providing comprehensive support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Karim Harfouche?
- Please bring a list of all 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?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- 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.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Harfouche and his team are dedicated to preventive care. We offer essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay current on recommended screenings to maintain their health.
- Does Dr. Karim Harfouche treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Harfouche and our practice treat acute illnesses like colds and the flu. Please call our office as soon as you notice symptoms to discuss the best course of action.
6849 Taft St
Hollywood FL 33024
Phone: (954) 266-2920
Dr. Karim Harfouche, 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): 1003046897
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. Karim Harfouche 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.