Dr. Kavita Rao, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at Gulf Coast Internist - St Petersburg in St Petersburg, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Rao is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 382-7205.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Kavita Rao brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and earned her medical degree from Indonesia Catholic University in 1995. Following medical school, she completed an internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Hurley Medical Center, honing her skills in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Northside Hospital and HCA Florida Saint Petersburg Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Rao offers consultations in Persian. Her care philosophy is rooted in excellence and compassionate care.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Kavita Rao is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kavita Rao is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a compassionate focus on your overall well-being. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your independence and comfort. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal health goals and collaborating with you and your family to create a personalized plan for thriving in your later years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kavita Rao can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kavita Rao 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:
- 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.
- Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by widened and damaged airways that make it difficult to clear mucus, leading to infections; treatments such as antibiotics, chest physiotherapy, and medications can significantly reduce symptoms and help you live a full life.
- Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: VTE is a condition where blood clots form in the veins, sometimes causing leg pain and swelling, but with prompt treatment like blood thinners, it can prevent serious health risks and help you remain active.
- Malnutrition: If you're experiencing unintended weight loss, decreased appetite, or feeling constantly tired, you might have malnutrition, which can impact your mobility and overall well-being; a nutritious diet and possibly supplements can improve your strength and energy levels.
- Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: Treatment for leg cramps can include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or addressing vitamin deficiencies to reduce nighttime pain and improve your quality of life.
- Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a sudden, serious allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure; quick treatment with medication like an EpiPen can save a life and allow you to maintain your independence.
- Hair Loss: While hair loss is a normal part of aging for some, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Consulting your doctor can help determine the cause and provide appropriate management strategies.
- 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.
- Bursitis: If you have bursitis, the inflammation around your joints can make everyday tasks challenging. Fortunately, it's often managed effectively with pain relievers, gentle exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce discomfort and enhance your daily life.
- Allergic Rhinitis Due to Food: Food allergies can sometimes trigger a stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes, similar to hay fever, making it harder to breathe comfortably and enjoy your day; identifying and avoiding these foods, along with medication if needed, can significantly improve your quality of life.
- Sickle Cell Disease: This inherited blood condition causes misshapen red blood cells that can lead to various health complications throughout life, but ongoing management with a healthcare team can help you effectively manage symptoms and stay active.
- Leg and Foot Ulcers: While leg and foot ulcers can be a challenge, with the right medical care including pain management and wound care, you can significantly reduce discomfort, promote healing, and maintain your quality of life.
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. Kavita Rao offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: Through cardiovascular disease counseling, seniors learn lifestyle changes and medication strategies to protect their heart health.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- Chronic Care Management: For seniors with complex health needs, Chronic Care Management provides a comprehensive approach to coordinating care, ensuring all aspects of their health are addressed.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: This counseling helps manage the physical and psychological challenges of quitting smoking, empowering seniors to live healthier, longer lives.
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. Kavita Rao 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 medication and lifestyle adjustments, a senior couple felt more secure navigating their home, no longer worried about sudden dizzy spells or shortness of breath. Their social life blossomed as they could now comfortably attend community events and visit friends without the fear of complications.
- With improved breathing and fewer infections, a senior was able to resume her beloved weekly book club meetings, enriching her social life.
- With the guidance of a medical professional, a senior was able to resume walking their dog without the painful leg swelling, regaining a cherished daily activity and improving their overall well-being.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Kavita Rao:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Rao and her team are internists, who are primary care doctors specializing in adult health. They are experts in the complex health issues common in older adults, adept at managing chronic diseases, and skilled at coordinating care with specialists when needed.
- Does Dr. Kavita Rao have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Rao's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific needs of older adults. She has extensive experience managing common health concerns in seniors and is well-versed in the conditions that often affect this population.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Rao and our practice strongly believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's consent, to ensure clear communication and provide supportive care. Their involvement is invaluable.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Kavita Rao?
- 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 contacting 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.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus for our practice. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations as needed to help reduce fall risk.
- How does Dr. Kavita Rao help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Rao helps manage blood pressure by prescribing medication when needed, but also by closely monitoring blood pressure, providing lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise, and creating a personalized plan to help patients reach and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Gulf Coast Internist - St Petersburg
4957 38th Ave N Ste C
St Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 382-7205
Dr. Kavita Rao, 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): 1083684153
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. Kavita Rao 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.