Dr. Kent Starkweather, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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. Dr. Starkweather is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (239) 343-9100.
Dr. Kent Starkweather, MD is a family medicine physician in Fort Myers, FL. He is affiliated with medical facilities Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Starkweather earned his medical degree from East Tennessee State University and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. His approach to care is centered on collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Kent Starkweather provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Kent Starkweather is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Starkweather is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care that prioritizes your well-being and independence. He expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and collaborates with families to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs, maximizing comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kent Starkweather can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kent Starkweather 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:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, or acid reflux, happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, improving your daily comfort.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: As we get older, our bodies sometimes have trouble absorbing vitamin B12, which can cause symptoms like numbness or tingling, affecting daily activities; however, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent these problems from worsening and improve quality of life.
- Bladder Infection: Don't let a bladder infection disrupt your life. These infections are common, often easily treated with medication from your family doctor, bringing relief from painful symptoms and restoring your sense of well-being.
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, which can cause fatigue and weakness, but it can often be managed with adjustments to diet, medication, or supplements to improve energy levels and overall well-being.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is a common lung infection causing a cough and often some shortness of breath, usually resolving within a couple of weeks with rest and supportive care.
- Dyslipidemia: Having high cholesterol (dyslipidemia) means you have too much fat in your blood, increasing your risk of heart problems; however, with proper diet, exercise, and possibly medication, you can significantly reduce this risk and enjoy a healthier, fuller life.
- Muscle Cramping: Uncomfortable muscle cramps can impact your sleep and ability to move freely, but with proper diagnosis and treatment from your doctor, you can find relief and keep enjoying your independence.
- Obesity: Obesity is having more body fat than is considered healthy, which can make everyday activities harder and increase the risk of other health problems.
- Joint Pain: Joint pain, a common experience as we age, can be managed effectively with treatments like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, allowing you to maintain mobility and independence.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that often responds well to antibiotics, allowing you to regain your comfort and energy and continue enjoying your daily routines.
- Overweight: Being overweight means having more body fat than is considered healthy, which can increase the risk of health problems as we age, but with a focus on healthy eating and exercise, we can manage weight and improve overall well-being.
- All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Experiencing headaches? Understanding their type and finding the right approach with your doctor can help reduce pain and improve your overall well-being.
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. Kent Starkweather offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Bacteriuria Screening: This urine test is a crucial part of managing urinary health as we age, helping identify and treat infections that could lead to serious complications.
- Chest Pain Evaluation: Understanding the source of your chest pain through a thorough evaluation is key to creating a comprehensive care plan that addresses your specific health needs.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps your doctor assess your bone density, an important factor in preventing osteoporosis and fractures as you age.
- Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This blood test helps your doctor assess your risk for hepatitis B and develop a tailored plan to address the condition should it be present.
- 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.
- Strep Test: If you have a sore throat, a strep test helps your doctor determine the cause and recommend the most effective treatment, improving your overall health and well-being.
- Arrhythmia Screening: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an arrhythmia screening can identify heart rhythm problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, potentially saving your life.
- Mammography: Mammography assists in the early identification of breast abnormalities, helping your doctor create a personalized management plan.
- Hepatitis A Screening: Hepatitis A screening helps detect this liver infection early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing serious complications.
- Skin Testing and Screening: Through skin testing, your doctor can determine the cause of your skin problems, which is essential for developing and implementing an effective management plan.
- Wheelchair Evaluation: This evaluation helps diagnose the extent of mobility issues, informing a tailored care plan to maximize a senior's independence and quality of life through appropriate mobility aids.
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. Kent Starkweather 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:
- A senior couple found significant relief from their GERD symptoms, allowing them to enjoy delicious meals and restful nights without the constant discomfort, improving their overall quality of life.
- After receiving support for vitamin B12 deficiency, a senior couple found their ability to walk comfortably restored, enabling them to enjoy leisurely strolls through the park again.
- A senior citizen, experiencing frequent bladder infection discomfort, found relief with prescribed medication, enabling them to enjoy evening walks with their beloved dog again.
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. Kent Starkweather:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Starkweather and our practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This allows us to have a deep understanding of their health history and chronic conditions. We are your trusted primary care partners, expertly coordinating all aspects of your care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Starkweather, we'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual health needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Starkweather on achieving your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To get the most out of your appointment with Dr. Starkweather, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter items. Be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small 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 support for your health.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Starkweather and our team are happy to help manage joint pain from arthritis. We are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Starkweather acts as a central coordinator for your care, creating a personalized management plan that includes monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your well-being.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Starkweather acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, he'll make the referral and coordinate care to ensure all treatments are seamlessly integrated. This helps avoid gaps in your care and ensures a smooth transition between your primary care and specialist appointments.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Starkweather and our staff can often handle minor skin procedures like removing skin tags or suspicious moles in the office. We also perform procedures like freezing precancerous spots (actinic keratosis), making it convenient for you. This avoids the need for separate appointments or travel to a specialist.
9131 College Pointe Ct
Fort Myers FL 33919
Phone: (239) 343-9100
Dr. Kent Starkweather, 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): 1962935247
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. Kent Starkweather 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.