Dr. Lakshmi Menezes, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Lutz, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in senior health, she understands 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. She serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Menezes is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (813) 670-0035 to schedule an appointment.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Menezes brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Kilpauk Medical College in 1992, and completed her training in Internal Medicine in New York. At her residency program, she was selected as a chief medical resident. She has been in practice since 1998, first in West Virginia and then in the Tampa Bay area since 2004. Dr. Menezes is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is married with a son and daughter, who are both in high school. Dr. Menezes enjoys traveling with her family, listening to music, gardening and practicing yoga/meditation. She offers consultations in Gujarati.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Lakshmi Menezes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lakshmi Menezes is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and focuses on creating a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Lakshmi Menezes can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx (HMOx)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Lakshmi Menezes 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:
- Radiculopathy: Think of radiculopathy as a pinched nerve in your back that can lead to discomfort, making everyday tasks challenging; however, with the right care, you can find relief and improve your mobility.
- Excessive Sweating: If you're experiencing excessive sweating, it's important to talk to your doctor to identify the underlying cause, which may be a medical condition or a side effect of medication, and find relief.
- Limb Pain: Experiencing pain in your arms or legs? It's important to discuss this with your doctor to determine the cause and find the right treatment to improve your comfort and daily life.
- Herpes Zoster Without Complication: Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus, and it's treatable with medication to reduce pain and prevent complications.
- Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Vaginal infections, such as vaginitis and vaginosis, can be uncomfortable, but they are treatable with medication. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will help restore your comfort and prevent complications.
- Hypotension: Managing hypotension involves identifying the underlying cause and working with your doctor to adjust medications or lifestyle factors to maintain a healthy blood pressure, thus enhancing your quality of life.
- Acne: Dealing with acne can impact how you feel about yourself, but a visit to a dermatologist can lead to a personalized treatment plan that helps clear your skin and boost your self-image.
- Asthma: Asthma makes breathing difficult due to inflamed airways, but with proper medication and a plan from your doctor, you can control your symptoms and stay active.
- Nail Infection: Nail infections, sometimes noticeable by discoloration or thickening, are treatable with antifungal or antibiotic medications prescribed by your physician to restore healthy nails and improve your comfort.
- Bronchiectasis: In bronchiectasis, the tubes in your lungs become damaged and inflamed, causing persistent coughing and increased risk of lung infections; but don't worry, a proactive approach with medication, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments can help control symptoms and enable you to enjoy daily activities.
- Headache: Managing headaches effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps maintain your independence and allows you to continue participating in the activities you love.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: A blood clot forms in a vein, often in the leg, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications, but prompt treatment with blood thinners can prevent it from traveling to the lungs and affecting breathing.
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. Lakshmi Menezes offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Draining an abscess or fluid collection helps clear infections and reduce discomfort, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you actively participate in shaping your healthcare decisions and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- 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: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
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. Lakshmi Menezes 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 careful guidance and treatment, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, a source of joy and fulfillment, without the debilitating back pain associated with radiculopathy. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could enjoy their life more comfortably.
- After seeking guidance from an internal medicine specialist, a senior woman found relief from excessive sweating, allowing her to enjoy evening walks with her grandchildren without discomfort. Her family felt a renewed sense of peace and security knowing she could now participate more comfortably in daily activities.
- With personalized care for her limb pain, a senior felt significantly less discomfort and regained her confidence in safely navigating her home.
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. Lakshmi Menezes:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Menezes and her team are internists, specializing in the medical care of adults. They are primary care doctors who have extensive experience in managing the complex health issues that often arise with age, including chronic conditions. They coordinate care with other specialists, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment.
- Does Dr. Lakshmi Menezes have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Menezes is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the diverse health needs of older adults. She is highly knowledgeable about the conditions frequently encountered in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Menezes and our practice believe in a team 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 support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Lakshmi Menezes?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Menezes, 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. If you have any questions, please call our office.
- 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.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Dr. Menezes and her team prioritize fall prevention. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help reduce fall risk.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Menezes' practice works as a central hub, coordinating care with specialists and managing medications to create a unified plan. This approach prevents conflicting treatments and simplifies the healthcare process for patients with multiple chronic conditions. We prioritize a holistic approach to ensure the best possible outcomes.
1942 Highland Oaks Blvd Ste A
Lutz FL 33559
Phone: (813) 670-0035
Dr. Lakshmi Menezes, 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): 1518983345
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. Lakshmi Menezes 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.