Dr. Linda Edwards, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults at the Jacksonville Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PAIDD) in Jacksonville, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Edwards is a University of Florida associate professor of medicine and a board-certified internal medicine physician at UF Health Jacksonville. She also serves as dean of the UF College of Medicine - Jacksonville. Dr. Edwards, with extensive experience in senior care, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including a residency in Internal Medicine at Jacksonville Health Education Programs (Jhep), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of this population. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is currently welcoming new patients and you can schedule an appointment by calling (904) 383-1004. Dr. Edwards also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Linda Edwards is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Linda Edwards is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your individual needs. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you can thrive as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Linda Edwards can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and 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)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Linda Edwards 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:
- Nausea: Experiencing nausea can be distressing, but thankfully there are many ways to manage it and improve your comfort.
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: For women experiencing discomfort or distress due to menopausal or postmenopausal changes, understanding treatment options—ranging from medication to natural therapies—can lead to improved management and a better quality of life.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Experiencing eye irritation due to allergies? Allergic conjunctivitis is a treatable condition causing eye itching, redness, and watering; with proper management, you can reduce symptoms and continue enjoying your life without interruption.
- Diarrhea: If you're dealing with diarrhea, know that you're not alone, and there are ways to find relief and get back to enjoying life.
- Emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that damages the tiny air sacs in your lungs, leading to shortness of breath and making everyday activities more challenging, but with proper management, you can maintain your independence.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body, often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances; however, treatment plans can help you better manage your pain and improve your energy levels.
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Diabetes with kidney problems means your diabetes is affecting your kidneys' ability to filter waste, but with careful management and medication, you can protect your kidneys and maintain your health.
- 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.
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Managing mood disorders like dysthymia and cyclothymia involves understanding that these conditions are treatable. With the right support from a healthcare professional, including medication and therapy, seniors can experience improved mood and a better quality of life.
- Back Pain: Many things can cause back pain, and understanding the cause is the first step toward getting effective relief and improving your quality of life.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition causing itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, often manageable with creams and ointments to improve comfort and prevent scratching.
- Limb Swelling: Swelling in your arms or legs can be a sign of several health issues, and addressing it promptly can help you maintain your comfort and mobility.
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. Linda Edwards offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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).
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: For seniors with intricate medical needs, care coordination acts as a central hub, simplifying communication and ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.
- Diabetes Counseling: With diabetes counseling, you'll work with a healthcare professional to set realistic goals and track your progress in managing your diabetes.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Tilt Table Testing: By identifying underlying causes of fainting or dizziness, a tilt table test supports a tailored care approach focused on preventing falls and improving your quality of life.
- Multifunction Cardiogram: As part of your regular check-up, a multifunction cardiogram can help identify early signs of heart disease, enabling proactive management and improving your long-term heart 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. Linda Edwards 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:
- Feeling nauseous had been a constant source of discomfort for Mrs. Garcia, but with the guidance of a knowledgeable physician, she learned effective strategies to manage her symptoms. As a result, she was able to enjoy meals with her family again, a significant improvement in her overall well-being.
- With guidance on managing menopausal symptoms, a woman regained her energy and confidence, allowing her to resume her beloved volunteer work at the local animal shelter.
- With allergy eye drops and a personalized management plan, a senior couple was able to enjoy their daily walks and garden visits without the constant irritation of their allergic conjunctivitis.
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. Linda Edwards:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Edwards and her team are internists, which means they are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Linda Edwards have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Edwards is an internist, meaning she is specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older patients. She is knowledgeable about the conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Edwards and our practice believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their involvement is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Linda Edwards?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Edwards, 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?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. 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.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Edwards and our practice prioritize a compassionate and supportive approach to discussing memory concerns. We provide a safe space for these conversations, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to specialists if further evaluation is needed.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- Dr. Edwards's office can perform common diagnostic tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
Jacksonville Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PAIDD)
655 W 8th St
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 383-1004
Dr. Linda Edwards, 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): 1144296559
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. Linda Edwards 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.