Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Brandon, FL. He 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. He is committed to this important role, serving primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs.
Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli, MD is an internist in Brandon, FL. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and his practice philosophy is rooted in patient-centered primary care. He is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments. Please call (813) 435-3912 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli is fluent in Hindi and also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Benakanahalli is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your unique needs. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you can thrive as you age. His approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to maximize comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli 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
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- 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)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Select HMO (HMO)
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli 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:
- Actinic Keratosis: If you notice any rough, scaly areas on your skin, especially those frequently exposed to the sun, talk to your doctor about actinic keratosis; simple treatment can prevent future skin problems and maintain your overall well-being.
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis, inflammation of the tube that carries food to your stomach, can make eating uncomfortable, but with your doctor's guidance on medication and diet, you can manage symptoms and enjoy meals again without difficulty.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: If you're struggling with stomach or intestinal upset not due to an infection, you might have noninfectious gastroenteritis or colitis; with the right treatment plan, you can get relief from symptoms and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Dysentery: Experiencing bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever might indicate dysentery; getting prompt treatment, which may include rehydration and medication, is key to managing this infection and preventing serious complications, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- 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.
- Herpes Simplex Infection: Herpes simplex is a common viral infection causing painful sores, usually around the mouth or genitals, that can be effectively managed with antiviral medications to reduce discomfort and prevent outbreaks.
- Adult Failure to Thrive: If an older loved one seems less energetic, is losing weight without trying, and is less interested in social activities, they may be experiencing Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT). A thorough assessment and personalized care plan can help improve their condition.
- Acne: Adult-onset acne can be frustrating, but it's manageable! Treatments like topical creams or oral medications can significantly reduce breakouts, helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
- Cold Sore: Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and manifest as painful blisters on the lips; while they usually heal without intervention, using pain relievers and antiviral creams can greatly ease discomfort and prevent secondary infections, allowing you to maintain your daily activities.
- Fever: While a low-grade fever might resolve on its own, a high fever needs prompt medical attention to prevent complications and allow you to maintain your usual activities.
- Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia, a condition of elevated blood calcium, might cause you to feel unwell, but effective treatment strategies exist to help regulate calcium levels, alleviate symptoms, and enhance your overall quality of life.
- Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, but with careful monitoring and treatment, we can help you manage it and stay safe.
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. Manjunath Benakanahalli offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This process helps you communicate your preferences for medical treatment, ensuring your comfort and dignity are prioritized at the end of life.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: It's a supportive step in managing heart health, helping seniors make informed decisions about their care and improve their quality of life.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service helps diagnose and manage the interaction of multiple chronic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving overall wellness.
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps seniors with multiple health problems develop a personalized plan to better manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Geriatric Assessment: This in-depth checkup helps doctors create a personalized care plan for you by identifying and managing multiple health concerns common in older adults.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Obesity Counseling: By assessing eating habits and activity levels, obesity counseling helps seniors create a realistic plan to reach and maintain a healthy weight, complementing other aspects of their healthcare.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
- Vaccination: Vaccinations help safeguard seniors against preventable diseases, empowering them to live healthier, more active lives and reducing their healthcare burden.
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. Manjunath Benakanahalli 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 a knowledgeable internal medicine specialist, a senior was able to effectively manage their actinic keratosis, restoring confidence and allowing them to enjoy their daily activities without discomfort.
- With medication and dietary adjustments guided by a medical professional, a senior was able to resume enjoying their favorite meals without discomfort, significantly improving their overall quality of life.
- With tailored treatment, a senior was able to resume enjoying their favorite hobby of traveling, free from the debilitating stomach discomfort associated with noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis.
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. Manjunath Benakanahalli:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Benakanahalli, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise as we age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Benakanahalli's practice is specifically focused on adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive and compassionate care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Benakanahalli's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their insights are invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli?
- 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 have written down.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a refill is through our patient portal or by calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to 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.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- We offer common in-office tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests to quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral. These help us evaluate your current state and guide treatment plans.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Benakanahalli's practice provides a supportive environment to discuss memory concerns. We offer initial cognitive screenings and can coordinate referrals to specialists if further evaluation is needed. We prioritize a compassionate approach to address these worries.
603 W Lumsden Rd
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 435-3912
Dr. Manjunath Benakanahalli, 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): 1619067428
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. Manjunath Benakanahalli 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.