Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Fort Meade, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique health needs of adults, with a specific focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. 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. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (863) 285-7171 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas, MD is a family medicine physician in Fort Meade, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Sebring and HCA Florida Highlands Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage Campus, and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. As a member of the Optum family of primary care physicians, she is committed to supporting the health needs of seniors. She is proud to be part of a team focused on providing comprehensive care for people ages 65+ and helping patients reach their health goals, preventing problems, and managing chronic conditions. Dr. Arguedas-Vargas provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. She prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, coordinating complex care with other specialists, and managing chronic conditions to help seniors maintain their independence and well-being. Her focus is on empowering seniors and their families with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in their later years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas 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:
- Animal Allergies: Dealing with animal allergies can be challenging, but understanding how to minimize exposure to pets and using allergy medications can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life, allowing you to continue enjoying the company of pets or visits with family who have animals if you choose.
- Shingles: Experiencing a painful rash with blisters on one side of your body? It might be shingles, a condition common among older adults; timely treatment with antiviral medications can ease the pain and shorten the recovery period, helping you maintain your independence.
- Lyme Disease: Lyme disease can cause various symptoms, from joint pain to fatigue, but effective treatment with antibiotics can alleviate these issues and improve your quality of life.
- Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking prompt medical attention when you experience salivary gland pain can help prevent complications and maintain your independence.
- Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Experiencing unusual vaginal discharge, odor, or irritation? These may be signs of vaginitis or vaginosis, both easily diagnosed and treated by your physician to alleviate symptoms and improve your overall health.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, but with the right treatment plan, including medication and breathing exercises, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy a more active life.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that leads to an itchy, scaly rash, often on the scalp (dandruff) or eyebrows; regular treatment can help prevent discomfort and maintain your confidence.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, causing osteoarthritis. In the shoulder, this can result in aching and limited range of motion, but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms with strategies like medication, injections, or assistive devices.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea, characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can be effectively managed through various strategies including weight loss, changes in sleeping position, and the use of a CPAP machine, improving both your daytime functioning and reducing the risk of serious health complications.
- Long COVID Disorder: Long COVID is a condition where symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or breathing problems continue for weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection, and managing these symptoms can help maintain your independence and quality of life.
- Hypothyroidism: Dealing with hypothyroidism involves managing its symptoms, like tiredness and cold intolerance, through medication and a supportive healthcare plan to maintain a fulfilling life as you age.
- Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Red, itchy, or watery eyes might signal pinkeye. This common condition is typically addressed effectively with a doctor-prescribed treatment plan, helping you avoid complications and maintain 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. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: As part of your comprehensive care plan, alcohol misuse screening and counseling can help prevent or manage health problems related to alcohol use.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This screening process aids in differentiating between dementia and depression, enabling targeted treatment approaches and effective care coordination.
- Herpes Simplex Screening: This simple screening test assists in creating a personalized care plan to manage herpes simplex outbreaks, minimizing discomfort and improving your quality of life.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate cancer screening helps detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is often more successful, contributing to a comprehensive healthcare plan for aging men.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Addressing alcohol or substance misuse in a proactive manner contributes to a comprehensive care plan to support your senior years.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage your risk of serious illnesses, allowing you to enjoy a fuller life as you age.
- Blood Allergy Testing: For seniors experiencing unexplained symptoms like swelling or itching, blood allergy testing can offer a more accurate diagnosis than skin tests and guide treatment decisions.
- Osteoporosis Screening: Osteoporosis screening helps detect weak bones early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent fractures and maintain your independence.
- Psychological Evaluation: Through a psychological evaluation, your doctor can assess your cognitive function and memory, helping to create a safety plan and tailored support for you as needed.
- Dementia Evaluation: This in-depth evaluation assists in making informed decisions regarding long-term care, ensuring the senior receives appropriate support.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To ensure your heart and lungs are working efficiently as you get older, an ABG test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, helping your doctor fine-tune your treatment plan.
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. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas 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 felt a significant reduction in allergy symptoms after working with a family medicine provider to identify triggers and implement strategies for managing their pet allergies, allowing them to continue enjoying their beloved cat.
- A senior experiencing a painful shingles rash found relief through timely antiviral treatment, allowing them to return to their beloved daily walks in the park.
- After experiencing debilitating fatigue and joint pain, a senior was able to return to her beloved hobby of knitting, thanks to a personalized treatment plan that effectively managed her Lyme disease. This newfound ability to pursue her craft brought her significant joy and improved her 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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Arguedas-Vargas and her team are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because they often care for patients throughout their lives. This experience allows them to have a deep understanding of a senior's health history. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled in coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Arguedas-Vargas, we'll review your medications, perform a physical exam, assess your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with us on your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Arguedas-Vargas, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how seemingly small.
- 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 possible support for your health.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Arguedas-Vargas and her practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Arguedas-Vargas acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. If a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedist is needed, she will not only make the referral but also coordinate care to ensure all treatments are seamlessly integrated.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI. Seeing Dr. Arguedas-Vargas for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Arguedas-Vargas and her team prioritize medication safety. We conduct regular reviews to check for interactions, simplify regimens when possible, and ensure every medication is still needed and working effectively for you.
25 N Lanier Ave
Fort Meade FL 33841
Phone: (863) 285-7171
Dr. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas, 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): 1164614186
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. Marcela Arguedas-Vargas 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.