Dr. Maria Milan Melo, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Lake Mary, FL. As a trusted partner in senior health, she 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Please call (407) 647-2346 to confirm if Dr. Melo is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Maria Milan Melo, MD is an internist in Lake Mary, FL and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (Unibe) Escuela De Medicina in 2011 and is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Melo is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Maria Melo provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Maria Melo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Maria Melo is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your unique needs. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you thrive as you age. Her approach emphasizes a deep understanding of each patient's personal goals and creates personalized plans to maximize comfort and independence, supporting you and your loved ones every step of the way.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Maria Melo can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- LocalPlus
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Maria Melo 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:
- Polyuria: Increased thirst and frequent urination (polyuria) can sometimes signal an underlying health condition. Your doctor can help diagnose the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Living with persistent neck pain can be challenging, but with the right care—including exercises, pain relief, and sometimes even surgery—you can find relief and improve your overall well-being.
- Essential Tremor: While essential tremor can't be cured, it can be successfully managed with medication or even therapy that improve your ability to perform daily tasks such as eating and dressing.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, but with proper management, like medication and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce that risk and maintain a healthy, active life.
- Adult Failure to Thrive: Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT) describes a gradual decline in physical and mental well-being in older adults, often involving weight loss, fatigue, and social withdrawal, and is addressed by identifying and treating the underlying causes to improve their overall health and independence.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and impacting overall health, but thankfully, treatment like CPAP machines can significantly improve sleep quality and daily life.
- Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: While it doesn't have a specific cause, benign chronic pain syndrome is a real condition that affects many older adults. The focus is on finding the right pain management strategies to improve your quality of life.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Secondary diabetes develops when another medical condition, like pancreatic disease or some medications, interferes with your body's ability to regulate blood sugar, requiring careful management to prevent complications and maintain your well-being.
- Hyperlipidemia: Having high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) means there's too much fatty substance in your blood, potentially harming your heart, but managing it through healthy eating, exercise, and possibly medication can help you live a long and fulfilling life.
- Nightmare Disorder: For seniors facing recurring nightmares, various approaches exist to address this issue, including medication and therapies focusing on changing negative thought patterns to promote better sleep and reduce anxiety associated with the nightmares, thereby helping to maintain independence and a higher quality of life.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
- Hyperkalemia: Managing hyperkalemia involves carefully controlling your potassium intake through diet and medication, enabling you to enjoy a better quality of life and reduce the risk of serious health issues.
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. Maria Melo 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): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 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: To support your overall health, a fecal occult blood test is used to screen for colorectal cancer, allowing for early intervention and better health management.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Obesity Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, obesity counseling provides seniors with guidance and support to make sustainable changes that lead to a healthier weight and better quality of life.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling helps seniors develop a personalized plan to quit smoking, improving their lung health and overall well-being.
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. Maria Melo 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:
- After a consultation with an internal medicine specialist, a senior felt significantly less fatigued and more secure at home, as the frequent urination and intense thirst were effectively managed. The family was relieved and grateful for the improved quality of life.
- With targeted exercises and pain relief, a senior was able to return to knitting, a cherished hobby that had been sidelined by persistent neck pain. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was more comfortable and engaged in life.
- A senior couple found relief from the frustrating tremors that had made eating and using utensils challenging. With medication and lifestyle adjustments, they regained the joy of enjoying family meals together.
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. Maria Melo:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Melo is an internist, a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. Internists are experts in the many health concerns that can come with aging, such as managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists. They are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for adults.
- Does Dr. Maria Melo have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Melo is an internist, specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about common conditions affecting seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Melo 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 insights are valuable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Maria Melo?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Melo, 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?
- 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?
- 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.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus of our practice. We review medications for side effects that may increase fall risk, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations as needed.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Yes, preventive care is a cornerstone of our practice. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings.
525 Technology Park Ste 109
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (407) 647-2346
Dr. Maria Milan Melo, 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): 1962846808
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. Maria Melo 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.