Dr. Mary Hedges, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to being a trusted partner in your health journey. 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. Dr. Hedges is currently welcoming new patients; please call (904) 953-2000 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Mary Hedges, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors. She earned her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 2004 and further specialized through fellowship training in Mayo Clinic Jacksonville (2008), deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. Dr. Hedges is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida. She is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Hedges is committed to providing exceptional care to her patients, and is currently accepting new patients. She provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Mary Hedges is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mary Hedges is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your individual needs. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions with empathy and expertise, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. Her focus extends beyond treatment to understanding your personal goals and creating a plan that maximizes comfort and empowers you to thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mary Hedges can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mary Hedges 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:
- Mineral Metabolism Disorders: If your body isn't processing minerals correctly, it can affect your bones, muscles, and even your heart. Working with your doctor to find the right treatment plan—often involving diet and medication—can help you stay active and healthy.
- 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.
- Lyme Disease: Though Lyme disease can be challenging, timely diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can greatly improve outcomes and help seniors continue enjoying their daily routines with less discomfort.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis involves a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your organs. Fortunately, through careful management with your doctor, you can minimize its effects and live a fuller, healthier life.
- Laryngitis: Laryngitis is a condition that causes voice changes, often due to overuse or a viral infection; getting enough rest and avoiding talking too much can significantly improve symptoms.
- Overweight: Carrying extra weight can make everyday activities harder, but losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve your energy levels, mobility, and quality of life, so let's work together to find a sustainable plan.
- Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is a condition where there's too much potassium in your blood, which can be managed with medication and dietary changes to keep your heart healthy and maintain your independence.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Don't let IBS control your life. With the right care from your doctor, including medication and strategies to manage stress and diet, you can find ways to live comfortably and fully.
- Actinic Keratosis: These rough, scaly patches, called actinic keratosis, are often a result of sun exposure, and your dermatologist can help you remove them to maintain healthy skin and improve your confidence.
- 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.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent condition, often without symptoms, but it's crucial to manage it as it can damage your organs. With your doctor's help, through medication and healthy habits, you can protect your health and well-being.
- Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Imagine a blood clot forming deep within a leg vein – that's a DVT. It needs timely medical attention with blood thinners to dissolve the clot and reduce the risk of dangerous complications, improving your overall well-being and ability to stay active.
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. Mary Hedges offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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: This service helps diagnose and manage the interaction of multiple chronic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving overall wellness.
- 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.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- Therapeutic Phlebotomy: This procedure involves the removal of a specific amount of blood to help control certain blood conditions and improve blood counts for seniors experiencing related symptoms.
- Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from the lung using a needle, helping your doctor understand and treat lung conditions like infections or cancer.
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. Mary Hedges 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 careful treatment for mineral metabolism disorders, a senior couple felt more secure in their own home, able to maintain their usual daily activities without the debilitating symptoms they had previously experienced.
- With the underlying causes of their Adult Failure to Thrive addressed, a senior felt renewed energy and regained their ability to enjoy regular visits with their grandchildren.
- With the support of a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior felt a significant reduction in Lyme disease symptoms, allowing them to once again enjoy their beloved outdoor walks.
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. Mary Hedges:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Hedges, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, including managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Mary Hedges have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Hedges is an internist, specializing in adult medicine. She has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults, including common conditions in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Hedges 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 input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Mary Hedges?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Hedges, 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 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.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- We manage chronic pain like arthritis with a multifaceted approach. This includes appropriate medication, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Hedges coordinates care by referring you to specialists, sharing your complete medical history, and then synthesizing all recommendations into a personalized treatment plan.
4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000
Dr. Mary Hedges, 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): 1487637401
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. Mary Hedges 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.