Dr. Mehmet Karaca, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Vero Beach, FL. As your partner in senior health, he is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He understands the unique health needs of this population and is committed to helping you thrive as you age, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence. He serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Please call (772) 567-6340 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Mehmet Karaca, MD is an internist in Vero Beach, FL, affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Karaca provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Mehmet Karaca is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Karaca is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care. He prioritizes coordinating complex care, effectively managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence. His compassionate approach ensures a personalized plan, maximizing your comfort and quality of life as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mehmet Karaca can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- FL Medical Providers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mehmet Karaca 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:
- Mononucleosis: Although mono can be uncomfortable, it's usually not serious and resolves itself within a few weeks with rest and supportive care, ensuring that those with mono can regain their usual level of activity and independence.
- Long COVID Disorder: Long COVID is a condition where symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath linger for weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection, and managing these symptoms can help maintain your daily activities.
- Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramps, though sometimes worrying, are frequently manageable through lifestyle adjustments and, if needed, medication. This can ensure your continued comfort and mobility.
- Foot Infection: Untreated foot infections can lead to serious problems, but early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics or antifungals can quickly resolve the infection, protecting your foot health and your overall well-being.
- Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms can be quite uncomfortable, causing sudden, sharp pain, but with your doctor's guidance on stretches, medication, and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage them and continue enjoying your activities.
- Constipation: Addressing constipation promptly is important for older adults as it can affect energy levels, comfort, and overall health, significantly improving daily life with proper care.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Quitting tobacco can significantly improve your health and ability to manage other health issues. Many resources and treatments exist to help manage tobacco use disorder, easing the symptoms of withdrawal and improving your quality of life.
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: URIs are infections of your upper airways, like your nose and throat, causing congestion, cough, and sometimes fever. Gentle home care, including plenty of rest and fluids, will usually help you recover comfortably and quickly.
- Urinary Incontinence: Many effective treatments exist for urinary incontinence, helping seniors regain confidence and reduce the impact on daily routines and social interactions. Don't hesitate to speak with your doctor.
- Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is a common infection or irritation of the throat that can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever, but it's usually treatable with rest and over-the-counter remedies.
- Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a dropped stomach, can sometimes cause problems with digestion, but with simple adjustments to diet and exercise, many seniors can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain their active lifestyles.
- Mild Asthma: If you have mild asthma, you might notice occasional wheezing or breathlessness, but this condition is usually well-managed with an inhaler, preventing serious problems and helping you lead a full and active life.
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. Mehmet Karaca offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- 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): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Ovarian Cancer Screening: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, ovarian cancer screening can identify potential problems before they become serious.
- Sinus X-Ray: This imaging test provides your doctor with valuable information about the health of your sinuses, helping to guide the development of a personalized plan to manage your symptoms and improve your overall 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. Mehmet Karaca 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 supportive care, a senior felt much better and returned to their beloved weekly book club, sharing stories and laughter with friends.
- After months of lingering fatigue and brain fog, a senior felt renewed energy and clarity, enabling them to enjoy their favorite hobby again: knitting intricate patterns for their grandchildren.
- With guidance on lifestyle changes and medication, a senior was able to resume their beloved evening walks without the debilitating muscle cramps, regaining a vital part of their daily routine.
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. Mehmet Karaca:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Karaca and our internists are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that often arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Mehmet Karaca have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Karaca's practice specializes in adult medicine, and he has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions commonly affecting seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Karaca and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their participation is invaluable for ensuring clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Mehmet Karaca?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Karaca, 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. Dr. Karaca's office will follow up if there are any issues.
- 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.
- Does Dr. Mehmet Karaca treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Karaca and his team are happy to treat acute illnesses like colds and the flu. Please call the office at the first sign of symptoms to discuss the best course of action for you.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Karaca's office, we can perform common tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
1265 36th St
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 567-6340
Dr. Mehmet Karaca, 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): 1336819705
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. Mehmet Karaca 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.