Dr. Melanie Letobarone, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a valued partner in the health journeys of her patients. 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. Letobarone is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (863) 209-7004 to schedule an appointment.
With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Letobarone brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine in 2010 and completed residency training in Internal Medicine at USF College of Medicine. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Letobarone is committed to partnering with her patients to help them achieve their best health possible, focusing on prevention and evidence-based care, and empowering them to advocate for their health. She provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Melanie Letobarone is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Melanie Letobarone 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, empowering you to thrive as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and independence in your later years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Melanie Letobarone can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Ambetter
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Employers Health Network
Evolutions Healthcare Systems
Humana
Manatee YourChoice Health Plan
Medicaid
Optimum HealthCare
Prestige Health Choice
Simply Healthcare Plans
Sunshine Health
United Healthcare Community Plan
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Freedom Health
- Freedom Network
- Health Net
- Medicaid HMO (HMO)
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Melanie Letobarone 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:
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Experiencing persistent pain in your lower belly? Chronic pelvic pain is a common problem in older adults, often manageable with a combination of treatments tailored to your specific needs, helping you maintain your independence.
- Acne: Late-life acne may be a new challenge, but with the right care, it is treatable. Effective management can improve your skin's health and your sense of well-being, which can influence independence and quality of life.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause redness, itching, and burning, but it can be managed with warm compresses and gentle cleaning to improve comfort and keep your vision clear.
- Syphilis Infections: Catching syphilis early is key – antibiotics can effectively treat it, preventing serious complications and letting you enjoy life to the fullest.
- Lyme Disease: Lyme disease symptoms can vary widely, from a characteristic rash to flu-like symptoms, so it's important to see a doctor if you suspect a tick bite to get tested and treated if needed.
- Throat Pain: While a sore throat often resolves on its own, understanding the underlying cause and obtaining appropriate treatment from your doctor ensures you receive the best care and prevents complications that might reduce your independence.
- Shingles: Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, causing a painful, blistering rash; early treatment with antiviral medications can help prevent long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
- Nail Infection: Nail infections, sometimes noticeable by discoloration or thickening, are treatable with antifungal or antibiotic medications prescribed by your physician to restore healthy nails and improve your comfort.
- Aortic Valve Disease: Aortic valve disease affects the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the body, sometimes causing breathlessness or chest discomfort. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment—which might involve medication, surgery, or both—many people can live full and active lives.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: While IBS doesn't have a cure, effective strategies like medication, lifestyle modifications, and therapies are available to lessen symptoms and enhance your overall well-being and independence.
- Constipation: If constipation is persistent or severe, consulting your doctor can lead to a personalized plan to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, enhancing your daily life.
- Hair Loss: Hair loss can have various underlying causes, and working with a healthcare professional to identify and address these causes can lead to improved hair growth and a better sense of self.
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. Melanie Letobarone offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: To gain a comprehensive understanding of your heart health, a cardiac MRI helps identify problems like heart valve issues or blockages in your arteries, leading to more effective care.
- Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): This scan provides detailed images of your heart and lungs, aiding in the ongoing management of chronic conditions such as COPD or heart failure, so you can maintain your quality of life.
- Gynecological Examination: Regular gynecological exams are crucial in managing chronic conditions like menopause symptoms and urinary problems common in older women.
- Breast Exam: This check-up helps identify lumps or other abnormalities in your breasts, which may indicate a condition needing further investigation and management.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: To support a senior's overall health, HRT, when medically indicated, may be incorporated into a plan to improve hormone balance and reduce the risk of certain age-related health issues.
- 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.
- 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.
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: As a crucial component of managing skin infections in seniors, abscess incision and drainage supports their overall comfort and prevents serious health issues.
- 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.
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This imaging test helps your doctor understand the severity of any heart condition you may have, enabling them to create a personalized care plan that addresses your specific needs and reduces your risks.
- Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect changes in the cells of your cervix, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cervical 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. Melanie Letobarone 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 a tailored treatment plan, a woman found relief from persistent pelvic pain, allowing her to confidently enjoy evening walks with her grandchildren again.
- A senior woman, previously self-conscious about her skin, found relief from late-life acne, regaining confidence and enjoying outings with family more readily.
- With warm compresses and gentle eyelid care, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books without the irritating burning and itching, improving her comfort and quality of life.
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)
- American Board of Pediatrics (Pediatrics)
- NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) Patient-Centered medical Home, 2016
- Target:BP Gold award, 2017
- Check.Change.Control Cholesterol Certificate of Recognition (2018 Gold) from the American Heart Association, 2018
- NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) Diabetes Recognition Program, 2016
- Target:BP Gold award, 2018
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Melanie Letobarone:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Letobarone and her team are internists, a type of primary care doctor who specializes in the medical care of adults. They are particularly skilled at managing the many health conditions that commonly affect older adults, including chronic diseases. They also coordinate care with other specialists as needed.
- Does Dr. Melanie Letobarone have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Letobarone is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the diverse health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the common conditions and health concerns that often arise in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Letobarone and our team 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. Melanie Letobarone?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Letobarone, 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 contact our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Yes, our practice proudly accepts Medicare. We are committed to providing high-quality care for our senior patients. We recommend contacting our office to confirm details about your specific plan.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Letobarone and her team are dedicated to preventive care for seniors. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. This is a key part of our practice.
- Does Dr. Melanie Letobarone treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Dr. Letobarone and our team 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.
4715 S Florida Ave Ste 200
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 209-7004
Dr. Melanie Letobarone, 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): 1669790853
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. Melanie Letobarone 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.