Dr. Melissa Fischer, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL. 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs.
Dr. Melissa Fischer, MD is an internist in Fort Walton Beach, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine in 1993 and is affiliated with HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Fischer is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 863-8265 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Melissa Fischer provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Melissa Fischer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Melissa Fischer partners with seniors in a compassionate and comprehensive way, providing exceptional internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex medical needs, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes each patient's unique goals and well-being, fostering independence and a high quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Melissa Fischer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Blue Select PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Melissa Fischer 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:
- Dehydration: Dehydration happens when your body doesn't have enough fluids, making you feel weak and tired, but increasing your fluid intake can significantly improve your energy levels and overall comfort.
- Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Managing magnesium levels often involves dietary changes, supplements under a doctor's guidance, and addressing any underlying health conditions that might be contributing to the imbalance.
- Hypokalemia: Having low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can impact your daily life, causing fatigue and muscle weakness. With the right approach, including diet modifications and medication if needed, you can restore your potassium levels and enhance your quality of life.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow, which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication to improve your heart health and energy levels.
- Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Managing eczema and contact dermatitis involves identifying and avoiding triggers like soaps or certain fabrics, using prescribed creams or ointments to relieve itching and prevent infection, and improving overall skin health and well-being.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eyes happen when your eyes don't produce enough tears to stay moist, causing discomfort and blurry vision, but simple solutions like artificial tears can often relieve symptoms and improve daily life.
- Malaise and Fatigue: Experiencing persistent tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell shouldn't be dismissed; it could signal an underlying health concern that your doctor can address, potentially leading to improved energy and a better quality of life.
- Headache: Headaches are a common discomfort, often manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, allowing you to maintain your daily activities and enjoy life's moments.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: If another disease or a medication causes your body to struggle with blood sugar control, you might be diagnosed with secondary diabetes. Working closely with your doctor to manage this can help you stay healthy and independent.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease refers to problems with your heart's structure or function, and treatments like medication and cardiac rehabilitation can help you stay active and independent.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia means you have unhealthy levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can manage it and stay healthy.
- 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.
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. Melissa Fischer 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.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening tool that can help detect hidden blood in your stool, an early sign that might indicate colorectal cancer.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Interventional Bronchoscopy and-or Esophagoscopy: For seniors experiencing persistent breathing difficulties or swallowing problems, these procedures provide a way to visualize the airways and esophagus, allowing doctors to identify and address the underlying cause.
- Simple Fracture Care and Casting: Simple fracture care and casting helps ensure proper healing and reduces pain from broken bones, a common concern for seniors.
- Flu Shot: The flu shot is a yearly vaccination that helps protect seniors from getting the flu, reducing the risk of serious complications and hospitalizations.
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. Melissa Fischer 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:
- Concerned about fatigue, a senior felt much better after increasing fluid intake, guided by a personalized care plan. Their increased energy allowed them to enjoy daily walks with their grandchildren again.
- With improved magnesium levels and dietary adjustments, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of energy and regained their ability to garden together, a cherished pastime.
- With a tailored treatment plan that included dietary adjustments and medication, a senior was able to reclaim their energy and strength, allowing them to enjoy their favorite hobby of gardening again.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Melissa Fischer:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Fischer's practice specializes in internal medicine, meaning she's a primary care doctor who focuses exclusively on adult health. She's uniquely equipped to handle the diverse and often complex medical needs that can arise as people age, including management of chronic conditions and coordination of care with specialists.
- Does Dr. Melissa Fischer have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Fischer is an internist, meaning she has specialized training in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. She is highly experienced in managing the conditions frequently seen in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Fischer 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. Melissa Fischer?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Fischer, 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 have written down.
- 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. Fischer's office will also be happy to assist.
- 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?
- Dr. Fischer's approach to chronic pain, like arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate medications, referrals to physical therapists for targeted exercises, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
- How does Dr. Melissa Fischer approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Fischer takes a comprehensive approach to managing type 2 diabetes, focusing on medication management, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling. This includes personalized dietary recommendations, exercise plans, and detailed foot care instructions to help patients effectively control their condition and maintain their well-being.
1005 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-8265
Dr. Melissa Fischer, 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): 1942285036
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. Melissa Fischer 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.