Dr. Michael Applebaum, MD is a Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Estero, FL. 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Applebaum is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (239) 468-0150.
Dr. Michael Applebaum, MD is an internist in Estero, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI / MEDICAL CENTER in 1978. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University Of Cincinnati, Medical Center in 1978 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Riverside Metho Hospital, graduating in 1981. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Applebaum is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Michael Applebaum provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Michael Applebaum is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Applebaum is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your individual needs. He meticulously coordinates complex care, proactively manages chronic conditions, and focuses on maintaining your overall well-being and independence. His approach prioritizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to ensure comfort and continued thriving as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Applebaum can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
AARP
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
HAP Insurance
Humana
Medicaid
Opticare
Prestige Health Choice
Priority Health
Staywell (Wellcare)
Sunshine Health
UnitedHealthCare
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AARP Medicare Complete HMO (HMO)
- Aetna Better Health
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid HMO (HMO)
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Sunshine State Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- WellCare HMO (HMO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Applebaum 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:
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to problems with your nerves and blood, causing symptoms like tiredness and memory issues; thankfully, regular B12 injections or supplements can often restore your vitality.
- Urinary Incontinence: If you're struggling with unexpected urine leaks, know that you're not alone. Treatment options are available, ranging from pelvic floor exercises to medication, to help regain control and enhance your quality of life.
- Abdominal Pain: Experiencing abdominal pain? It's important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment, potentially relieving discomfort and improving your daily life.
- Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless can be frightening, but it's a common symptom with various treatable causes, so talking to your doctor is crucial for finding the right support and management.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Certain health problems or medicines can lead to secondary diabetes, a condition where your body doesn't regulate blood sugar effectively. A collaborative approach with your healthcare team, including diet, exercise, and potentially medication, is key to managing it and preserving your quality of life.
- Itchy Skin: Dealing with itchy skin can be frustrating, but identifying the cause—like a dry skin condition or allergic reaction—allows for targeted treatment and better skin health.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is too high, and managing it with medication and lifestyle changes can help you stay healthy and independent.
- Animal Allergies: Dealing with animal allergies can be challenging, but with the right strategies such as allergy medication, regular cleaning, and possibly avoiding direct contact with pets, you can maintain a good quality of life and enjoy the company of furry friends from a safe distance.
- Mild Asthma: Mild asthma is a type of lung disease that causes some breathing difficulties, but it's often easily controlled with medication, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy your daily activities with minimal disruption.
- Malaise and Fatigue: While some fatigue is normal, persistent tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell can dramatically affect your quality of life. Your doctor can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet.
- 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.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can make everyday tasks feel more difficult, but by staying well-hydrated and possibly working with your doctor to find the root cause, you can regain strength and easily maintain your daily routines.
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. Michael Applebaum 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: Care coordination creates a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of a senior's health, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
- Diabetes Counseling: Through diabetes counseling, you'll learn practical strategies for healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication management to improve your overall well-being.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Pap Smear: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a Pap smear helps your doctor monitor the health of your cervix and guide decisions about future care.
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. Michael Applebaum 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:
- Feeling increasingly tired and forgetful, a senior felt a renewed sense of energy and clarity after regular B12 injections, allowing them to once again join their book club and engage in stimulating discussions.
- With support from a knowledgeable healthcare provider, a senior felt more confident navigating daily life, no longer worried about unexpected urine leaks, and regained a sense of security in their home environment.
- With the guidance of a compassionate internal medicine specialist, a senior couple found relief from persistent abdominal pain, allowing them to enjoy their evening walks together again.
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. Michael Applebaum:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Applebaum and his practice are internists, which means they are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can develop with age, including managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Michael Applebaum have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Applebaum and other internists are specifically trained in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. They have extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Applebaum 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 clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Michael Applebaum?
- Please bring a list of all 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. 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 does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Applebaum's practice is designed to be a central hub for your care, coordinating with specialists to create a unified plan. We prioritize medication management to avoid conflicts and simplify your healthcare experience. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, integrated care for all your needs.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Applebaum and our team understand that memory concerns can be worrisome. We provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss these concerns, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to specialists if needed.
23450 Via Coconut Pt
Estero FL 34135
Phone: (239) 468-0150
Dr. Michael Applebaum, 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): 1922009562
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. Michael Applebaum 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.