Dr. Michael Desouza, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine at Junior Street in Orange City, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. He serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (386) 774-5755 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Michael Desouza is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 45 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from Kempegowda Institute Of Medical Sciences in 1979 and completed an internship at Our Lady Of Mercy Med Ctr/Ny Medical College. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Our Lady Of Mercy Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of adults, particularly those aging into and throughout their senior years. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. DeSouza provides comprehensive health care for patients ages 18 and older, accepting most insurance plans, and welcoming walk-in patients. He is also fluent in Hindi.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Michael Desouza is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Desouza is a compassionate family physician dedicated to providing comprehensive senior care. He partners with each patient and their families to create a personalized health plan, addressing chronic conditions and coordinating complex care needs. His focus is on maintaining patients' independence and overall well-being, ensuring a high quality of life for seniors in their golden years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Desouza can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Desouza 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: Recognizing the signs of dehydration, like dry mouth or decreased urination, allows for prompt intervention, preventing serious complications and improving your loved one's quality of life.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): If you're finding urination painful, it's important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can diagnose the cause and create a personalized treatment plan to get you feeling better.
- Cachexia: Cachexia is characterized by severe muscle loss and weight loss, impacting an older adult's ability to perform everyday tasks. Treatment focuses on improving appetite, nutritional intake, and managing the underlying disease to help maintain or regain strength and mobility.
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: For older adults, even a simple lung infection can impact daily activities; however, appropriate medical care, which may involve antibiotics or other treatments, helps to manage symptoms, ensuring comfort and reducing the disruption to your routine.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: With age, quitting smoking might seem more difficult, but treatments for tobacco use disorder offer personalized support and strategies to increase your chances of success and improve your quality of life.
- Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: A blood clot in a vein (VTE) can cause discomfort and limit your activities, but thankfully, there are effective treatments like medication to break up the clot and prevent further clots, thus allowing you to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
- Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms are a common issue, especially as we age, often causing stiffness and pain. Fortunately, many strategies, including physical therapy and medication, can help reduce their frequency and improve your overall quality of life.
- Leukocytopenia: Leukocytopenia is a condition where you have a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infections, and managing it often involves addressing the underlying cause to help keep you healthy and active.
- Nausea: If you're feeling nauseous, it's important to stay hydrated and try bland foods. Talking to your doctor can help determine the cause and find relief, improving your overall health and independence.
- Foot Infection: A foot infection can be painful and limit mobility, but early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics or antifungal medications, alongside appropriate wound care, can promote healing and help you maintain your daily routines.
- Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence doesn't have to limit your activities. Many options are available to help manage bladder leakage, from simple lifestyle changes to medical interventions, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Sebaceous Cysts: Sebaceous cysts are small bumps that can appear on your skin as you age; they usually don't need treatment but can be drained by a doctor if they cause discomfort or become infected, helping to prevent complications.
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 Desouza offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Wheelchair Evaluation: This assessment identifies the specific mobility needs of a senior, ensuring they receive a wheelchair that fits their body and lifestyle, promoting safety and comfort.
- Impairment Rating Evaluation: This assessment helps determine the level of assistance needed for activities of daily living, ultimately improving the quality of life for aging individuals and their families.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you ensure your preferences for end-of-life care are respected and followed by your loved ones and healthcare providers.
- Bone Density Scan: To ensure your overall well-being, a bone density scan is a valuable tool used to assess bone health and adjust treatment plans accordingly, reducing fracture risk.
- Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening is an important step in maintaining a woman's reproductive health as she ages, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of this common condition.
- Spinal and Postural Screening: Regular spinal and postural screenings are an important part of preventive care, allowing early detection of conditions impacting your balance and independence.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a vital part of preventive care, helping protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases and keeping them healthy.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment helps your doctor create a personalized care plan addressing your specific health concerns and improving your quality of life in your senior years.
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: This check-up helps create a personalized care plan for your surgery, minimizing risks and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome and quick recovery.
- Bacteriuria Screening: Bacteriuria screening helps detect bacteria in the urine, which can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common and treatable condition in older adults.
- Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation is a simple procedure that can provide peace of mind by ruling out skin cancer or guiding early intervention.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For a more complete picture of your health as you age, a DEXA scan is a valuable tool your physician can use to detect bone loss and make appropriate recommendations to preserve bone strength.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Michael Desouza 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:
- Recognizing the signs of dehydration, like decreased urination, allowed for prompt intervention, improving the senior's energy levels and enabling them to return to their daily walks with family.
- After a consultation with a family medicine specialist, a senior couple experienced a significant reduction in painful urination symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their evening walks with greater comfort and confidence.
- With improved nutrition and a tailored treatment plan, the elderly patient regained the strength to enjoy gardening again, a cherished pastime. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was regaining their vitality and independence.
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)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Michael Desouza:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Desouza and our practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often care for patients over their entire lifespan. This provides a deep understanding of their health history. We are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled at coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Desouza, we'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual health needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Desouza on achieving your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Desouza, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all your medications (including over-the-counter ones), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Desouza is your primary care quarterback. If a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedist is needed, he will make the referral and coordinate care so that all treatments work together seamlessly.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Desouza and our team can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Desouza and our staff can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots (actinic keratosis). This often avoids the need for a separate appointment at a dermatologist's office, saving you time and effort.
- How does Dr. Michael Desouza approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Desouza understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being in older adults. He provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety and depression, performs initial assessments, manages medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.
AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine at Junior Street
2521 Junior St
Orange City FL 32763
Phone: (386) 774-5755
Dr. Michael Desouza, 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): 1649292020
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Michael Desouza 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.