Dr. Michael Forsthoefel, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group - Primary Care in Tallahassee, FL. He 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Forsthoefel is currently welcoming new patients; please call (850) 216-0100 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Michael Forsthoefel, MD is an internist in Tallahassee, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1979, followed by an internship at Emory U-Grady Memorial Hospital in 1980. His residency training in Internal Medicine at the VA Medical Center (1982) and Emory University Grady Memorial Hospital (1983) solidified his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Doctors' Memorial Hospital and Madison County Memorial Hospital. With this wealth of dedicated experience, he brings a compassionate approach and a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors to his practice. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Forsthoefel provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Michael Forsthoefel is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Forsthoefel is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a compassionate focus on your well-being and independence. He expertly coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your unique needs and goals to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Forsthoefel can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Assurant Health
AvMed
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Golden Rule
HAP Insurance
Humana
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Medico
POMCO Group
Thrivent Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- National (BlueCard Basic) PPO (PPO)
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Forsthoefel 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:
- Genital Herpes: While genital herpes can be distressing, it's a manageable condition. Antiviral medications help lessen the frequency and severity of outbreaks, improving your comfort and quality of life.
- 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.
- Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy means your heart muscle isn't working as well as it should, causing various symptoms. Fortunately, regular check-ups and a tailored treatment plan can improve your quality of life and ensure you remain as active as possible.
- Sciatica: Sciatica, a painful condition affecting the nerve running down the leg, can be eased with treatments like physical therapy, medication, and sometimes even injections, helping you stay active and independent.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in your lungs, leading to a cough and sometimes shortness of breath; with appropriate care, you can manage symptoms and quickly return to your normal activities.
- Herpes Simplex Infection: Genital herpes is a viral infection that causes painful sores in the genital area, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, improving your comfort and quality of life.
- Hair Loss: Hair loss, or thinning hair, is a common concern among older adults that can sometimes be addressed through simple lifestyle changes or medical treatments, potentially improving self-esteem and confidence.
- Candidiasis of Skin and Nails: Yeast infections of the skin and nails (candidiasis) are common but treatable, and prompt medical attention can help prevent complications and improve your overall comfort.
- Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition causing facial redness and visible blood vessels, but with the right skincare routine and medical guidance, you can significantly reduce its impact and maintain your independence.
- Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Venous embolism and thrombosis (VTE) refers to blood clots that form in the veins, often in the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications if they travel to the lungs.
- Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction or irritation of the skin that can lead to redness, itching, and swelling, but managing it by avoiding triggers and using gentle skin care products helps maintain comfort and well-being.
- Menstrual Disorders: Experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle as you age is common, but persistent heavy bleeding or painful periods can significantly impact your daily life; medical intervention can help alleviate these symptoms and maintain independence.
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 Forsthoefel offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of a comprehensive approach to your health, incision and drainage can treat an infection, relieving symptoms and preventing further complications.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps you understand your diabetes diagnosis and create a personalized plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- 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.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that helps doctors understand your overall health and identify any problems that need attention, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- 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.
- Vaccination: As part of your regular health check-ups, vaccinations help assess your immunity levels and protect you from potentially dangerous infections.
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 Forsthoefel 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 the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior couple found relief from the distressing symptoms of genital herpes, allowing them to resume their favorite weekend getaways with renewed confidence.
- With medication and guidance, a senior was able to breathe easier and return to their beloved hobby of gardening, enjoying the fresh air and flowers without the usual shortness of breath.
- With regular check-ups and a customized treatment plan, a senior couple felt more secure at home, able to enjoy their beloved daily walks without the shortness of breath that had previously limited them.
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 Forsthoefel:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Forsthoefel's practice specializes in internal medicine for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who focus exclusively on adult health issues, including the unique health challenges of aging. They are skilled at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists as needed.
- Does Dr. Michael Forsthoefel have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Forsthoefel is an internist, meaning he specializes in adult medicine and has extensive experience caring for the health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions frequently affecting seniors and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Forsthoefel and our team believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is valuable in ensuring clear communication and providing support during the care planning process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Michael Forsthoefel?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Forsthoefel, 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 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.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- Dr. Forsthoefel's office can perform common diagnostic tests such as EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help quickly assess your health and manage conditions without the need for an immediate referral to a specialist.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Forsthoefel's practice is a central hub for coordinating care, working closely with specialists to create a unified plan for managing multiple chronic conditions. We carefully manage medications to avoid interactions and simplify your healthcare experience. This approach ensures all aspects of your care are considered and work together, preventing conflicts in treatment.
TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group - Primary Care
1300 Medical Dr
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 216-0100
Dr. Michael Forsthoefel, 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): 1780689356
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 Forsthoefel 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.