Dr. Monica Cantu, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Daytona Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique health needs of adults, with a particular focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. 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.
Dr. Monica Cantu, MD is a family medicine physician in Daytona Beach, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from The University Of Texas Health Science Center and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients, and they can call (386) 274-2212 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Monica Cantu provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Monica Cantu is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Monica Cantu is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. She prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, coordinating complex care, and managing chronic conditions to promote your overall well-being and independence. Her dedication ensures you receive the best possible support throughout your senior years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Monica Cantu can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Monica Cantu 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:
- Diabetes Type 2: High blood sugar from type 2 diabetes can be controlled through a combination of diet, exercise, and medication, allowing you to remain active and enjoy your daily life with fewer health concerns.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: While feeling tired or forgetful is a normal part of aging for some, vitamin B12 deficiency can exacerbate these symptoms; simple blood tests and supplementation can effectively address this deficiency and improve your overall health and vitality.
- Limb Swelling: Experiencing limb swelling? Don't worry, it's often manageable. Your doctor can help determine the reason and recommend ways to reduce swelling and prevent further complications.
- All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Migraines and other headaches can be debilitating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can regain a sense of normalcy and independence.
- Bronchitis: While bronchitis can be concerning, understanding how to manage it, often with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medicines, empowers you to maintain your health and quality of life.
- Malaise and Fatigue: Malaise and fatigue, or general weakness and tiredness, are common complaints, but understanding their cause through medical evaluation can greatly improve your energy levels and quality of life.
- Overweight: While carrying extra pounds may seem unavoidable, healthy lifestyle adjustments, along with professional guidance, can assist in weight management and enhance your ability to enjoy life's activities.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Acid reflux, also known as reflux esophagitis, is a common condition where stomach acid irritates the esophagus, leading to burning sensations; it's often treatable with simple remedies and medication to help you eat and sleep better.
- Postnasal Drip: Postnasal drip is when excess mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat, causing a scratchy throat and cough, and it can often be managed with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications to improve your comfort and daily life.
- Mononucleosis: For older adults, experiencing mononucleosis might mean needing extra support with daily activities while recovering. Focusing on rest, hydration, and pain relief can significantly improve comfort and help restore independence.
- Obesity: Weight loss, even a small amount, can significantly reduce your risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, making you feel better and more active.
- Urinary Incontinence: If you're struggling with unexpected urine leaks, know that effective treatments exist to help. Your doctor can assess the cause and develop a personalized plan to improve bladder control and enhance your well-being.
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. Monica Cantu offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor diagnose the cause of joint pain and swelling, guiding treatment decisions for better mobility.
- Diabetic Evaluation: A comprehensive diabetic evaluation plays a key role in creating a long-term care plan that helps you effectively manage your diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Hepatitis A Screening: This simple blood test helps assess your risk for hepatitis A, a crucial step in maintaining your overall well-being as you age.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Including prostate cancer screening in your senior health plan allows for early diagnosis, leading to better treatment options and improved long-term health management.
- Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Regular anemia and iron deficiency screenings are a crucial part of your healthcare plan, helping to detect and manage conditions that can significantly impact your overall health and well-being as you age.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test helps diagnose potential heart problems by measuring your heart's response to exercise, ensuring your care plan addresses any underlying issues.
- Independent Educational Evaluation: For seniors facing unexpected learning or memory changes, an independent educational evaluation can uncover the underlying causes and guide the selection of appropriate therapies and support services.
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Hepatitis C screening is a vital part of your senior care journey, helping to detect a potentially serious condition that can be effectively treated if caught early.
- Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Through this service, seniors can receive personalized treatment plans to manage their sleep difficulties, leading to better rest and improved overall health.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Dementia and depression screenings help doctors identify cognitive changes and mood disorders, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings help your doctor to monitor your health and create a personalized plan to manage potential risks and promote long-term well-being.
- Impairment Rating Evaluation: This evaluation determines the degree of disability caused by an injury or illness, aiding in the management of long-term health needs for older adults.
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. Monica Cantu 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 careful dietary adjustments and regular exercise, a senior felt much more energetic and secure in their daily activities, no longer worried about the fluctuating blood sugars impacting their life.
- Feeling less fatigued and more alert, a senior couple rediscovered their love for daily walks in the park, a cherished activity previously hampered by their vitamin B12 deficiency.
- After experiencing significant limb swelling, a senior couple felt empowered to resume their weekly walks in the park, a cherished activity that had been sidelined for months. With careful management of the condition, they regained their mobility and enjoyment of outdoor time.
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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Monica Cantu:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Cantu and her team are uniquely suited to care for seniors because they often care for patients over their entire lifespan, providing a deep understanding of their health history. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and adept 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. Cantu, we'll review your medications, perform 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 needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Cantu 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. Cantu, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (including over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small they 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.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI. Seeing Dr. Cantu for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Cantu is your quarterback in coordinating your care. If a specialist is needed, she will make the referral and then work to ensure all treatments are seamlessly integrated into your overall care plan. This includes communication with the specialist and other members of your healthcare team.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Cantu's office can often handle minor skin procedures like removing skin tags or moles, or suspicious growths for biopsy. We can also freeze precancerous spots (actinic keratosis) in the office, making these procedures convenient for you.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Cantu's practice partners with you to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular reviews to check for interactions, simplify your regimen when possible, and ensure every prescription is still needed and effective.
1890 Lpga Blvd Ste 130
Daytona Beach FL 32117
Phone: (386) 274-2212
Dr. Monica Cantu, 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): 1598155830
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. Monica Cantu 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.