Dr. Nico Kristen, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Kristen understands that 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.
Dr. Nico Kristen, MD is a family medicine physician in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and HCA Florida Putnam Hospital. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and is accepting new patients. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of aging with grace and confidence. Dr. Kristen provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (813) 771-6851 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Nico Kristen is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kristen acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in navigating the health journey of seniors. His comprehensive family medicine approach prioritizes coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on each patient's unique needs and goals. He strives to maximize independence and overall well-being, fostering a supportive environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Nico Kristen can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Nico Kristen 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:
- Foot Sprain: A foot sprain happens when you overstretch or tear the tissues supporting your ankle or foot joints; proper care, including pain relief and physical therapy, helps you regain your balance and mobility.
- Nausea: Nausea is that queasy, uneasy feeling in your stomach that can make you feel sick to your stomach, and it can often be managed with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications.
- Long COVID Disorder: Long COVID is a condition where symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or breathing problems continue for weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection, and managing these symptoms can help maintain your independence and quality of life.
- Common Cold: While a common cold is usually not serious, it can affect an older adult's quality of life. Rest, fluids, and simple over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
- Appendicitis: If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially in the lower right side, it might be appendicitis, needing immediate surgery to remove the inflamed appendix and alleviate the pain.
- Mild Asthma: With mild asthma, you may experience some breathing issues from time to time, but it's generally well-controlled with an inhaler or other treatments, helping you to enjoy your daily activities without significant limitations.
- Hidradenitis: Dealing with hidradenitis suppurativa means managing painful, recurring skin infections. However, with the right treatment plan from your doctor, involving various options like medication or surgery, you can find relief and improve your overall well-being.
- Embolism: Emboli can sometimes restrict blood flow to vital organs. However, timely intervention, including medication or procedures to remove the clot, can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage and ensure continued quality of life.
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Experiencing pain in your anal or rectal area? Don't suffer in silence; talk to your doctor to find relief and get back to your normal activities.
- Drug Withdrawal: If you experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medicine, it's important to talk to your doctor; they can help you manage these symptoms and ensure a safe transition.
- Colorectal Cancer: While colorectal cancer can be concerning, advancements in detection and treatment mean that many individuals can manage this condition effectively, often returning to their normal daily activities after treatment.
- Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can occur after childbirth, affecting a mother's mood, sleep, and ability to care for herself and her baby, but it's treatable with therapy and medication, improving her overall 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. Nico Kristen offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: As part of a comprehensive care plan, abscess or cyst drainage helps address immediate skin issues, promoting overall well-being in older adults.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure quickly addresses painful abscesses or fluid collections, improving comfort and preventing complications as part of a comprehensive senior care plan.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As part of your ongoing care, an ABG test helps your doctor understand your body's oxygenation and acid-base balance, guiding decisions about your medication or treatment strategies for a wide range of conditions.
- Dressing and Debridement of Wound or Infection: Careful assessment and treatment of wounds is part of a comprehensive care plan to prevent hospitalizations and improve the quality of life for aging adults.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a painless test that uses electrodes placed on your chest to monitor your heart's electrical signals, providing crucial information for managing your heart health.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: To ensure continuity of care, a fecal occult blood test is a valuable tool in your healthcare journey that allows early detection of colorectal cancer and helps you stay ahead of potential health issues.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a vital part of preventive care, helping protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases and keeping them healthy.
- Incision and Removal of Foreign Object: Incision and removal of a foreign body ensures proper wound care, addressing a potential source of discomfort and preventing complications in your overall health plan.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: Nail avulsion and excision is a minor surgical procedure that removes a damaged or infected toenail, relieving pain and preventing further complications for seniors.
- Pilonidal Cyst Removal: Addressing a pilonidal cyst through surgical removal is a key step in managing chronic pain and discomfort for older adults.
- Puncture Aspiration: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, puncture aspiration can be used to evaluate a suspicious lump or mass, helping your doctor make informed decisions about your ongoing care.
- Wound Repair: Assessing and treating wounds is a vital part of a senior's care plan, helping to manage potential complications and improve their overall health.
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. Nico Kristen 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:
- After a foot sprain, a senior felt significantly less pain and was able to confidently navigate her home again, resuming her beloved daily walks with family.
- Feeling nauseated had been making mealtimes difficult for Mrs. Hernandez, but with the help of a supportive family medicine practitioner and some simple remedies, she was able to enjoy her favorite dishes again, bringing back joy to her daily life.
- After struggling with lingering fatigue and brain fog from a COVID-19 infection, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly book club meetings, improving their social life and mental well-being.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Nico Kristen:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Kristen and her team are uniquely suited to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This experience provides a deep understanding of a senior's health history, allowing for personalized care. They are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care, acting as a trusted primary care partner.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Nico Kristen, 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 needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Kristen 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. Kristen, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter ones. Also, be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small 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 support for your health.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Nico Kristen works with you to create a personalized plan to manage your conditions. This includes monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your quality of life. We are here as your central coordinator for all your care needs.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Nico Kristen can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help seniors stay safe and independent.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Nico Kristen and her team prioritize medication safety. We conduct regular reviews to check for interactions, simplify regimens, and ensure every prescription is still needed and effective. This collaborative approach helps ensure your medications are working safely and efficiently for you.
- How does Dr. Nico Kristen approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Nico Kristen understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being in seniors. We provide a safe environment for discussing concerns, conduct initial assessments, manage medications, and coordinate referrals to specialists when necessary.
4631 NW 53rd Ave Ste 106
Gainesville FL 32653
Phone: (813) 771-6851
Dr. Nico Kristen, 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): 1487051314
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. Nico Kristen 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.