Dr. Paul Gaeta, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Stuart, 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, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (772) 223-5618 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Paul Gaeta, MD is an internist in Stuart, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from American University Of The Caribbean School Of Medicine in 1988 and completed an internship at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in 1988. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at St Joseph Mercy Hospital (graduated 1991), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. With over 35 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Paul Gaeta provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Paul Gaeta is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Paul Gaeta is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your unique needs. He meticulously coordinates complex care, proactively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you thrive as you age. He understands the importance of a personalized approach, working closely with you and your family to develop a plan that addresses your specific goals and preferences.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Paul Gaeta can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Paul Gaeta 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:
- Alkalosis: Experiencing symptoms related to alkalosis, such as nausea or breathing difficulties? Treatment often involves correcting the underlying issue causing the imbalance, restoring your body's natural equilibrium and relieving symptoms.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia is a condition where there's an imbalance of fats in your blood, potentially leading to heart issues, but working with your doctor, through medication and dietary adjustments, you can help protect your heart and enjoy a better quality of life.
- All Types of Food Poisoning: Food poisoning happens when you eat contaminated food, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; prompt treatment with fluids and rest helps you recover quickly and maintain your daily routines.
- Bursitis: Bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around your joints, can cause significant pain and stiffness, but with proper care such as physical therapy and medication, you can manage your symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Having high cholesterol due to familial hypercholesterolemia doesn't mean a life of limitations; it simply means working closely with your doctor to manage it with medication and diet, protecting your heart and ensuring a longer, healthier life.
- Throat Pain: While a sore throat often resolves on its own, understanding the underlying cause and obtaining appropriate treatment from your doctor ensures you receive the best care and prevents complications that might reduce your independence.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can disrupt your daily routine, but by focusing on rehydration and dietary changes, you can alleviate symptoms and regain comfort.
- Malaise and Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and unwell is common as we age, but it's important to understand that underlying medical conditions or medication side effects can be the cause, and these can often be managed to improve your energy levels and overall well-being.
- Anaphylaxis: If you experience a severe allergic reaction with symptoms like hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, it could be anaphylaxis—a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent long-term health problems and maintain your quality of life.
- Wheezing: That whistling sound you hear when you breathe, called wheezing, can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Dysphagia: Experiencing dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can be worrying, but many effective treatments are available, from simple dietary adjustments to specialized therapies, helping you safely and comfortably enjoy your favorite foods and drinks again.
- Headache: Managing headaches effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps maintain your independence and allows you to continue participating in the activities you love.
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. Paul Gaeta offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This process helps you communicate your preferences for medical treatment, ensuring your comfort and dignity are prioritized at the end of life.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps seniors with multiple health problems develop a personalized plan to better manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling supports you in making informed decisions about your diabetes care, including medication choices and lifestyle changes.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your regular checkups, a fecal occult blood test helps your doctor assess your risk of colorectal cancer and develop a personalized prevention plan.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Obesity Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, obesity counseling provides seniors with guidance and support to make sustainable changes that lead to a healthier weight and better quality of life.
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. Paul Gaeta 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 experiencing distressing symptoms, a senior felt a significant improvement in their breathing and overall well-being, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of knitting without discomfort.
- After working closely with a medical professional on dietary changes and medication, a senior felt more confident in their ability to maintain their daily activities and participate in beloved hobbies. Their family reported a noticeable improvement in their overall well-being and a renewed sense of security.
- After experiencing debilitating food poisoning symptoms, a senior couple felt much better within days thanks to the guidance of a caring medical professional and easily absorbed fluids; they were able to enjoy a family dinner together again, a cherished weekly tradition.
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. Paul Gaeta:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Gaeta and his practice specialize in internal medicine, which means he's a primary care doctor who exclusively treats adults. This expertise makes him well-versed in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, including managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with specialists.
- Does Dr. Paul Gaeta have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Gaeta's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Gaeta's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Paul Gaeta?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Gaeta, 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.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Dr. Gaeta's practice prioritizes fall prevention. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations as needed to help reduce fall risk.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Gaeta's practice provides a supportive environment to discuss memory concerns. We offer initial cognitive screenings and can coordinate referrals to neurologists or other specialists if further evaluation is warranted. We understand these concerns can be sensitive and want to help you feel comfortable sharing your worries.
200 SE Hospital Ave
Stuart FL 34994
Phone: (772) 223-5618
Dr. Paul Gaeta, 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): 1720007552
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. Paul Gaeta 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.