Dr. Paul Steele, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Largo, 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. Please call (727) 588-5222 to confirm if Dr. Steele is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Paul Steele, MD is an internist in Largo, 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 1986, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at University South Fla (graduated 1989), and Deaconess Hospital (graduated 1988). He is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital, and has pursued fellowship training in University South Fla, further specializing his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of his patients. With this extensive and dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Steele is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Steele provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Paul Steele is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Paul Steele is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He understands the complexities of aging and works collaboratively with you and your family to manage chronic conditions, ensuring your overall well-being and independence. His compassionate approach emphasizes a holistic understanding of your individual needs, creating a personalized plan to help you thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Paul Steele can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Paul Steele 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:
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach, often causing discomfort and difficulty swallowing, but treatable with medication and lifestyle changes to improve your daily life.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that can make it hard to breathe, but antibiotics and rest can help you recover and enjoy your daily activities.
- Nausea: Experiencing nausea can be distressing, but thankfully there are many ways to manage it and improve your comfort.
- 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.
- Mononucleosis: Although mono can be uncomfortable, it's usually not serious and resolves itself within a few weeks with rest and supportive care, ensuring that those with mono can regain their usual level of activity and independence.
- Urinary Hesitancy: Urinary hesitancy means it takes longer than usual to start urinating, which can be frustrating and sometimes painful, but it's treatable and manageable to maintain your comfort and independence.
- Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Asphyxia and hypoxemia refer to a lack of oxygen in the body, which can be caused by breathing problems or other medical conditions; prompt medical attention is crucial to restore oxygen levels and prevent serious complications, improving quality of life and maintaining independence.
- Shingles: Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, causing a painful, blistering rash; early treatment with antiviral medications can help prevent long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
- Hernia: A hernia happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or tissue, often causing a bulge that may be painful or uncomfortable, and treatment can help relieve these symptoms and prevent complications.
- Limb Swelling: Don't let limb swelling limit your activities. Early diagnosis and treatment from your physician can help manage the swelling and ensure you remain active and comfortable.
- Hives: If you experience hives, it's important to identify and avoid triggers if possible; however, treatment options are readily available to effectively manage symptoms and minimize disruption to your daily activities and social interactions.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition, often overlooked, can significantly affect your quality of life and independence; working with your doctor or a dietitian can help develop a tailored plan to ensure you receive the proper nutrients to maintain your health.
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 Steele 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.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Stress Echocardiogram: To create a comprehensive care plan for your heart health, a stress echocardiogram can reveal underlying issues or rule out heart problems, allowing your doctor to tailor treatment specifically to your needs.
- Non-Coronary Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting: To help diagnose and manage peripheral artery disease (PAD), your doctor might suggest non-coronary angioplasty, atherectomy, or stenting to restore blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
- Heat Therapy: Heat therapy can soothe aching muscles and joints, improving comfort and mobility for seniors managing arthritis or other chronic pain conditions.
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 Steele 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:
- A senior with esophagitis found significant relief from their discomfort, enabling them to enjoy their favorite meals and social gatherings again without the distressing symptoms.
- After receiving expert medical care for pneumonia, a senior was able to return to her beloved knitting circle, sharing stories and enjoying the social connection she missed.
- A senior felt a significant improvement in their daily life after a personalized treatment plan for nausea, allowing them to enjoy meals and social activities without discomfort. The family was relieved to see their loved one's quality of life restored.
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 Steele:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Steele, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can occur as people age, and excel at managing chronic conditions. They also coordinate care with other specialists, if needed.
- Does Dr. Paul Steele have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Steele's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Steele's practice believes in a team approach and welcomes the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is valuable in ensuring clear communication and support for the best possible care.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Paul Steele?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Steele, 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 address.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a prescription refill is through our patient portal or by calling 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?
- Yes, our practice proudly accepts Medicare. We are committed to providing high-quality care for our senior patients. We recommend contacting our office to confirm details about your specific plan.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Steele's practice prioritizes medication management, especially for patients on multiple medications. Regular reviews ensure we check for interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and optimize your medication plan for safety and effectiveness.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Steele's office, we can perform common tests like electrocardiograms (EKGs), blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing to refer you elsewhere right away.
201 14th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 588-5222
Dr. Paul Steele, 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): 1730193616
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 Steele 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.