Dr. Philip Clifford, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is a dedicated partner in senior health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Clifford's focus is on providing compassionate, comprehensive Orthopedic care for older adults (65+) and active seniors. General Orthopedic Surgeons possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions common in seniors, such as arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care. He is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments; please call (813) 281-0567 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Philip Clifford, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Tampa, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. His extensive experience in Orthopedic care, coupled with a compassionate approach, makes him a trusted advisor for patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1993 and completed his residency training in Orthopedic Surgeries at Duke University Medical Center in 1999. Further specializing in his field, he pursued fellowship training in the same institution in 2000. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and is affiliated with Phelps Hospital. Dr. Clifford is committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Philip Clifford is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Clifford is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to address a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, from arthritis and fractures to spinal issues, ensuring the best possible outcomes and maintaining each patient's comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Philip Clifford can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
American Republic
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Amerihealth
Assurant Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
First Choice Health
Gateway Health Plan
Golden Rule
HealthSmart
Humana
MedCost
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Medicare
Universal American
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
- Blue Options PPO
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MedCost PPO
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- PHCS Network PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Wellpath Preferred PPO
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Philip Clifford 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:
- Hand Fracture: Breaking a bone in your hand can be painful, but with proper medical care, including possibly surgery and physical therapy, you can regain full use of your hand and enjoy your daily activities again.
- Elbow Injuries: For seniors, an elbow injury can mean difficulty with tasks like dressing or cooking. However, with timely medical attention and tailored treatment, which might include medication, bracing, or surgery in severe cases, seniors can regain their independence and reduce discomfort.
- Complications of Joint Prosthesis: While rare, complications can follow joint replacement, including pain, instability, or infection; your healthcare team is prepared to address these issues promptly, optimizing your recovery and helping you enjoy a better quality of life.
- Enthesopathy of Hip (incl. Trochanteric Bursitis): Enthesopathy of the hip, which might include trochanteric bursitis, causes discomfort where tendons join the hip bone. Treatment focuses on managing pain and improving function, so you can stay active and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: With proper treatment, intervertebral disc disease can be managed effectively, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Gait Abnormality: If you notice a change in your walking pattern, it could be a gait abnormality; evaluating it with a healthcare professional helps identify the root cause and explore suitable treatments, aiming for improved balance and mobility.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain: A medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain means the ligament supporting your knee's inner side is injured, potentially causing knee pain and swelling; thankfully, most MCL sprains heal well with rest, ice, and physical therapy to help you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Snapping Hip: For seniors experiencing a snapping hip, a condition causing a clicking or popping sound, conservative treatment focusing on specific exercises and activity modification is often sufficient to alleviate discomfort and ensure continued independence.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), often called runner's knee, is a common condition causing pain around the kneecap, which can be managed with physical therapy, exercises, and sometimes medication to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Foot Fracture: If you've fractured a bone in your foot, know that treatment options exist to promote healing and restore comfort, allowing you to maintain independence and reduce the risk of further complications.
- Leg Fracture Above Knee (incl. Hip): A fracture in the upper leg, possibly affecting the hip, needs prompt medical care to mend the break, often through surgery, physical therapy, and pain management, so you can return to your daily activities.
- Hip Impingement: If you have hip pain that's making it hard to walk or do everyday tasks, it could be hip impingement, a condition that can often be improved through targeted exercises and sometimes surgery, helping you maintain your 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. Philip Clifford offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Trigger Finger Release: For seniors experiencing the clicking or locking of a finger, trigger finger release surgery can alleviate discomfort and improve hand function as part of their overall care plan.
- Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Repairs: Patellar and quadriceps tendon repairs help restore function and reduce pain in the knee by addressing injuries to the tendons that connect the kneecap and thigh muscle.
- Hip Replacement Revision: If your initial hip replacement isn't functioning as well as it should, revision surgery can restore mobility and reduce pain.
- Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Managing foot and ankle fractures and dislocations is crucial for preventing long-term complications and improving seniors' quality of life.
- Total Knee Arthroplasty with Robotic Assist: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is a surgical treatment option that addresses the limitations imposed by severe knee arthritis, allowing seniors to regain independence and enjoy greater physical activity.
- Steroid Injection: Steroid injections are sometimes used to diagnose the source of your joint pain by observing the response to the treatment.
- Hip Replacement: As part of a senior's care journey, hip replacement helps manage the limitations caused by severe hip arthritis, enabling them to engage in more activities and enjoy a better lifestyle.
- Somatic Nerve Block: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, somatic nerve blocks can provide temporary pain relief for seniors with musculoskeletal issues, allowing for better participation in physical therapy.
- Knee Replacement Revision: Addressing complications from a prior knee replacement, revision surgery allows for a more durable and effective solution for long-term joint health in older adults.
- Partial Knee Replacement: This procedure is an effective treatment option for seniors experiencing knee pain stemming from arthritis, offering a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement while preserving the maximum amount of native knee joint.
- Hip Resurfacing: For seniors with significant hip joint damage, hip resurfacing offers a surgical solution to restore function and reduce pain, improving their quality of life.
- Total Hip Replacement: Total hip replacement surgery is a procedure that can alleviate debilitating hip pain and stiffness caused by arthritis or injury, significantly improving mobility and quality of life for seniors.
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 Orthopedic Surgeries in Florida.
Dr. Philip Clifford 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 surgery and diligent physical therapy, a senior was thrilled to resume knitting intricate patterns, a cherished hobby that had been sidelined by a painful hand fracture.
- With careful treatment for elbow injuries, a senior was able to resume her beloved hobby of knitting, a cherished activity that had been hampered by persistent pain. The family felt immense relief knowing their mother could once again enjoy this fulfilling pastime.
- Following a joint replacement, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without the debilitating pain, thanks to a supportive care team. The family rejoiced at the improved mobility and peace of mind.
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 Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Philip Clifford:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Philip Clifford and his team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning they're medical doctors specializing in the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Their expertise covers everything from diagnosing issues to providing surgical and non-surgical treatments to relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Clifford's practice emphasizes finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often recommending conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing first. Surgery is only considered when it's the most effective way to restore quality of life.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- We understand the pain you're experiencing. Treatment for arthritis is a stepwise approach, often starting with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, and injections. If pain persists and limits your daily activities, Dr. Clifford may discuss joint replacement surgery as a highly effective option.
- What is a rotator cuff tear?
- A rotator cuff tear is a problem with the group of four tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Tears can happen from an injury or from gradual wear and tear, leading to pain and weakness. Many tears can be treated without surgery, using physical therapy and injections; however, Dr. Clifford can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair larger tears.
- How is a broken hip (hip fracture) treated in seniors?
- A hip fracture in an older adult is a serious injury, almost always requiring surgery to stabilize the bone. The type of surgery depends on the specific fracture pattern, but the primary goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again safely and quickly, often with the help of physical therapists.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Dr. Clifford performs arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique. A tiny camera and small instruments are inserted through small incisions to diagnose and repair joint problems. This approach often results in less pain, less tissue damage, and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after a knee or hip replacement is a process, starting with a hospital stay and continuing with extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, and most patients experience significant pain relief and a return to many daily activities within a few months.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful area, such as a knee or shoulder joint. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing significant, though temporary, pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to help manage flare-ups.
3030 N Rocky Point Dr W Ste 160
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 281-0567
Dr. Philip Clifford, 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): 1699750489
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 provider named. Orthopedic Surgeries like Dr. Philip Clifford 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.