Dr. Priyadarshini Rao, DO is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. She practices at ISG - Inpatients Specialist Group in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Rao is currently welcoming new patients; please call (239) 900-9822 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Priyadarshini Rao, DO is an internist in Saint Petersburg, FL and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital and is accepting new patients. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2004 and completed an internship at Northside Hospital. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Northside Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. We strive to form a lasting partnership between patient and physician to jointly meet your health needs. Dr. Priyadarshini Rao provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Priyadarshini Rao is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Priyadarshini Rao is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and focuses on creating personalized plans that address your unique needs and goals, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling aging process.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Priyadarshini Rao can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Card
- Blue Care
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- BlueDental Choice
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- PHCS Network
- Preferred
- Select
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Priyadarshini Rao 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:
- Back Pain: Experiencing back pain? It's important to discuss it with your doctor to find the right treatment plan to reduce your discomfort and improve your mobility.
- Nail Infection: Fungal or bacterial infections under or around your nails can cause discomfort and disfigurement; early diagnosis and treatment from your doctor can quickly clear it up and avoid worsening.
- Heart Disease: If you have heart disease, understanding your specific condition and working collaboratively with your healthcare team through medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices ensures you can continue to live a fulfilling life.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, it's important to understand your condition and work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan that helps you control your blood sugar and prevent long-term health problems, enabling you to continue doing the things you love.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): If you're struggling with persistent indigestion, acid reflux, or a feeling of food sticking in your chest, it might be GERD, a treatable condition that can be managed with the support of your healthcare provider, leading to better digestive health and independence.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can make everyday activities feel harder, but understanding its cause and working with your doctor can often ease your breathing and improve your comfort.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Experiencing eye irritation due to allergies? Allergic conjunctivitis is a treatable condition causing eye itching, redness, and watering; with proper management, you can reduce symptoms and continue enjoying your life without interruption.
- Diarrhea: Managing diarrhea effectively means addressing fluid loss and finding relief from discomfort, which allows you to focus on the things that matter most.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness, a common experience as we age, can make everyday tasks harder, but with proper diagnosis and management from your doctor, you can maintain your independence and enjoy life's activities.
- Animal Allergies: Animal allergies can affect seniors by causing breathing problems or skin reactions, but this is treatable. Working with your doctor to develop an allergy management plan can help maintain your independence and reduce allergy symptoms.
- Fever: If you or a loved one has a fever, understanding the cause is vital for appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent serious problems and preserve your quality of life.
- Abnormal Thyroid: An abnormal thyroid can impact your daily activities, but regular check-ups and appropriate treatment from your doctor, such as medication, are crucial in managing the condition effectively and maintaining an active lifestyle.
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. Priyadarshini Rao offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Draining an abscess or fluid collection helps clear infections and reduce discomfort, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- 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): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pericardiocentesis: To create a personalized approach to your heart health, pericardiocentesis can help doctors determine the best treatment plan by providing a definitive diagnosis of the underlying problem causing fluid buildup.
- HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): As part of your comprehensive care, HIV PrEP helps prevent HIV infection, allowing you to enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling 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. Priyadarshini Rao 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 seeking guidance for persistent back pain, a senior felt significant relief and regained their ability to participate in their beloved daily walks with family.
- A senior woman, previously hampered by discomfort from a nail infection, regained the confidence to wear sandals to her favorite outdoor concerts, enhancing her social life.
- With personalized medication and lifestyle guidance, a patient with heart disease regained their energy and confidence to join their grandchildren for weekly park visits.
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)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Priyadarshini Rao:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Priyadarshini Rao's practice specializes in internal medicine for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who focus exclusively on adult health, including the many health issues that commonly arise with aging. They are experts in managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Priyadarshini Rao have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Priyadarshini Rao's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific needs of older adults. She has extensive experience managing the diverse health concerns common in later life. Her expertise ensures comprehensive and appropriate care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Rao's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care, and welcomes the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is invaluable for ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Priyadarshini Rao?
- Please bring a list of all 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 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.
- How does Dr. Priyadarshini Rao approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Rao employs a comprehensive approach to type 2 diabetes management, encompassing medication adjustments, diligent blood sugar monitoring, and personalized lifestyle counseling focused on diet, exercise, and crucial foot care education. This empowers patients to actively participate in their health and achieve optimal outcomes.
- Does Dr. Priyadarshini Rao treat acute illnesses like colds or the flu?
- Yes, Dr. Priyadarshini Rao and our practice treat acute illnesses like colds and the flu. Please call the office at the first sign of symptoms to discuss the best course of action.
ISG - Inpatients Specialist Group
6798 Crosswinds Dr N Ste E101
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (239) 900-9822
Dr. Priyadarshini Rao, DO 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): 1396914297
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. Priyadarshini Rao 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.