Dr. Rafael Velasquez, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at Access Health Care Physicians LLC in Spring Hill, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Velasquez is currently welcoming new patients, and you can call (352) 830-1397 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Velasquez, a Board Certified Family Practice physician by the American Board of Family Medicine, brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal and completed an internship at Arzobispo Loayza Hospital, followed by residencies at Geary Community Hospital, University of Alabama Hospital, and Kansas University School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident in Family Medicine. He is fluent in Russian and also offers consultations in Spanish. His extensive background, including experience in volunteer programs in Peru focused on preventative healthcare, demonstrates his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Rafael Velasquez, MD, is a seasoned physician born in Lima, Peru, and graduated from Federico Villarreal School of Medicine in 1993. His career includes extensive volunteer work in Peru, showcasing his dedication to community health. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American Medical Association. Dr. Velasquez's passion extends beyond medicine, encompassing karate, soccer, music, reading, and spending time with loved ones. His dedication to comprehensive senior care, combined with his extensive training and experience, makes him a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of aging.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rafael Velasquez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rafael Velasquez is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, focusing on coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and prioritizing your overall well-being and independence. His approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to help you thrive in your later years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rafael Velasquez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Optimum HealthCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH Emory Northside Hospital System OAAS
- Blue Card
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Select
- BlueOptions
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthSmart
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- LocalPlus
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Medica Choice
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- National
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Options
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rafael Velasquez 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:
- Osteoarthritis of Hand: Experiencing pain, swelling, and stiffness in your hands due to osteoarthritis is common as we age; however, with the right approach, combining medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
- Cachexia: Cachexia, a complex condition causing significant weight loss and weakness, can be managed by a team of healthcare professionals working together to treat the underlying causes, optimize nutrition, and improve overall well-being, thereby improving quality of life.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: While feeling tired or forgetful is a normal part of aging for some, vitamin B12 deficiency can exacerbate these symptoms; simple blood tests and supplementation can effectively address this deficiency and improve your overall health and vitality.
- Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia means your body has too much potassium, which can be addressed by adjusting medications or your diet; this will help ensure your comfort and safety.
- Abdominal Pain: Managing abdominal pain effectively is crucial for maintaining quality of life in your senior years. Your doctor can work with you to find the right approach, minimizing discomfort and helping you stay active and engaged.
- Difficulty With Walking: Experiencing trouble walking can be frustrating, but with the right care, like physical therapy or assistive devices, you can regain your mobility and independence.
- Asthma: Asthma is a long-term lung condition that can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, but with proper management, you can breathe easier and enjoy a more active life.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is simply having high levels of cholesterol in your blood. It's often easily controlled through diet and exercise, and sometimes with medication, helping you stay healthy and vibrant for years to come.
- Arthritis: Dealing with arthritis means managing joint pain and swelling, but with the right care planincluding medication and therapiesyou can continue enjoying an active life.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: IBS affects the large intestine and can lead to discomfort, but dietary changes, stress management, and medication can significantly improve your quality of life and ease daily routines.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): While HIV was once a life-threatening illness, advancements in medicine mean that with consistent care and medication, it can be managed effectively, ensuring a good quality of life.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis involves inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs, leading to a cough, sometimes with mucus; managing symptoms like cough and congestion helps you breathe easier and 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. Rafael Velasquez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Lyme Disease Evaluation: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a Lyme disease evaluation helps your doctor assess your risk factors and tailor your treatment to your specific needs.
- Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Through menopause evaluation and treatment, we can create a tailored plan that considers your individual symptoms and preferences to ensure you have the best possible support during this life stage.
- Mammography: As part of your ongoing health plan, a mammogram can help find breast cancer even before you notice any symptoms.
- Drug Allergy Testing: Understanding your drug allergies through testing allows for better management of existing health conditions and prevention of future reactions.
- Spinal and Postural Screening: Spinal and postural screening helps identify potential problems with your back and posture that could be causing pain or limiting your mobility as you age.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a DEXA scan helps your doctor determine if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, conditions affecting bone health and increasing fracture risk.
- Psychological Evaluation: This evaluation helps your doctor coordinate a comprehensive care plan that addresses both your physical and mental health needs, ensuring you get the best possible care as you age.
- Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening is an important step in maintaining a woman's reproductive health as she ages, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of this common condition.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Counseling is available to provide support and resources for managing alcohol or substance use, promoting a healthy and fulfilling life.
- Melanoma Screening: Melanoma screening is a simple procedure that contributes to the ongoing management of your overall health, offering early detection of a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings help your doctor to monitor your health and create a personalized plan to manage potential risks and promote long-term well-being.
- Vaccination: Through vaccination, your healthcare provider can help prevent many common infectious diseases, a vital step in ensuring long-term health and vitality.
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. Rafael Velasquez 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:
- With their hand pain significantly reduced, a senior couple could now comfortably hold hands and enjoy their daily walks, a cherished activity once hampered by stiffness.
- With a comprehensive care plan that addressed the underlying causes of cachexia, the senior felt stronger and more energetic, allowing her to return to her beloved painting hobby. The family was relieved to see their loved one's improved quality of life.
- Feeling less fatigued and more alert, a senior couple rediscovered their love of daily walks, a cherished activity that had been difficult due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Rafael Velasquez:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Velasquez and our practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often see patients across their entire lifespan. This gives us a deep understanding of their health history and allows us to be trusted primary care partners, expertly managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of their care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Velasquez, we'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and check your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, to help you achieve your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To get the most out of your appointment with Dr. Velasquez, please write down your top health questions. Bring a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs. Be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how seemingly minor.
- 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 possible support for your health.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Velasquez's practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Velasquez understands the importance of coordinating care. When a referral to a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedist is needed, he will not only make the referral but also work closely with the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration of all treatments.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Velasquez can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help you stay safe and independent.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Velasquez's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots like actinic keratosis. This avoids the need for separate appointments or travel to a specialist, making it convenient for our senior patients.
Access Health Care Physicians LLC
14690 Spring Hill Dr Ste 101
Spring Hill FL 34609
Phone: (352) 830-1397
Dr. Rafael Velasquez, 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): 1164632717
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. Rafael Velasquez 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.