Dr. Rajiv Sharma, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. At this time, Dr. Sharma is not accepting new patients, but you can call (727) 824-8243 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Rajiv Sharma, MD is an internist in Saint Petersburg, FL and has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad De Cuenca, Facultad De Ciencias Medicas in 2012. He is affiliated with medical facilities St. Anthony's Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Sharma is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and focused on creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Sharma provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rajiv Sharma is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rajiv Sharma is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and focuses on empowering you to thrive as you age. His compassionate approach ensures a personalized plan that considers your individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive relationship with you and your loved ones.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rajiv Sharma can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rajiv Sharma 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:
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is a condition where you have too much fat in your blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can keep your heart healthy and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause liver inflammation, but it's often manageable with supportive care, helping you get back to enjoying life and engaging in your hobbies without long-term complications.
- Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain, often requiring antibiotics to clear up and prevent more serious complications, helping you stay comfortable and active.
- Hernia: If you have a bulge or discomfort in your abdomen, you might have a hernia, a condition where an organ pushes through a weakened area; medical intervention, which could involve minimally invasive surgery, may be needed to prevent serious complications.
- Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia is a condition where your potassium levels are too low, which can cause weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats, but with proper medical management, including diet and medication adjustments, you can feel stronger and healthier.
- Esophagitis: If you're struggling with painful swallowing or persistent heartburn, it could be esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus that can be effectively treated with medication and simple lifestyle modifications to improve your eating and overall well-being.
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Having diabetes that's impacting your kidneys might lead to some fatigue or swelling, but through regular checkups, medication, and a healthy lifestyle, you can manage these symptoms and preserve your kidney function.
- Wheezing: Wheezing can be a symptom of various conditions affecting your lungs, but with proper diagnosis and medication, you can better manage your breathing and maintain your independence.
- Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and prompt treatment with blood thinners can prevent it from traveling to the lungs and causing life-threatening complications, helping you maintain your mobility and independence.
- Enteritis: If you're struggling with diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, enteritis could be a possibility. Prompt medical attention can help determine the cause and ensure you receive the appropriate care to feel better quickly.
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Experiencing a cough, fever, and shortness of breath might mean you have an acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), which can be managed with medication and rest to help you feel better sooner and maintain your daily activities.
- Asthma: Experiencing wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath might indicate asthma, a treatable condition that, with the right care, can allow you to enjoy your daily activities without significant limitations.
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. Rajiv Sharma offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Diabetes Counseling: With diabetes counseling, you'll work with a healthcare professional to set realistic goals and track your progress in managing your diabetes.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Sexual Assault Exam: This exam plays a vital role in managing the immediate and long-term health consequences of sexual assault for older adults, providing critical care and support.
- Outpatient Addiction Treatment: This service helps seniors overcome substance use disorders through counseling, medication management, and other therapies, improving their overall health and well-being as part of a holistic care plan.
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. Rajiv Sharma 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 improved blood cholesterol levels, a senior couple felt more confident in their ability to enjoy their daily walks through the park, a cherished part of their routine.
- With supportive care for Hepatitis A, a senior was able to resume their beloved watercolor painting hobby, a cherished activity that brought immense joy. The inflammation subsided, and they felt renewed energy and a greater sense of well-being.
- After a skin infection (cellulitis) was treated, a senior was able to resume her beloved knitting hobby, a cherished pastime, bringing her joy and comfort. Her family was relieved that she was back to her usual active self.
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 (Cardiovascular Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Rajiv Sharma:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Sharma's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means he's a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. He's particularly skilled in the unique health challenges of aging adults, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care with other specialists as needed.
- Does Dr. Rajiv Sharma have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Sharma is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions commonly affecting seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Sharma and our practice believe 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 in ensuring clear communication and comprehensive support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Rajiv Sharma?
- 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 have written down.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal, or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- 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 coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Sharma coordinates care seamlessly by acting as the team leader. He handles referrals to specialists, shares all relevant medical information, and synthesizes recommendations into a comprehensive treatment plan for the best possible patient outcome.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Sharma and our team understand that memory concerns can be worrisome. We provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss these concerns, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to specialists if further evaluation is needed.
620 10th St N Ste 2A
Saint Petersburg FL 33705
Phone: (727) 824-8243
Dr. Rajiv Sharma, 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): 1477981348
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. Rajiv Sharma 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.