Dr. Raquel Skidmore, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Panama City, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique healthcare needs of seniors. 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. She serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 215-9418 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Raquel Skidmore, MD is a family medicine physician in Panama City, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Skidmore earned her medical degree from Catholic University Of Mother And Maestra (Pucmm), Faculty Of Health Science in 1997, followed by an internship at Hospital Guayama Area Pr. She completed residency training in Family Medicine at Na and further specialized with fellowship training in Medical Acupunture And Chinese Medicine San Juan Pr (2006), deepening her expertise in the comprehensive medical care of Adults, with a particular focus on the needs of seniors. Dr. Skidmore is affiliated with Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and is committed to a patient-centered approach, reflecting the philosophy of "we treat the patient not the disease". She offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Raquel Skidmore is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Raquel Skidmore is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care tailored to your unique needs. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition through the senior years. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and working collaboratively with your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Raquel Skidmore can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Medicare
Tricare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Raquel Skidmore 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:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent condition that often has no symptoms, but it's important to manage it because it can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Working with your doctor to find the right treatment plan can improve your long-term health.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): If you're sexually active, understanding STDs and getting regular checkups is key; these infections can be treated effectively with medication, protecting your health and well-being at any age.
- Depression: Depression is a common mood disorder that can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, but with proper treatment, like therapy and medication, it's manageable and you can feel better.
- Depressive Disorders: Feeling persistently down or hopeless is a sign of depression, a treatable condition often managed with medication, therapy, or a combination of both, significantly improving mood, energy, and overall well-being.
- Obesity: For seniors, addressing obesity can help maintain independence by reducing the risk of falls and improving strength and stamina for daily tasks.
- Vertigo: Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning, impacting your ability to walk and move safely. However, many effective treatments are available to lessen its effects, enabling you to maintain your daily routine.
- Herpes Simplex Infection: This viral infection, known as herpes simplex, can be controlled with medication, allowing seniors to experience fewer painful outbreaks and a better quality of life.
- Allergies: Allergies, whether seasonal or related to specific substances, can be disruptive, but with a proper diagnosis and personalized plan from your doctor, you can minimize symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system, but with proper medication, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives, maintaining their independence.
- Arthritis: Arthritis affects many older adults, causing joint pain and stiffness that can limit movement; however, effective treatments are available to ease pain and improve daily functioning.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol often has no noticeable symptoms, but it's a serious condition that can lead to heart disease. Regular checkups and following your doctor's recommendations for diet and medication are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining your independence.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage protecting your joints wears down, leading to discomfort and reduced movement; thankfully, many effective treatments can help manage pain and keep you active.
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. Raquel Skidmore offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Breast Exam: As part of your overall wellness plan, a breast exam helps your doctor assess your breast health and determine if any further testing is needed.
- Bacteriuria Screening: As part of your comprehensive health plan, bacteriuria screening helps your doctor understand if bacteria are present in your urine, enabling proactive treatment if needed.
- Spinal and Postural Screening: Regular spinal and postural screenings are an important part of preventive care, allowing early detection of conditions impacting your balance and independence.
- Bone Density Scan: To ensure your overall well-being, a bone density scan is a valuable tool used to assess bone health and adjust treatment plans accordingly, reducing fracture risk.
- Rapid Flu Test: Rapid flu testing helps your doctor manage your symptoms effectively and may prevent the flu from spreading to others in your family or community.
- Chlamydia Infection Screening: As part of your comprehensive health plan, chlamydia screening helps identify and manage potential infections, promoting your overall well-being.
- Joint Fluid Test: By examining joint fluid, your doctor can create a personalized care plan to manage your joint problems and improve your quality of life.
- Patch Testing: Patch testing plays a key role in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, aiding your physician in developing a comprehensive management plan to reduce discomfort and prevent future flare-ups.
- Arrhythmia Screening: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an arrhythmia screening can identify heart rhythm problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, potentially saving your life.
- Disability Evaluation: This assessment helps determine the extent of your disability, allowing your physician to recommend appropriate therapies, assistive devices, or home modifications.
- Cholesterol Screening: This simple blood test helps your doctor create a personalized plan to maintain optimal heart health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Impairment Rating Evaluation: To ensure seniors receive the right support, an impairment rating evaluation helps objectively quantify functional limitations and guide decisions about assistance and treatment.
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. Raquel Skidmore 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:
- By working with a healthcare professional to manage their high blood pressure, a senior couple felt more secure in their home, knowing their blood pressure was well-controlled and their risk of serious health problems was reduced.
- Feeling more confident and secure about their health, a senior couple appreciated the peace of mind provided by regular checkups and effective medication for STDs, allowing them to continue enjoying their intimate relationship.
- Feeling increasingly isolated, a senior found renewed joy in social activities, reconnecting with friends and family thanks to a personalized treatment plan for depression. The patient's family reported a noticeable improvement in their overall well-being.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Raquel Skidmore:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Skidmore and her team are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients throughout their entire lives, giving them a deep understanding of a senior's health history. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled at coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Skidmore, we'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual health needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with us on achieving your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Skidmore, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (including over-the-counter items), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Yes, 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 I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can absolutely come in for urgent issues like a fall, bad cold, or UTI. Seeing Dr. Skidmore for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- How does Dr. Raquel Skidmore approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Skidmore understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being in older adults. She provides a supportive environment to discuss concerns, conducts initial assessments, manages medications, and coordinates care with specialists when necessary.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Skidmore's practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Skidmore acts as a central coordinator for your care, creating a personalized management plan that includes monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. This partnership helps prevent complications and maintain your quality of life long-term.
219 Forest Park Cir
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 215-9418
Dr. Raquel Skidmore, 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): 1336137991
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. Raquel Skidmore 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.