Dr. Rashida Tharpe, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in your senior health journey. 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs.
Dr. Rashida Tharpe, MD is an internist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where you and your family feel heard and empowered in your healthcare decisions. She is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. Prospective patients should call (954) 351-7840 to confirm if Dr. Tharpe is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Tharpe provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rashida Tharpe is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Tharpe 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 empowering you to thrive as you age. Her personalized approach ensures that your health needs are met with empathy and a deep understanding of your unique circumstances, creating a supportive and collaborative environment for you and your family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rashida Tharpe can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rashida Tharpe 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:
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: If you're experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort from diverticulitis, know that treatments like antibiotics and changes to your diet can significantly ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia is a condition where there's an imbalance of fats in your blood, potentially leading to heart issues, but working with your doctor, through medication and dietary adjustments, you can help protect your heart and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Autoimmune thyroid diseases happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, disrupting its ability to produce the right amount of hormones, which can impact your energy levels, weight, and mood, but with proper medical care, you can manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis makes digestion challenging, leading to discomfort and sometimes affecting your appetite; thankfully, many effective treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and support a better quality of life.
- Drug Withdrawal: To avoid uncomfortable side effects when stopping a medicine, your doctor can create a tapering schedule that gradually reduces your dosage, making withdrawal much more manageable and improving your well-being.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Neurogenic bladder results from nerve damage affecting bladder function, causing urinary problems, but through medication, lifestyle changes, or other treatments, you can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
- Mild Asthma: With mild asthma, you may experience occasional bouts of coughing or shortness of breath, however, a simple treatment plan, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, can help you live comfortably and actively.
- Atherosclerosis: Think of atherosclerosis as a gradual clogging of your arteries; managing it through diet, exercise, and medication helps keep your heart strong and allows you to stay active and independent.
- Gastroptosis: If you have gastroptosis, it means your stomach has slipped down, which may lead to symptoms like bloating or indigestion; however, many people live with this condition without significant problems, and treatment focuses on relieving any troublesome symptoms.
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Feeling under the weather with a stuffy nose, cough, or sore throat? This could be an acute upper respiratory infection (URI), a common viral infection that often resolves on its own with supportive care and plenty of rest, protecting your overall health and energy levels.
- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: If you have primary pulmonary hypertension, it means the blood vessels in your lungs are abnormally constricted, causing high blood pressure; this can be managed with regular checkups, medication, and potentially oxygen therapy to improve your breathing and energy levels, allowing you to maintain a fulfilling life.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: RSD/CRPS is a painful condition causing intense discomfort in an arm or leg, sometimes after an injury or surgery. Pain management strategies including medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help improve your daily life and reduce pain levels.
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. Rashida Tharpe offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This process helps you communicate your preferences for medical treatment, ensuring your comfort and dignity are prioritized at the end of life.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening tool that can help detect hidden blood in your stool, an early sign that might indicate colorectal cancer.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Vitamin Injection: A doctor may recommend vitamin injections to help manage specific symptoms related to a diagnosed condition, leading to improved quality of life for older adults.
- Breathing Treatment: Breathing treatments, like inhalers or nebulizers, can help manage lung conditions like asthma or COPD, making it easier for seniors to breathe comfortably.
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. Rashida Tharpe 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:
- Following a personalized treatment plan, a senior felt a significant reduction in abdominal pain and discomfort from intestinal diverticulitis, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of gardening.
- After carefully managing her dyslipidemia with a tailored medication and dietary plan, a senior woman felt more energy and was able to resume her beloved weekly bridge club games with renewed vigor.
- With regular check-ups and medication, a senior couple found their energy levels returning, allowing them to enjoy their grandchildren's visits and participate in family gatherings with renewed zest.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Rashida Tharpe:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Tharpe and her team are internists, primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that commonly arise with aging, and excel at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care.
- Does Dr. Rashida Tharpe have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Tharpe's practice specializes in adult medicine, and she has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is skilled in managing the conditions frequently seen in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Tharpe and our practice strongly 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 for clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Rashida Tharpe?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Tharpe, 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'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 any questions, please call our office.
- 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 does Dr. Rashida Tharpe help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Tharpe's approach to managing blood pressure involves regular monitoring, personalized lifestyle counseling (including diet and exercise), and creating a tailored plan to help patients achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Tharpe's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients effectively manage their symptoms, including proper inhaler use, and creating personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
4725 N Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 351-7840
Dr. Rashida Tharpe, 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): 1255725503
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. Rashida Tharpe 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.