Dr. Richard Bymaster, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Bymaster is currently welcoming new patients, and you can call (813) 875-8453 to schedule an appointment. Born in Miami and residing in the area since 1995, Dr. Bymaster is a dedicated family physician, married with three children. He enjoys a healthy lifestyle, incorporating a daily 30-minute workout and paddle boarding with his wife, alongside fishing and reading. His rigorous medical training includes medical school and a residency in Internal Medicine at Jackson Mem Hosp/Jackson Health, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. As part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams, Dr. Bymaster and his team are focused on your total well-being, helping you prevent health problems and effectively manage any chronic conditions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Richard Bymaster is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Richard Bymaster 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, effectively manages chronic conditions, and focuses on understanding your unique needs and goals to create a personalized plan for thriving as you age. His compassionate approach ensures your comfort and independence are central to his practice.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Bymaster can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Bymaster 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:
- 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.
- Diverticulosis: If you've been diagnosed with diverticulosis, it means you have small bulges in your colon. Don't worry—many people live with this without issues. Your doctor can discuss how lifestyle modifications, like a high-fiber diet, can keep you comfortable.
- Gait Abnormality: Difficulty walking, such as unsteadiness or an unsteady gait, can affect your balance and increase your risk of falls, but many treatments can help improve stability and reduce falls.
- Viral Infection: While many viral infections resolve without specific treatment, prompt medical attention can help prevent complications, especially in older adults, and ensure a quicker recovery, allowing you to stay active and engaged.
- Strep Throat: A strep throat infection, caused by bacteria, leads to a painful throat and sometimes fever, but prompt antibiotic treatment can quickly relieve discomfort and help you feel better.
- Hidradenitis: If you're dealing with painful lumps and infections under your skin, it could be hidradenitis suppurativa, a condition that responds well to various treatment approaches aimed at reducing pain and improving skin health.
- Malaise and Fatigue: Experiencing persistent tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell shouldn't be dismissed; it could signal an underlying health concern that your doctor can address, potentially leading to improved energy and a better quality of life.
- Urinary Incontinence: If you're struggling with unexpected urine leaks, know that you're not alone. Treatment options are available, ranging from pelvic floor exercises to medication, to help regain control and enhance your quality of life.
- Hypokalemia: Having low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can impact your daily life, causing fatigue and muscle weakness. With the right approach, including diet modifications and medication if needed, you can restore your potassium levels and enhance your quality of life.
- Herpes Zoster Without Complication: If you've had chickenpox, the virus can reactivate later in life as shingles, causing a painful rash; however, with timely treatment, the pain and duration can be significantly lessened.
- Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of serious health problems, but simple lifestyle adjustments combined with effective medication can significantly reduce these risks and enable you to enjoy a more fulfilling life.
- Dermatitis Due to Substances Taken Internally: If you experience a skin rash that might be related to what you've eaten or taken, it could be dermatitis due to internal substances; proper diagnosis and management by your doctor will ensure quicker recovery and help you feel better.
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. Richard Bymaster offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- Chronic Care Management: By focusing on prevention and early intervention, Chronic Care Management helps seniors with chronic conditions avoid hospitalizations and maintain their independence.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps you understand your diabetes diagnosis and create a personalized plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess how well your heart is working during physical exertion, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
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. Richard Bymaster 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 medication and rest, a senior experiencing a cough and shortness of breath quickly saw their symptoms subside, allowing them to return to their beloved book club and enjoy engaging conversations again.
- Following a consultation with a knowledgeable professional, a senior felt more confident in managing their diverticulosis, allowing them to enjoy their favorite gardening hobby without discomfort.
- With improved balance and stability, a senior was able to resume their weekly group exercise class, fostering social connections and a renewed sense of well-being.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Richard Bymaster:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Bymaster, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that commonly affect older adults, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Richard Bymaster have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Bymaster is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about conditions common in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Bymaster and our team 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.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Richard Bymaster?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Bymaster, 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?
- 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 do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Fall prevention is a key focus of our practice. We review medications for potential side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help reduce fall risk.
- What is your philosophy on maintaining quality of life for patients with serious illnesses?
- Our philosophy centers on providing individualized care, prioritizing symptom management and aligning treatment with each patient's personal values and goals. We strive to ensure comfort and dignity are paramount throughout the process.
2727 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste 450
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 875-8453
Dr. Richard Bymaster, 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): 1689623696
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. Richard Bymaster 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.