Dr. Richard Degaetano, DO is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Palm City, 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. Degaetano is currently welcoming new patients; please call (772) 781-2791 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Richard Degaetano, DO is an internist in Palm City, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000, and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Eisenhower Medical Center in 2003. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Degaetano provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Richard Degaetano is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Degaetano is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your well-being and independence. He expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and focuses on your overall health, ensuring a personalized approach that addresses your unique needs and goals. He works collaboratively with you, your family, and other healthcare providers to create a plan tailored to maximize your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Degaetano can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Degaetano 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:
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: When diabetes affects your kidneys, it's called diabetic kidney disease; working closely with your doctor to control your blood sugar and blood pressure can significantly slow its progression and help you feel better.
- Menstrual Disorders: Experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle as you age is common, but persistent heavy bleeding or painful periods can significantly impact your daily life; medical intervention can help alleviate these symptoms and maintain independence.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Think of it as a blockage in a vein, often in your leg, that can cause pain and swelling; this is a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention to prevent further complications and maintain your overall health and well-being.
- Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, can put you at risk for heart disease, but it's manageable! By making healthy lifestyle changes and/or taking medication as prescribed, you can reduce your risk and continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Common Cold: Dealing with a common cold can be frustrating, but focusing on plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies for symptoms like aches and fever will help you recover more quickly.
- Tinnitus: Experiencing a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus) can significantly affect your quality of life, however various therapies, lifestyle changes, and coping mechanisms are available to help you manage the sound and improve your daily comfort.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, but with proper management, like medication and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce that risk and maintain a healthy, active life.
- Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Magnesium metabolism disorders occur when your body doesn't have the right amount of magnesium, impacting various bodily functions and potentially affecting your energy levels and overall well-being.
- Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs, often causing a cough and making breathing uncomfortable, but with proper treatment, you can breathe easier and improve your daily activities.
- 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.
- Urinary Incontinence: Many effective treatments exist for urinary incontinence, helping seniors regain confidence and reduce the impact on daily routines and social interactions. Don't hesitate to speak with your doctor.
- Poison Ivy: Poison ivy's irritating oil can cause a red, itchy rash, but thankfully, over-the-counter remedies and home care can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your comfort.
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 Degaetano offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor understand how well your lungs are working and how your body is managing oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination creates a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of a senior's health, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps seniors with multiple health problems develop a personalized plan to better manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling provides guidance and support to help you confidently navigate the challenges of living with diabetes and maintain a healthy life.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Obesity Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, obesity counseling provides seniors with guidance and support to make sustainable changes that lead to a healthier weight and better quality of life.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
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 Degaetano 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 careful management of blood sugar and blood pressure, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, a significant improvement in their overall well-being.
- A woman found significant relief from debilitating menstrual cramps, allowing her to resume her beloved weekly bridge club gatherings without discomfort. Her family was relieved to see her regain her social life and overall well-being.
- With the guidance of a medical professional, a senior was able to reduce the pain and swelling from a blood clot, allowing her to resume her favorite pastime of walking her dog in the park each morning.
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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Richard Degaetano:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Internists, like Dr. Degaetano, are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can occur as we age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Richard Degaetano have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Degaetano is an internist, meaning he is specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. He is highly knowledgeable about conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Degaetano and our team believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is valuable in ensuring clear communication and support for the best possible outcome.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Richard Degaetano?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Degaetano, 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 for our senior patients. We review medications for potential side effects like dizziness, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help reduce fall risk.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Degaetano's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients effectively manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and create personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
3066 SW Martin Downs Blvd Ste C
Palm City FL 34990
Phone: (772) 781-2791
Dr. Richard Degaetano, DO 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): 1427008770
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 Degaetano 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.