Dr. Robert Ford, MD is a Family Medicine physician deeply committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Sarasota, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves Adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Currently, Dr. Ford is not accepting new patients, but you can call (941) 925-9359 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Robert Ford, MD is a family medicine physician in Sarasota, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Rush Medical College in 1984 and is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in 1984. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at W Suburban Hospital (graduated 1987), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. His approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Ford provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Ford is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ford is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. He understands that managing health in later life often requires coordinating complex care and addressing chronic conditions. His compassionate approach prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, working collaboratively with you and your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Ford can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Open Access Plus
- Seamless HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Ford 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:
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, but with prompt treatment like antibiotics and rest, you can feel better and regain your energy.
- Overweight: Being overweight means having more body fat than is considered healthy, which can increase the risk of health problems as we age, but with a focus on healthy eating and exercise, we can manage weight and improve overall well-being.
- Arthritis: Dealing with arthritis means managing joint pain and swelling, but with the right care planincluding medication and therapiesyou can continue enjoying an active life.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Persistent sinus infections, or chronic sinusitis, can lead to ongoing discomfort, but effective treatment plans, such as nasal sprays and sometimes antibiotics, help seniors breathe easier and maintain their daily routines.
- Long COVID Disorder: If you've had COVID-19 and are experiencing lingering health issues, you may have Long COVID, a condition often managed with a combination of therapies and lifestyle adjustments to improve your daily life and overall well-being.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition causing flaky, itchy skin, often on the scalp, face, or chest, that's easily managed with medicated shampoos or creams to keep you comfortable.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain might indicate a heart problem or something less serious; getting checked promptly helps doctors identify the root cause and create a treatment plan to improve your quality of life and prevent future problems.
- Low Back Pain: Don't let persistent lower back pain limit you. By working with your doctor, you can find a management planperhaps involving medication, physical therapy, or alternative therapiesthat allows you to maintain your independence and comfort.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high, and managing it with medication and lifestyle changes can help protect your heart and keep you feeling your best.
- 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.
- Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: These painful leg spasms, common in older adults, can be managed with simple stretches before bed, staying well-hydrated, and addressing any underlying mineral deficiencies impacting muscle function.
- Anxiety: If you're struggling with persistent worry or fear that's impacting your quality of life, you're not alone. Anxiety is a common condition effectively treated with professional help to regain control and live a more fulfilling life.
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. Robert Ford offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This test helps ensure your ongoing well-being by identifying the presence of the hepatitis C virus, a critical step in creating a personalized care plan for your liver health.
- Hepatitis Screening: As part of your comprehensive care plan, hepatitis screening helps detect silent liver infections that can cause long-term health problems if left untreated.
- Cancer Screening: Regular cancer screenings are a key part of preventative care, allowing for early detection and management of potential cancerous growths before they become serious health issues.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: This non-invasive test helps your doctor evaluate your heart's health and tailor a treatment plan to best manage conditions like heart disease and improve your quality of life.
- Vaginosis Screening: This screening test assists in diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, a condition that can cause discomfort and other issues, ensuring timely intervention as part of a woman's ongoing healthcare journey.
- Patch Testing: Patch testing helps identify allergens causing skin reactions, ensuring your doctor can create a personalized plan to manage your sensitivities and improve your quality of life.
- Diabetic Evaluation: A comprehensive diabetic evaluation plays a key role in creating a long-term care plan that helps you effectively manage your diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Cholesterol Screening: Cholesterol screening helps your doctor assess your risk of heart disease and stroke, guiding treatment decisions to keep you healthy.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Including prostate cancer screening in your senior health plan allows for early diagnosis, leading to better treatment options and improved long-term health management.
- Pap Smear: Including Pap smears in your health plan helps your doctor monitor your cervical health and personalize your care as you age.
- Arrhythmia Screening: This screening helps your doctor assess your heart's rhythm, allowing for better management of any existing heart conditions or identification of new ones that may need attention.
- Blood Allergy Testing: To ensure your overall well-being, your doctor may recommend blood allergy testing to determine if allergies are contributing to your health challenges and adjust your care accordingly.
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. Robert Ford 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 the guidance of a family medicine specialist, a senior citizen's persistent cough and shortness of breath from pneumonia subsided, allowing them to reconnect with their beloved hobby of knitting again.
- With a personalized weight management plan focusing on healthy eating and exercise, a senior couple found they could enjoy family outings more easily and felt renewed energy for their hobbies.
- With arthritis symptoms significantly reduced, a senior couple rediscovered their love for dancing, enjoying weekly ballroom lessons and the social connection they missed.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Robert Ford:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Ford's family medicine practice is uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This allows us to have a comprehensive understanding of their health history, and we are experts in managing chronic conditions. We are trusted primary care partners, coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- Your annual wellness visit with Dr. Ford is a key opportunity to partner on health goals. We'll review your medications, perform a physical exam, check your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Ford, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter ones. Be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- 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 support for your health.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Ford's practice partners with patients to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular medication reviews to check for interactions, simplify regimens when possible, and ensure every prescription is still needed and effective.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Ford's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots. This avoids the need for separate appointments at a dermatologist, making it convenient for our senior patients.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Ford'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. Ford works with you to create a personalized plan to manage your conditions. This involves regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your well-being. He acts as your central coordinator, ensuring all your care providers are working together.
2828 S Tamiami Trl
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 925-9359
Dr. Robert Ford, 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): 1790753242
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. Robert Ford 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.