Dr. Robert Garver, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Pulmonary care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex lung conditions like COPD, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and sleep apnea common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Dr. Garver is a trusted partner in your senior's health journey, and while he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (888) 681-5864 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Robert Garver, MD is a pulmonologist in Pensacola, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine in 1981 and completed his residency training in Pulmonology at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in 1984. He further specialized through fellowship training in University Of Alabama Birmingham Hospitals, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Nhlbi, deepening his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (65 and over). Dr. Garver is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. For more than thirty years, Dr. Garver has provided high quality care to patients affected by pulmonary disease, sleep related disorders, and life-threatening critical illness. He is recognized as a leader in his specialty, having been named one of Castle Connolly's top pulmonologists in the nation for more than ten consecutive years. Dr. Garver stresses compassion, ethics, honesty, and professionalism in his clinical and business practices. Dr. Robert Garver provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Garver is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Robert Garver is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive pulmonary care with a focus on understanding each patient's unique needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach, effectively diagnosing and managing complex lung conditions like COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer. Dr. Garver prioritizes personalized care, working to maximize comfort and independence for every senior under his care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Garver can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Choice Option POS
- Blue Choice PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Open Access Alternate Network POS
- Blue Open Access POS
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Garver 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:
- Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions that cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, making it harder to breathe, but with proper management, you can maintain your independence and comfort.
- Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways carrying air to your lungs, often causing a cough and making it hard to breathe comfortably.
- Emphysema: If you have emphysema, your lungs won't be able to expand fully, making breathing difficult, yet with proper care involving medication and breathing exercises, you can breathe easier and live a fulfilling life.
- Asthma: Living with asthma doesn't mean life has to be limited. Medications and lifestyle adjustments can help seniors control symptoms and stay independent.
- Pneumonitis: Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs that can make it hard to breathe, but with the right treatment, many individuals can manage their symptoms and maintain a comfortable quality of life.
- Histoplasmosis: For seniors, a lung infection like histoplasmosis can be managed effectively with antifungal drugs, preventing serious complications and allowing you to continue living life to the fullest.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Managing tobacco use disorder involves strategies like counseling, medication, and support groups to help older adults overcome nicotine addiction and improve their lung health.
- Mycobacterial Lung Infection: This type of lung infection, caused by mycobacteria, may cause symptoms like fatigue and coughing, but with proper treatment, it's possible to significantly improve your lung function and quality of life.
- Acute Bronchitis: Dealing with a cough and feeling under the weather? It might be acute bronchitis, a temporary infection of the breathing passages that usually improves with plenty of rest and fluids, helping you regain your strength and energy.
- Metastatic Respiratory System Cancer: If lung cancer has spread (metastasized), the focus shifts to controlling the disease, relieving symptoms like pain and shortness of breath, and ensuring a comfortable and dignified life.
- Respiratory System Cancer: While a respiratory cancer diagnosis can be concerning, modern medicine offers various treatment options tailored to the individual's needs and health condition, allowing many seniors to manage their symptoms and enjoy life's activities.
- Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders: If you or a loved one experiences pauses in breathing during sleep, or loud snoring, it could be a breathing-related sleep disorder; thankfully, these conditions are often treatable with strategies that can improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue, thereby enhancing independence.
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 Garver 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 is a simple blood test that helps doctors understand how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide.
- Breath Testing: A non-invasive breath test can be a key part of managing your COPD or asthma, monitoring the effectiveness of your medication and adjusting your care as needed.
- Bronchoprovocation Test: As part of your comprehensive respiratory health assessment, this test assists in diagnosing conditions like asthma and helps your doctor plan your ongoing care.
- Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the lungs to help doctors see and diagnose lung problems, ensuring the best possible treatment plan for seniors.
- Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy helps improve the accuracy and precision of lung biopsies, leading to better diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for seniors with lung disease.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): To ensure a good night's rest and prevent health complications, CPAP is a valuable treatment option for seniors experiencing sleep apnea.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: This program provides tailored exercises and education to help seniors manage their lung disease and become more independent.
- Respiratory Management: A comprehensive respiratory management plan ensures seniors receive the right care, including medication and therapy, to manage their breathing problems.
- Sleep Study: If you experience snoring, daytime sleepiness, or other sleep disturbances, a sleep study can help determine if a breathing disorder is the cause.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling helps seniors quit smoking, reducing their risk of lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer.
- Thoracentesis: To help determine the reason for shortness of breath, doctors may perform a thoracentesis, a procedure to remove fluid from the lung lining for analysis, supporting a tailored care plan for seniors.
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 Pulmonology in Florida.
Dr. Robert Garver 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 their interstitial lung disease, a senior couple felt more secure in their home, and could enjoy their favorite pastime of taking daily walks in the park without shortness of breath.
- With the guidance of a pulmonologist, a senior couple found relief from persistent coughing and shortness of breath, enabling them to enjoy their usual evening walks in the park again.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Critical Care Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary Disease)
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, 2005-2012
Here are answers to some common questions about Pulmonary care with Dr. Robert Garver:
- What is a Pulmonologist?
- A pulmonologist is a doctor specializing in lung and respiratory conditions. They are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions like COPD and asthma, as well as infections like pneumonia and sleep-related breathing problems, improving overall health and well-being in seniors.
- I have a cough that won't go away. When should I see a pulmonologist?
- If your cough lasts more than a few weeks, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, or mucus, it's important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garver. He can perform tests to identify the cause, which could range from asthma to more serious conditions, and create a personalized treatment plan.
- I'm a former smoker. Am I still at risk for lung problems?
- We understand your history as a former smoker. Quitting smoking was the best decision you could have made for your health. While your risk decreases after quitting, a history of smoking remains a significant factor in conditions like COPD and lung cancer. Regular check-ups and, for eligible individuals, low-dose CT screening for lung cancer are important preventive steps.
- What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that includes exercise training, health education, and breathing techniques. It's a vital part of care for chronic lung diseases, helping improve breathing, increase stamina, and enhance overall quality of life.
- How is asthma different in older adults?
- Asthma can develop at any age and sometimes goes unrecognized in older adults, presenting as simply shortness of breath. Managing asthma in seniors requires careful consideration of other health conditions and medications. Dr. Garver specializes in creating safe and effective asthma action plans for seniors.
- My partner snores loudly and often seems to stop breathing in their sleep. Should we be concerned?
- Yes, these are classic signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It's crucial to get this evaluated. Dr. Garver can arrange a sleep study to diagnose the issue and effective treatments, like CPAP therapy, are available.
- What is a bronchoscopy?
- A bronchoscopy is a procedure where Dr. Garver uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly into the airways of your lungs. It's used to investigate issues like a persistent cough or unusual chest X-ray results, and can also collect small tissue samples (biopsies). The procedure is performed with sedation to ensure your comfort.
- Should I get the pneumonia vaccine?
- Absolutely. Pneumonia can be a very serious, even life-threatening, illness for older adults. The pneumonia vaccines (like PCV20 or PCV15 and PPSV23) are highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and complications. Please discuss your specific vaccination status with your primary care doctor or Dr. Garver.
5151 N 9th Ave
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (888) 681-5864
Dr. Robert Garver, 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): 1639113707
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. Pulmonology like Dr. Robert Garver 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.