Dr. Robert Skotnicki, DO is a Cardiology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive cardiovascular care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Lady Lake, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General cardiologists provide expert diagnosis and management of complex heart conditions common in older adults, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, personalized care. He is specifically focused on serving the needs of individuals 65 years and older, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (352) 674-8700 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Robert Skotnicki, DO is a cardiologist in Lady Lake, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Waterman and FF Thompson Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Skotnicki's commitment to senior health stems from his rigorous medical training. He completed an internship at Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine (graduated 1981) and then pursued residency training in Cardiology at the John F Kennedy Center (graduated 1983), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of those 65 and older. He further specialized with fellowship training at Deborah Heart/Lung Center (graduated 1985), enhancing his expertise in this crucial area of patient care. He is Board Certified in Cardiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Skotnicki 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. Skotnicki provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Skotnicki is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Skotnicki is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive cardiovascular care. He works collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure personalized management of complex heart conditions common in older adults, always prioritizing the patient's unique needs and goals, and fostering a supportive environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Skotnicki can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Humana
Medical Mutual of Ohio
WellPoint
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Skotnicki 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:
- Subacute Endocarditis: Subacute endocarditis is a gradual infection of the heart valves, typically managed with long-term antibiotic therapy to improve heart function and reduce the risk of further damage.
- Mitral Valve Stenosis: Mitral valve stenosis is a condition affecting the heart's mitral valve, making it difficult for blood to flow freely. This may cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness, but treatments, including medication and sometimes surgery, can help manage the condition and improve your comfort and independence.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects are heart problems that are present from birth, and while they can impact people at any age, understanding and managing them is key to maintaining a fulfilling life.
- Hypertension: If you have hypertension, your blood pressure is consistently elevated, putting extra strain on your heart and blood vessels; however, following your doctor's treatment plan, including medication and dietary adjustments, can reduce your risk of serious health problems and help you enjoy a better quality of life.
- Lipid Disorders: Managing lipid disorders involves monitoring your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and making lifestyle changes, like healthy eating and exercise, to reduce your risk of heart problems and ensure greater independence.
- Venous Hypertension: Experiencing swollen legs or ankles? This could be a sign of venous hypertension, a condition where the veins struggle to return blood to the heart. Simple strategies like raising your legs and wearing compression socks, often guided by your healthcare provider, can offer significant relief.
- Nonrheumatic Tricuspid Disease: A problem with the tricuspid valve in your heart, not related to rheumatic fever, might lead to fluid buildup or fatigue. Thankfully, many treatments such as medication or surgery, are available to help you live a fuller life.
- Third Degree Heart Block: This condition, called third-degree heart block, means your heart's natural pacemaker isn't working properly, causing slow heartbeats; a pacemaker can effectively restore a steady rhythm, preventing dizziness and fainting.
- Septal Defect: Depending on its size and location, a septal defect might not require treatment, but if it causes noticeable symptoms, such as dizziness or chest pain, medical intervention can often alleviate them and improve your overall well-being.
- Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: If you have chronic congestive heart failure, your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it used to, which can cause tiredness and fluid buildup, but with the right treatment plan from your doctor, you can manage these symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
- Acute Congestive Heart Failure: When your heart weakens and struggles to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to back up in your body, it's called acute congestive heart failure; however, treatment like medication and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your heart's function and your overall well-being.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain can be a symptom of various heart conditions, and timely medical evaluation and treatment can help manage these conditions, allowing you to live a full and active 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 Skotnicki offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This test uses medication and imaging to check for narrowed heart arteries, helping your healthcare team develop a plan to manage your heart health effectively.
- Treadmill Stress Test: This non-invasive procedure helps your doctor evaluate your risk of heart disease and develop a personalized plan to improve your overall cardiovascular health.
- Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: By using medication to simulate exercise and imaging your heart, a pharmacologic nuclear stress test aids in diagnosing coronary artery disease and guiding your doctor's decisions on next steps.
- Arrhythmia Screening: This screening checks for abnormal heart rhythms, which can contribute to heart disease, stroke, and other complications, enabling you to take proactive steps to manage your health.
- Cardioversion: Cardioversion helps diagnose and treat dangerous heart rhythm problems, offering a vital intervention for seniors to avoid serious complications.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: A comprehensive cardiovascular diagnostic assessment allows for proactive management of existing heart conditions and helps prevent future complications, leading to a better quality of life.
- Nuclear Stress Testing: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of your heart, helping your doctor diagnose potential blockages in your arteries.
- Coronary Angiogram: A coronary angiogram is a specialized test that shows the flow of blood through your heart's arteries, assisting your doctor in creating a personalized care plan to manage your heart health and prevent future complications.
- Tilt Table Testing: Tilt table testing helps doctors understand if changes in your blood pressure when standing contribute to dizziness or fainting spells.
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: As part of a comprehensive cardiac assessment, this imaging test provides valuable information to help your doctor create a personalized plan for preventing future heart problems.
- Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging uses advanced technology like ultrasound or X-rays to create detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels, helping your doctor assess your heart health and guide your treatment plan.
- HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware Online Risk Screening is a quick and easy online tool to help assess your risk of developing heart problems, allowing you to take proactive steps towards better heart 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 Cardiology in Florida.
Dr. Robert Skotnicki 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 chest discomfort, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of knitting with renewed energy.
- With careful medical guidance, a senior couple found relief from the shortness of breath and fatigue associated with mitral valve stenosis, enabling them to enjoy a relaxing evening walk together without discomfort.
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 Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Cardiovascular care with Dr. Robert Skotnicki:
- What is a Cardiologist, and why might a senior need to see one?
- Dr. Skotnicki and his practice specialize in heart and blood vessel health. A cardiologist partners with you to manage your heart health as you age, especially if you have existing heart conditions, new symptoms, or risk factors. Seeing a cardiologist is crucial for maintaining your independence and quality of life.
- What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Robert Skotnicki?
- Your first visit with Dr. Skotnicki will be a comprehensive and unhurried conversation about your heart health. We'll review your medical history and medications, perform a physical exam, and obtain an EKG. This is the first step in creating a personalized care plan that respects your goals.
- What are the most important heart health tips for seniors?
- Dr. Skotnicki and his team encourage seniors to prioritize regular, gentle exercise, like walking; take medications as prescribed; maintain a heart-healthy diet; and recognize early warning signs of heart problems. By actively participating in their care, seniors can significantly improve their heart health and well-being.
- What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common irregular heartbeat that often affects older adults. It's highly manageable, and treatment primarily focuses on preventing stroke with blood thinners and controlling symptoms with other medications.
- What is a cardiac stress test, and is it safe for seniors?
- A cardiac stress test shows how your heart responds to activity. It's a safe procedure done on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. A supervised stress test can help identify potential blockages that could cause problems.
- How can cardiac rehabilitation help me after a heart procedure?
- Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program designed to help you safely regain strength and confidence after a heart procedure. It provides education on diet, exercise, and stress management, empowering you to build a healthier future and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
- What is 'structural heart disease'?
- Structural heart disease is a problem with the heart's walls, chambers, or valves, such as aortic stenosis. Fortunately, many minimally invasive treatment options, like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), are available for seniors.
- How do you treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in older adults?
- Dr. Skotnicki's practice focuses on safely managing high blood pressure in older adults, prioritizing protection of vital organs and reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack. A careful approach combines lifestyle recommendations with medication when needed to maintain long-term health and function.
1400 N US Highway 441 Ste 810
Lady Lake FL 32159
Phone: (352) 674-8700
Dr. Robert Skotnicki, 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): 1215930334
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. Cardiology like Dr. Robert Skotnicki 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.