Dr. Roderick Santa Maria, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his Boca Raton, FL clinic. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. Maria is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (561) 338-0737 to schedule an appointment.
With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Maria brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Born in Buffalo, NY, he earned his medical degree from New York University Grossman School Of Medicine in 1979, followed by an internship at Case Wes Res University Hospital (graduated 1980). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He ultimately moved to Florida for the weather and has maintained a solo practice at Boca Raton Regional Hospital for nearly 40 years. Dr. Maria's approach to care is centered on collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Roderick Maria is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Maria is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being, focusing on maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal needs and goals, fostering collaboration with family members to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Roderick Maria can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Roderick Maria 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:
- Fever: If you or a loved one has a fever, understanding the cause is vital for appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent serious problems and preserve your quality of life.
- Radiculopathy: When a nerve root in your spine is squeezed or inflamed, it's called radiculopathy, resulting in symptoms like pain, tingling, or weakness, and appropriate medical attention can help alleviate those issues and restore comfort.
- Pneumonia: If you have pneumonia, it means your lungs are inflamed due to an infection, potentially impacting your breathing; however, medical care, including medication and supportive therapies, helps manage symptoms and get you back on your feet.
- Gastroparesis: Experiencing persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain? Gastroparesis might be the cause, but it's manageable with adjustments to your diet, medication, and sometimes even strategies to improve your overall well-being.
- Wheezing: Wheezing indicates a problem with airflow in your lungs; however, with your doctor's care, you can receive treatment to reduce or eliminate the wheezing and maintain your daily routines.
- Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure can be managed through careful monitoring and lifestyle changes, including diet and fluid intake, helping you feel stronger and more energetic.
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: An acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a sudden infection affecting the lungs, like bronchitis or pneumonia, often causing cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort, but with prompt treatment, you can regain comfort and improve breathing.
- Hyperkalemia: If you have hyperkalemia, your doctor can work with you to adjust your medications and diet to bring your potassium levels to a safe range, ensuring your heart remains strong.
- Indigestion: If you're struggling with indigestion, know that it's a very common problem, and help is available. Working with your doctor to identify the cause and find the right approach can ensure that you feel better and can continue doing the things you love.
- Overweight: Being overweight means carrying more body fat than is considered healthy, which can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, but with a healthy diet and exercise plan, you can often manage your weight and improve your overall well-being.
- Dizziness: If you're feeling dizzy, it's crucial to consult your doctor to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized plan for managing your symptoms and preventing falls.
- Fever-Induced Seizure: While rare in older adults, a fever-induced seizure signifies an underlying infection that needs medical attention. Prompt treatment of the infection will usually prevent further seizures and improve overall health.
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. Roderick Maria offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Draining an abscess or fluid collection helps clear infections and reduce discomfort, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you actively participate in shaping your healthcare decisions and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service ensures a smooth care journey for seniors undergoing complex procedures, coordinating appointments and follow-up care for optimal recovery.
- 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): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that uses small sensors placed on your chest to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping your doctor assess your heart health and manage any potential problems.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your regular checkups, a fecal occult blood test helps your doctor assess your risk of colorectal cancer and develop a personalized prevention plan.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
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. Roderick Maria 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 fever effectively managed, a senior couple felt more secure at home, enjoying evening walks and spending time with their grandchildren without worrying about a worsening illness.
- After struggling with debilitating radiculopathy pain, a senior couple found relief through a tailored treatment plan, enabling them to resume their weekly walks in the park and enjoy their retirement more fully.
- With the guidance of a caring medical professional, a senior was able to manage their pneumonia symptoms, returning to their beloved knitting circle and enjoying the comfort of their home.
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. Roderick Maria:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- An internist is a primary care doctor who specializes in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with aging, such as managing chronic diseases and coordinating care with other specialists. Dr. Maria is uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for adults.
- Does Dr. Roderick Maria have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Maria is an internist, meaning she has specialized training in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. She is experienced in managing 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. Maria and our practice 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 very valuable in ensuring clear communication and support for the best possible care plan.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Roderick Maria?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Maria, 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 prescription 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 does Dr. Roderick Maria approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Maria's approach to type 2 diabetes management is comprehensive, focusing on medication management tailored to individual needs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling. This includes personalized dietary recommendations, exercise plans, and detailed foot care instructions to empower patients in effectively managing their condition.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In our office, we can perform common diagnostic tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage any conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
801 Meadows Rd
Boca Raton FL 33486
Phone: (561) 338-0737
Dr. Roderick Santa Maria, 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): 1326097346
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. Roderick Maria 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.