Dr. Rubena Smith, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Bradenton, FL. She 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Smith is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (941) 782-8529 to schedule an appointment.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her commitment to senior health stems from a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of aging. She earned her medical degree from University Of Papua New Guinea, Faculty Of Medicine in 1998, completed an internship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1994, and undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center in 2016. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in a belief in the power of attitude, lifestyle, exercise, and nutrition in maintaining health and happiness throughout life. She believes that your health journey begins with you at any age. Dr. Rubena Smith provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rubena Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rubena Smith is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and focuses on creating a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Her compassionate approach emphasizes understanding your individual circumstances and working closely with you and your family to ensure optimal comfort and continued independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rubena Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Blue Select PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rubena Smith 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:
- Limb Pain: Don't let limb pain hold you back – many effective treatment options, such as pain medication, exercises, or assistive devices, can help you manage the discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): If you experience persistent pain and stiffness in your shoulders and hips, it could be PMR, a treatable condition that, with the right medication, can help you stay active and enjoy your daily activities.
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Menopausal and postmenopausal disorders encompass the various physical and emotional changes women experience during and after menopause, often manageable with lifestyle adjustments, hormone therapy, or other treatments to improve comfort and well-being.
- Aspergillosis: Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that can impact the lungs, and effective management involves antifungal medicines and strategies to reduce exposure to the mold, helping you stay active and comfortable.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Swollen limbs can happen when your body holds onto too much fluid, making it harder to move around, but your doctor can help manage this with medication or lifestyle changes to improve your comfort and independence.
- Strep Throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, often causing a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing, but treatable with antibiotics to ease symptoms and prevent complications.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels; maintaining consistent blood sugar levels through regular monitoring and medication adherence can improve your energy and overall well-being.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Acute venous embolism thrombosis is a dangerous blood clot in a vein, typically in the leg, that needs immediate medical attention to prevent it from moving to your lungs and causing further problems; effective treatments help manage symptoms and keep you active.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting the bladder or kidneys that can lead to painful urination and discomfort. With the right medication prescribed by your doctor, you can effectively manage a UTI and continue enjoying your daily life.
- Leukocytopenia: Having too few white blood cells, called leukocytopenia, can make you more vulnerable to infections, but with proper medical care and monitoring, we can help keep you safe and comfortable.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis involves a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your organs. Fortunately, through careful management with your doctor, you can minimize its effects and live a fuller, healthier life.
- Bursitis: Bursitis is a painful condition where the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints become inflamed, making movement difficult but treatable with rest, ice, and sometimes medication to improve comfort and mobility.
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. Rubena Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: For seniors with intricate medical needs, care coordination acts as a central hub, simplifying communication and ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.
- Diabetes Counseling: Through diabetes counseling, you'll learn practical strategies for healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication management to improve your overall well-being.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect changes in the cells of your cervix, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
- 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. Rubena Smith 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 targeted pain management and gentle exercises, a senior couple regained their ability to enjoy evening walks together, fostering a renewed sense of connection and well-being.
- With medication carefully managed by the internal medicine specialist, a senior was able to resume her beloved daily walks, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine without the debilitating pain of PMR.
- With guidance on lifestyle changes and hormone therapy, a woman felt a significant reduction in hot flashes and mood swings, regaining her energy and enjoyment of daily activities. Her family felt a renewed sense of peace knowing she was more comfortable and resilient.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Rubena Smith:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Smith's practice is focused on internal medicine, which means she specializes in the care of adult patients. Internists are primary care doctors who are experts in the many health issues that can occur as we age, including management of chronic diseases and coordination of care. They are uniquely positioned to address the complex health needs of older adults.
- Does Dr. Rubena Smith have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Smith's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific needs of older adults. She has extensive experience managing the health concerns common in later life, and is well-equipped to care for you.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Smith's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Rubena Smith?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Rubena Smith, 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?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- How does Dr. Rubena Smith approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Smith's approach to managing type 2 diabetes is comprehensive, encompassing medication management tailored to individual needs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling focusing on diet, exercise, and foot care. This holistic strategy empowers patients to actively participate in their diabetes care and achieve optimal health outcomes.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Smith and her team are dedicated to preventive care for older adults. We provide essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. We're happy to discuss your specific needs.
4502 Cortez Rd W Ste 200
Bradenton FL 34210
Phone: (941) 782-8529
Dr. Rubena Smith, 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): 1649687567
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. Rubena Smith 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.