Dr. Rush Akin, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Panama City, FL. He 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (850) 769-1462 to schedule an appointment. This physician is accepting telehealth visits. Dr. Akin, with over 50 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Alabama At Birmingham Heersink School Of Medicine in 1974, and completed an internship at Lloyd Noland Hospital. A current and past member of the Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center board of trustees, Dr. Akin served as chief of medicine at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, as well as past president of Bays Medical Society. He also served on the Florida State University Developmental Board Of Directors and Children's Home Society. Committed to the care and improvement of human life, Dr. Akin offers consultations in Persian.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rush Akin is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Akin is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your personal goals and preferences to create a plan that maximizes your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rush Akin can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rush Akin 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:
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: A URI is a temporary infection of your breathing passages above your lungs, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. With proper rest and hydration, you can typically recover without complications and avoid impacting your activities.
- Insomnia: Insomnia can disrupt your daily life, making it hard to concentrate and enjoy your favorite activities, but with a healthcare provider's guidance, you can find solutions tailored to your specific needs for better sleep.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: It's common for older adults to develop a tobacco use disorder, but help is available to quit and reduce the risks to their lungs, heart, and overall health, enhancing their independence and enjoyment of life.
- Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Changes in vaginal health, like vaginitis or vaginosis, are common and often manageable with simple treatments. Your doctor can help identify the cause and recommend the right approach to restore vaginal balance and alleviate any symptoms.
- Impetigo: For older adults, impetigo can be easily managed with simple antibiotic treatments; quick healing from this contagious bacterial skin infection minimizes discomfort and preserves your independence.
- Dermatitis Due to Substances Taken Internally: A skin rash may be a reaction to something you've ingested, a condition known as dermatitis from internal substances; identifying and addressing the source of this reaction with your doctor can significantly improve your skin's health and overall well-being.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Secondary diabetes means something else in your body is causing your blood sugar levels to become too high. Fortunately, managing both the underlying condition and your blood sugar levels can significantly improve your health and prevent serious issues.
- Prostatitis: For men, prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that may lead to urinary issues and pelvic pain. Treatment options are available to reduce symptoms, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable.
- Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, involve changes in hormone levels that can cause symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and decreased energy; managing these symptoms effectively can help maintain independence and improve overall health during this time.
- Sarcoidosis: Think of sarcoidosis as an unusual inflammatory response that can affect multiple organs. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms like joint pain or skin rashes, improving your overall well-being and helping you maintain your daily routine.
- Chronic Prostatitis: Managing chronic prostatitis may involve medications to reduce inflammation and pain, alongside strategies to enhance comfort and maintain independence for older adults.
- Acute Pharyngitis: If you're struggling with a sore throat (acute pharyngitis), it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause—viral or bacterial—so that appropriate treatment can be provided, improving your comfort and overall well-being.
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. Rush Akin offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Removing fluid or pus through incision and drainage can relieve pain and pressure, improving your quality of life and facilitating faster recovery.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Cardiac Ultrasound: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a cardiac ultrasound helps your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of your current heart medications and make necessary adjustments.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- 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.
- 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: Including a Pap smear in your routine checkups empowers you and your doctor to actively manage your long-term health and well-being.
- Physical Examination: Your doctor uses a physical exam to assess your current health and risk factors, guiding decisions about preventive care and lifestyle adjustments.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling is a crucial step in diagnosing and addressing smoking-related illnesses and preventing future health complications in seniors.
- Ultrasound: As part of your comprehensive health assessment, an ultrasound can help identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention and better health outcomes.
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. Rush Akin 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 guidance on rest and hydration, a senior quickly recovered from a bothersome upper respiratory infection, allowing them to return to their beloved book club meetings without disruption.
- After struggling with insomnia, a senior felt renewed energy and was able to return to her beloved book club, fostering connections and joy in her life.
- After successfully addressing her tobacco use disorder, a senior felt more energy and reduced shortness of breath, allowing her to enjoy daily walks with her grandchildren.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Rush Akin:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Akin's practice specializes in internal medicine, meaning he's a primary care doctor who focuses exclusively on adult health. This makes him particularly skilled in managing the diverse health concerns that often accompany aging, including chronic conditions and complex care coordination.
- Does Dr. Rush Akin have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Akin's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the unique health needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Akin and our practice strongly believe 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. Rush Akin?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Akin, 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?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. 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. Rush Akin help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Akin's approach to managing blood pressure involves regular monitoring, personalized lifestyle counseling (including diet and exercise recommendations), and creating a customized plan to help patients achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Akin coordinates care by acting as the team captain. He handles referrals to specialists, shares all your medical information, and synthesizes the recommendations into a single, comprehensive treatment plan.
229 Southwood Dr
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 769-1462
Dr. Rush Akin, 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): 1124015730
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. Rush Akin 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.