Dr. Sara Rhodes, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Winter Park, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to being a trusted partner in your health journey. 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. Please call (407) 679-3400 to confirm if Dr. Rhodes is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Sara Rhodes, MD is an internist in Winter Park, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1989. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Orlando and Tampa General Hospital, ensuring access to comprehensive and coordinated care. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Sara Rhodes provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Sara Rhodes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Sara Rhodes is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions with empathy and expertise, and prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals. Her approach ensures a smooth and supportive experience, helping you thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Sara Rhodes can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Sara Rhodes 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:
- Histoplasmosis: If you've been exposed to bird or bat droppings and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you might have histoplasmosis, a treatable fungal infection.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas-bloat syndrome is a common digestive issue causing uncomfortable bloating and gas, often managed with simple dietary changes and over-the-counter remedies to improve daily comfort.
- Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? It's a signal that something may need attention, and through proper medical care and lifestyle changes, you can regain your breath and energy.
- Gastritis: If you're struggling with stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion, it could be gastritis; thankfully, treatment plans involving medication and lifestyle modifications help reduce these symptoms and support your overall well-being.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This skin condition, seborrheic dermatitis, presents as redness and scaling, and while it can be bothersome, it's usually treatable with over-the-counter or prescription medications to help maintain your quality of life.
- Ganglion Cyst: Sometimes, a fluid-filled swelling, called a ganglion cyst, forms near a joint, mostly on the hands or wrists, and might feel tender or interfere with movement; with appropriate medical management, such as aspiration or surgery, you can regain full use of your hands.
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis, characterized by inflamed pouches in your intestines, might cause abdominal pain, but effective treatments and preventive strategies, including dietary adjustments, will help reduce discomfort and maintain your health.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Dysuria, or painful urination, is often easily managed with medication or lifestyle changes prescribed by your doctor, making it less disruptive to your daily routine.
- Heartburn: That burning feeling in your chest, often called heartburn, is a common problem that can be controlled with simple adjustments to your diet and possibly some medication, allowing you to enjoy your meals and activities more comfortably.
- Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: Treatment for leg cramps can include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or addressing vitamin deficiencies to reduce nighttime pain and improve your quality of life.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD involves ongoing damage to your lungs, making it difficult to take deep breaths, but medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your breathing and quality of life.
- Cold Sore: Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful blisters that typically appear on or around the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus, and often managed with over-the-counter antiviral creams to shorten their duration and lessen discomfort.
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. Sara Rhodes 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.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Evaluation for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery: This process helps doctors decide if precise brain surgery could offer a better solution for your chronic neurological problem than other treatments.
- Fall Prevention and Safety Program: A fall prevention program helps identify and reduce risks of falling, improving safety and independence for seniors.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Cardiovascular diagnostic tests are a valuable tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your current heart health treatment plan, allowing for adjustments to optimize your outcomes.
- EMG (Electromyography): To improve your overall health, an EMG can be a crucial tool in identifying the underlying cause of muscle problems affecting your daily life, facilitating a more effective care plan.
- Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: As part of your overall health plan, a colonoscopy with polypectomy helps detect and prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
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. Sara Rhodes 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:
- After treatment for histoplasmosis, a senior couple rediscovered their love of birdwatching, enjoying the outdoors with renewed energy and confidence.
- Following a consultation and dietary guidance, a senior couple found much-needed relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of gas-bloat syndrome, allowing them to enjoy evening walks together again.
- After several months of struggling with shortness of breath, a senior felt a significant improvement in their quality of life, allowing them to once again enjoy walks in the park with their grandchildren.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Sara Rhodes:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Rhodes and her team are internists, which means they are primary care doctors specializing in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise as we age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists, if needed.
- Does Dr. Sara Rhodes have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Rhodes is an internist, specifically trained to care for adults. She has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults, including conditions common in later life. You can be confident in her expertise.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Rhodes 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. Sara Rhodes?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Rhodes, 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 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 your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Rhodes' practice is designed to be a central hub for your care, coordinating with specialists to create a unified care plan. We carefully manage medications to avoid conflicts and ensure all treatments work together. This collaborative approach simplifies your healthcare and improves your overall well-being.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Rhodes and our team understand that memory concerns can be worrisome. We provide a supportive environment to discuss these worries, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to specialists if further evaluation is needed.
5554 Lake Howell Rd
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 679-3400
Dr. Sara Rhodes, 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): 1780650242
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. Sara Rhodes 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.