Dr. Shailaja Hegde, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. She practices at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and is registered with 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. While Dr. Hegde is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (239) 424-1600 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Shailaja Hegde, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL, affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. She completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, culminating in a residency in Internal Medicine at Ny Methodist Hospital (graduated 2001). Dr. Hegde is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is committed to providing the best possible care for her patients and is dedicated to helping them navigate the complexities of aging health. Dr. Hegde provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Shailaja Hegde is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hegde is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you can thrive as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a customized care plan to maximize comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Shailaja Hegde can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- National POS (POS)
- Open Access Plus
- Seamless HMO (HMO)
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Shailaja Hegde 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:
- Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms can be quite uncomfortable, causing sudden, sharp pain, but with your doctor's guidance on stretches, medication, and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage them and continue enjoying your activities.
- Swine Flu: Swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), is a respiratory infection that can cause fever, cough, and body aches, but with prompt medical attention and rest, it can be effectively managed to minimize discomfort and allow you to recover quickly.
- Polyuria: If you're noticing you need to urinate much more often than usual, it could be polyuria. Working with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying reason and find the right treatment can make a big difference.
- Sciatica: If you're experiencing sciatica, the sharp pain in your leg and buttock, know that it's often treatable. Your doctor can develop a plan involving exercise, medication, or other therapies to improve your comfort 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.
- Insomnia: For older adults, restful sleep is essential for maintaining independence and a high quality of life. If insomnia is affecting your ability to function, know that there are many safe and effective treatments available to help you get the sleep you need.
- Anal or Rectal Pain: If you or a loved one is struggling with anal or rectal pain, know that there are effective treatment options to help manage the pain and improve comfort levels, enabling a higher quality of life.
- Depressive Disorders: Feeling persistently down or hopeless is a sign that depression might be affecting you, but effective treatments like medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both are available to help manage symptoms and improve your daily functioning.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces in your head, often causing facial pain, pressure, and congestion, which can be treated with over-the-counter medications or a doctor's prescription to improve breathing and overall comfort.
- Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramps, though sometimes worrying, are frequently manageable through lifestyle adjustments and, if needed, medication. This can ensure your continued comfort and mobility.
- Menstrual Migraine: If you experience debilitating headaches linked to your monthly cycle, you may have menstrual migraine. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help lessen the severity and frequency of these headaches, allowing you to live more comfortably.
- Coccygeal Pain: Discomfort in your tailbone area, known as coccygeal pain, can often be managed with simple strategies like posture adjustments, warm compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers, improving your daily comfort and independence.
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. Shailaja Hegde offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Cardiac Imaging: Cardiac imaging is a valuable tool that helps doctors diagnose heart problems, such as blockages in arteries, allowing for prompt treatment and improved outcomes.
- Urinalysis: As part of your regular check-up, a urinalysis provides valuable information about your kidney function and helps your doctor monitor your health over time.
- Vaccination: Vaccinations help safeguard seniors against preventable diseases, empowering them to live healthier, more active lives and reducing their healthcare burden.
- Allergy Shots: If you experience frequent allergy symptoms, allergy shots offer a long-term approach to manage your allergies, potentially reducing your reliance on other medications.
- Cardiac Ultrasound: Cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive way to detect heart problems early, enabling your healthcare team to create a personalized plan for preventing future complications.
- Diabetes Counseling: With diabetes counseling, you'll work with a healthcare professional to set realistic goals and track your progress in managing your diabetes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy abnormal tissue, helping manage certain heart rhythm problems and reducing the need for more extensive treatments.
- Immunization: Immunizations are a simple yet effective way to boost your immune system, reducing the severity and frequency of common infections often seen in older adults.
- Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: As part of your ongoing heart health monitoring, a cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging test provides valuable insights into the health of your heart muscle, allowing for early detection of potential issues.
- Joint Injection: As part of a comprehensive care plan for managing osteoarthritis, a joint injection can offer targeted pain relief and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
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. Shailaja Hegde 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:
- Grandma found relief from the painful muscle spasms, allowing her to return to knitting, a cherished hobby she'd been unable to enjoy for months. Her family felt immense gratitude for the support in managing her condition and regaining her quality of life.
- With effective medical guidance, a senior citizen quickly recovered from the swine flu, regaining their energy and enjoying their usual evening walks with their beloved pet dog.
- With the guidance of a healthcare provider, a senior felt much less anxious about frequent trips to the bathroom and could enjoy evening strolls with her grandchildren without worry.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Shailaja Hegde:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Hegde and her team are internists, a type of primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists. They provide comprehensive care for adults, ensuring patients receive the best possible medical attention.
- Does Dr. Shailaja Hegde have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Hegde's practice specializes in adult medicine, and she has extensive experience in the unique health concerns of older adults. She is knowledgeable about conditions common in later life, and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Hegde'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 in ensuring clear communication and comprehensive support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Shailaja Hegde?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Hegde, 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?
- 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.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Hegde and our team understand that memory concerns can be worrisome. We provide a supportive environment to discuss these concerns, offer initial cognitive screenings, and coordinate referrals to specialists if needed.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Hegde's approach to chronic pain, like arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate medications, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
9131 College Pointe Ct
Fort Myers FL 33919
Phone: (239) 424-1600
Dr. Shailaja Hegde, 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): 1841281722
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. Shailaja Hegde 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.