Dr. Stephanie Benedict, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the unique health needs of adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. Please call (863) 284-5941 to confirm if Dr. Benedict is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Stephanie Benedict, MD is a family medicine physician in Lakeland, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a dedicated approach to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University in 1997 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Benedict is deeply invested in the well-being of her patients. She strives to provide exceptional care, understanding the complexities of aging and the importance of personalized approaches. She is committed to working alongside her patients to develop comprehensive health plans that address their specific needs. Dr. Stephanie Benedict provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Stephanie Benedict is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Benedict is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition through the senior years. Her approach centers on understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering collaboration with families to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephanie Benedict can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Choice Large Group POS
- Small Group Elect HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephanie Benedict 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:
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow, which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication to improve heart health and overall well-being.
- Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): Muscle tears, sprains, and strains can cause significant pain and limit your ability to move freely, but with appropriate treatment such as rest, ice, and possibly physical therapy, you can reduce pain and get back to enjoying your daily activities.
- Iodine Deficiency: Simple blood tests can reveal iodine deficiency, a treatable condition that, when corrected, can improve your overall well-being and prevent further health complications.
- Postnasal Drip: If you're experiencing a persistent cough or throat irritation from mucus dripping down the back of your throat, it could be postnasal drip. Your doctor can help you find the best treatment option for relief and improved quality of life.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Neurogenic bladder occurs when nerve signals between your brain and bladder are disrupted, resulting in difficulties with bladder control. Fortunately, strategies including medication, catheters, or regular toileting schedules can help manage this and improve your daily life.
- Tonsillitis: A sore throat and difficulty swallowing might indicate tonsillitis, a treatable condition that, with appropriate medical attention, can be resolved to prevent further discomfort and ensure you continue enjoying your favorite meals and social engagements.
- Laryngitis: If you're experiencing laryngitis, which is swelling in your voice box, remember that plenty of rest and fluids can significantly help your voice recover.
- Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, known as hyperlipidemia, means you have too much fat in your blood, increasing the chances of heart problems. Working with your doctor on a plan of healthy eating and possibly medication can significantly lower those risks and help you enjoy a longer, healthier life.
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Experiencing pain in your anal or rectal area? Don't suffer in silence; talk to your doctor to find relief and get back to your normal activities.
- Excessive Sweating: Excessive sweating can impact your daily activities and social life. Fortunately, there are several ways to address this, making it easier to participate in the activities you enjoy and maintain your sense of normalcy.
- Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a bone thinning condition that often precedes osteoporosis; it's manageable through lifestyle changes and medication, helping you stay active and enjoy life.
- Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, a common but treatable problem that can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or other therapies to improve comfort and maintain 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. Stephanie Benedict offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Mammography: Mammography is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breasts that helps detect breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: To help manage your risk of falls and broken bones, a DEXA scan measures how strong your bones are and can guide your doctor in creating a personalized prevention plan.
- Arrhythmia Screening: Regular arrhythmia screenings are a key component of ongoing heart health monitoring, enabling your doctor to adjust your care and prevent future problems.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: Through a thorough psychiatric evaluation, your doctor can assess your mental state, identify potential risks, and develop strategies for maintaining mental wellness.
- Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test helps rule out pregnancy in women experiencing unexpected symptoms, guiding towards alternative diagnoses and appropriate treatment within their care plan.
- Dipstick Urinalysis: By quickly analyzing your urine sample, the dipstick urinalysis helps your physician identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, leading to improved health outcomes and better management of your care.
- Syphilis Screening: To support your long-term health, your doctor may recommend syphilis screening as a preventative measure to detect and address this infection early in its progression.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings help your doctor to monitor your health and create a personalized plan to manage potential risks and promote long-term well-being.
- Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This screening process aids in differentiating between dementia and depression, enabling targeted treatment approaches and effective care coordination.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration helps healthcare providers track your vaccination status and ensure you're protected against common illnesses.
- Impairment Rating Evaluation: This assessment helps determine the level of assistance needed for activities of daily living, ultimately improving the quality of life for aging individuals and their families.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Stephanie Benedict 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 lifestyle adjustments and medication, a senior couple found renewed energy and confidence in their daily activities, enjoying walks in the park and spending time with their grandchildren, free from the debilitating symptoms of atherosclerosis.
- Following a treatment plan that included rest and physical therapy, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening without pain, significantly improving their quality of life.
- Following a simple blood test, a senior realized they had an iodine deficiency. With appropriate treatment, the patient experienced a noticeable reduction in fatigue and felt more energetic, allowing them to enjoy their favorite hobbies more fully.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Stephanie Benedict:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Benedict and our practice are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because we often follow patients through their entire lives. This gives us a deep understanding of their health history and allows us to be trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of their care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Benedict, we'll review your medications, perform a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual needs. This is a great opportunity to partner with us on achieving your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Benedict, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs. Be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best support for your health.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Benedict works with patients to create a personalized management plan that coordinates care for multiple chronic conditions. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to help prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a central resource for your health needs.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Benedict's practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Benedict and our staff can often perform minor skin procedures like removing skin tags or suspicious moles in the office. We can also freeze pre-cancerous spots, making these important procedures convenient for you.
- How does Dr. Stephanie Benedict approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Benedict understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being in seniors. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, conducts initial assessments, manages medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.
4710 S Florida Ave
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 284-5941
Dr. Stephanie Benedict, 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): 1790724029
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Stephanie Benedict 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.