Dr. Stephen Shields, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his Clearwater, FL clinic. He is a registered physician with the Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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 includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Shields is currently welcoming new patients; please call (727) 466-6564 to schedule an appointment.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine, Dr. Shields brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1981, followed by residency training at Conemaugh Valley Mem Hospital and St Francis Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of primarily older adults. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Shields's commitment to his patients is evident in his personal life as well; he's been married since 1978, is the father of four and grandfather of eight, and enjoys golf, skiing, drumming, and extensive mission work in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Brazil, Argentina, and Romania. He is fluent in Spanish and offers consultations in this language. His mission statement, "We at Stephen J. Shields, MD., PA., are committed to partnering with our patients to achieve personal wellness through compassionate modern medical care," reflects his dedication to patient-centered care.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Stephen Shields is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Shields is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your independence and comfort, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience as you age. His approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and working collaboratively with you and your family to create a personalized plan for thriving in later life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Shields can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
AARP
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Shields 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:
- Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis are skin growths resulting from years of sun exposure, and while usually not cancerous, they can sometimes develop into skin cancer, so early treatment is important for peace of mind.
- Hypotension: Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can sometimes lead to falls, but working with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment can significantly reduce this risk and improve your overall well-being.
- Hernia: A hernia happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or tissue, often causing a bulge that may be painful or uncomfortable, and treatment can help relieve these symptoms and prevent complications.
- Leg and Foot Ulcers: Developing leg or foot ulcers can be concerning, but they are treatable, and timely medical attention can help prevent complications, reduce pain, and improve your ability to walk and participate in activities you enjoy.
- Influenza (Flu): For older adults, the flu can pose a greater risk of pneumonia and other serious complications, but timely vaccination and medical care can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.
- Dysentery: Dysentery is characterized by painful, frequent bowel movements with blood or mucus, causing discomfort, but treatment with fluids and medication can quickly alleviate symptoms and restore your health.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, but with proper management, you can find relief and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis often involves lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and avoiding late-night eating, helping you feel more comfortable and maintain your daily activities.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA is a brief period of reduced blood supply to the brain, causing temporary neurological symptoms such as confusion or trouble speaking; quick diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimizing the risk of future, more severe events and preserving your quality of life.
- Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Vaginal infections, such as vaginitis and vaginosis, can be uncomfortable, but they are treatable with medication. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will help restore your comfort and prevent complications.
- Throat Pain: While a sore throat often resolves on its own, understanding the underlying cause and obtaining appropriate treatment from your doctor ensures you receive the best care and prevents complications that might reduce your independence.
- Mastodynia: Mastodynia, or breast pain, is a common issue that can affect women of all ages, including older adults, and is often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle changes, improving comfort and daily activities.
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. Stephen Shields offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Vaccination: As part of your regular health check-ups, vaccinations help assess your immunity levels and protect you from potentially dangerous infections.
- Pap Smear: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a Pap smear helps your doctor monitor the health of your cervix and guide decisions about future care.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound helps your doctor visualize various parts of your body, allowing for better informed decisions about managing chronic conditions and creating a personalized care plan.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This process helps you communicate your preferences for medical treatment, ensuring your comfort and dignity are prioritized at the end of life.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling supports you in making informed decisions about your diabetes care, including medication choices and lifestyle changes.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination is a hands-on assessment by your doctor to check your overall health, helping identify any potential health problems early.
- Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing: As part of your comprehensive health assessment, HPV DNA testing helps your doctor identify potential risks and develop a personalized prevention plan for certain cancers.
- Urinalysis: To help manage your overall health, a urinalysis can detect early signs of urinary tract infections, diabetes, or other conditions affecting your urinary system.
- Immunization: Getting vaccinated helps manage your risk of developing preventable diseases, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality of life as you age.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
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. Stephen Shields 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 regular check-ups and treatment, a senior was able to enjoy outdoor activities again without worry, regaining a sense of freedom and security.
- After working closely with their healthcare provider, a senior couple felt significantly more secure at home, no longer worried about potential falls related to low blood pressure. Their improved blood pressure allowed them to resume their favorite hobby of walking in the park with greater confidence.
- After careful medical guidance, a senior felt a significant reduction in the discomfort associated with their hernia, enabling them to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without pain.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Stephen Shields:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Shields's practice specializes in internal medicine, which means he's a primary care doctor who exclusively treats adults. He's an expert in the many health concerns that can affect older adults, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Stephen Shields have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Shields is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. He is well-versed in the conditions frequently encountered in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Shields 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 providing comprehensive support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Stephen Shields?
- 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 have written down.
- 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 do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Shields' approach to chronic pain, like arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate medication, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Shields' office, we can perform common tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist.
1211 Reynolds Ave Ste B
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 466-6564
Dr. Stephen Shields, 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): 1427018506
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. Stephen Shields 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.