Dr. Stephen Zellner, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices in accordance with 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. Please call (239) 936-1343 to confirm if Dr. Zellner is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Stephen Zellner, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1967 and is affiliated with Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1967. Dr. Zellner provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Stephen Zellner is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Zellner is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He expertly coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your unique needs and goals, working closely with you and your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and independence as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Zellner can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Care HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Select HMO (HMO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Zellner 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:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting the bladder or kidneys that can lead to painful urination and discomfort. With the right medication prescribed by your doctor, you can effectively manage a UTI and continue enjoying your daily life.
- Overweight: Having extra weight can sometimes make managing other health conditions more difficult. A tailored weight management plan, including diet adjustments and increased activity, can help control your weight and improve the management of these other health concerns.
- Acute Bronchitis: Characterized by a cough, sometimes accompanied by fever or shortness of breath, acute bronchitis is a temporary condition that typically improves with home care strategies and possibly medication prescribed by your doctor, enabling you to feel better and participate in everyday life.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Excess fluid buildup leads to swollen limbs, which can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to walk or do other things, however, proper medical care can alleviate this discomfort and help you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Esophagitis: If you're struggling with painful swallowing or persistent heartburn, it could be esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus that can be effectively treated with medication and simple lifestyle modifications to improve your eating and overall well-being.
- 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.
- Hypertension: Hypertension, often called high blood pressure, is a condition where your blood pressure is consistently too high, but regular checkups and the right medications can help keep it under control and prevent serious health problems.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and stiffness, often making everyday activities more challenging, but with proper management, you can maintain your mobility and independence.
- Back Pain: Don't let back pain limit you. Your doctor can help you find ways to manage your pain, improve your posture, and regain your strength and flexibility.
- Hives: If you experience hives, it's important to identify and avoid triggers if possible; however, treatment options are readily available to effectively manage symptoms and minimize disruption to your daily activities and social interactions.
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH): An enlarged prostate, common in older men, can make urination difficult, but treatment options like medication or surgery can significantly improve bladder control and comfort.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and 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. Stephen Zellner offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management helps seniors with multiple health problems develop a personalized plan to better manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
- Tilt Table Testing: Tilt table testing can help determine if changes in blood pressure are causing your lightheadedness, guiding your doctor to create a more effective care strategy.
- Detoxification: As part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment, detoxification procedures can help manage symptoms from drug or alcohol abuse and improve your overall well-being.
- Skin Biopsy: To better understand and manage a concerning skin issue, a skin biopsy allows your doctor to examine the skin cells under a microscope.
- Exercise Counseling: Through exercise counseling, seniors learn how physical activity can improve their mood, sleep, and energy levels, contributing to better overall well-being and mental health.
- Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: This screening helps diagnose hearing problems in babies, paving the way for early intervention services that can significantly improve communication development and quality of life as they age.
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 Zellner 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 receiving guidance on managing her urinary tract infection, a senior felt significantly less discomfort and was able to return to her favorite hobby of playing cards with friends.
- Feeling more energetic and confident, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly ballroom dancing class, a cherished social activity. The tailored weight management plan, including dietary adjustments and increased activity, helped improve their overall health and well-being.
- With the guidance of a trusted medical professional, a senior citizen quickly recovered from acute bronchitis, regaining their ability to enjoy leisurely walks with their 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. Stephen Zellner:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Zellner's practice specializes in internal medicine, meaning he's a primary care doctor who focuses exclusively on adult health. This makes him uniquely qualified to address the diverse and often complex health concerns that can arise as people age. He's skilled in managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists as needed.
- Does Dr. Stephen Zellner have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Zellner and other internists are specifically trained in adult medicine and have extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. They are highly knowledgeable about the conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Zellner's practice believes in a team approach and welcomes the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is valuable for ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Stephen Zellner?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Zellner, 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 does Dr. Stephen Zellner help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Zellner's approach to managing blood pressure involves regular monitoring, personalized lifestyle counseling (including diet and exercise recommendations), and creating a tailored plan to help patients achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Zellner coordinates care by referring patients to specialists, sharing all relevant medical information, and then synthesizing the recommendations into a comprehensive treatment plan. This ensures a unified approach to your care.
13813 Metro Pkwy
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 936-1343
Dr. Stephen Zellner, 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): 1548231236
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 Zellner 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.