Dr. Sumathi Raja, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Melbourne, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Internal Medicine care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs.
Dr. Sumathi Raja, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL. She is affiliated with Holmes Regional Medical Center. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Raja earned her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed an internship at University of Miami- Palm Beach Regional Campus, gaining foundational clinical experience. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Raja is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (321) 434-1771 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Sumathi Raja is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Raja is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to ensure comfort and continued thriving as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Sumathi Raja can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Carelink HMO (HMO)
- Coventry Health Care
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Sumathi Raja 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:
- Proteinuria: Finding protein in your urine might suggest kidney damage, but many things can cause this, and managing it can help protect your kidney health.
- Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders: Phosphorus metabolism disorders involve imbalances in the body's phosphorus levels, which can be managed through diet adjustments, medication, and careful monitoring to improve overall health and well-being.
- Migraine: Migraines can cause intense head pain and other symptoms like vomiting and dizziness, impacting daily activities, but treatment options, such as medication and relaxation techniques, help many seniors live more comfortably and independently.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is persistent discomfort that lasts for more than three months, significantly impacting daily life and requiring ongoing management to improve comfort and function.
- Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis involves difficulty clearing mucus from the lungs and pancreas, leading to respiratory infections and digestive issues; thankfully, specialized care and therapies help to reduce these problems and enhance well-being.
- Laryngitis: Laryngitis is a temporary inflammation of your voice box, making your voice hoarse or causing you to lose your voice altogether, often improving with rest and home care.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can impact your daily life, but with the help of a healthcare team, you can find ways to manage your symptoms, improving your nutrition and making mealtimes more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Secondary diabetes develops when another medical condition, like pancreatic disease or some medications, interferes with your body's ability to regulate blood sugar, requiring careful management to prevent complications and maintain your well-being.
- Gastroptosis: A dropped stomach, medically termed gastroptosis, might cause some digestive upset, but thankfully, most cases are managed through dietary modifications and regular exercise, leading to improved comfort and well-being.
- Asthma: Asthma makes breathing difficult due to inflamed airways, but with proper medication and a plan from your doctor, you can control your symptoms and stay active.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is a condition where you have too much fat in your blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can keep your heart healthy and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Bronchospasm: If you have bronchospasm, it means your breathing tubes are becoming narrow, causing you to struggle for breath, but a personalized treatment plan can help you breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life.
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. Sumathi Raja 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.
- Breast Exam: By incorporating breast exams into your health routine, you empower yourself to take an active role in managing your well-being and identifying potential problems.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: By detecting microscopic blood in your stool, the fecal occult blood test plays a critical role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer, a common concern for seniors.
- Gynecological Examination: A gynecological exam can help your doctor create a tailored healthcare plan addressing your unique needs and promoting long-term health.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- 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.
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. Sumathi Raja 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 careful monitoring and a personalized treatment plan, a senior couple felt more secure in their home environment, knowing that the proteinuria was being managed effectively to protect their kidney health. They were able to resume their regular walks in the park, a cherished activity they had put aside.
- With careful dietary changes and medication, a senior couple felt more energy and strength, allowing them to enjoy their daily walks and garden activities again. Their family felt a tremendous sense of relief knowing their loved one was thriving.
- With the help of a tailored treatment plan, a senior woman found significant relief from debilitating migraine headaches, enabling her to resume her beloved weekly book club meetings.
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. Sumathi Raja:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Sumathi Raja's practice specializes in internal medicine for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who focus exclusively on adult health, gaining expertise in the many health concerns that commonly arise with aging. They are skilled at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Sumathi Raja have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Sumathi Raja is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the conditions commonly affecting seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Raja and our practice 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. Sumathi Raja?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Raja, 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.
- 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 your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Raja's practice prioritizes medication management for our patients. We conduct regular reviews to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the overall medication plan is safe and effective for each individual.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Dr. Raja's practice prioritizes fall prevention in older adults. We review medications for side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help reduce fall risk.
1350 Hickory St
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 434-1771
Dr. Sumathi Raja, 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): 1073748596
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. Sumathi Raja 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.