Dr. Susan Laenger, MD is a Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Internal Medicine care for older adults at her clinic in Gulf Breeze, FL. 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. Laenger is currently welcoming new patients; please call (850) 932-9251 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Susan Laenger, MD is an internist in Gulf Breeze, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 1992. She is affiliated with medical facilities Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Gulf Breeze Hospital. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of Washington School Of Medicine in 1992. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at University Pittsburgh Medical Center (graduated 1995), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Laenger 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.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Susan Laenger is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Laenger is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions effectively, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, focusing on helping you thrive as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your individual needs and goals, ensuring a supportive and personalized experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Susan Laenger can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- 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 POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Susan Laenger 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:
- Abdominal Pain: Understanding the source of your abdominal pain is key; your doctor can help identify the cause and recommend management strategies, helping you stay comfortable and active.
- 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.
- Throat Pain: Persistent throat pain can impact your ability to eat and swallow, making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. Seeking medical attention can lead to a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, reducing discomfort and helping you stay nourished.
- Swine Flu: Getting vaccinated against the flu, including swine flu strains, is a crucial step in protecting yourself and preventing complications, so you can enjoy your activities and stay active for longer.
- Rosacea: Rosacea is a common skin condition causing redness, bumps, and sometimes pimples, mainly on the face, that can be managed with simple treatments to improve your comfort and confidence.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia can lead to widespread pain and exhaustion, making daily tasks challenging, but a multi-faceted approach, combining medication, exercise, and stress management, can significantly help you maintain your independence and well-being.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas and bloating can significantly impact your well-being, but understanding gas-bloat syndrome and its management—through diet, lifestyle, or medication—can help restore comfort and independence.
- Long COVID Disorder: Long COVID can affect many parts of the body, causing a range of symptoms for a prolonged period after a COVID-19 infection. Working with your doctor to develop a personalized plan can help you live more comfortably.
- Muscle Weakness: Feeling weaker in your muscles? Don't worry, many things can cause this, and your internal medicine doctor can help identify the cause and create a plan to improve your strength and energy levels.
- Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation triggered by contact with an irritant or allergen; treatment focuses on identifying and avoiding the trigger, using creams to heal the skin and prevent painful and disruptive symptoms.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus, that annoying ringing or whistling sound in your ears, can be frustrating, but many strategies exist to help you cope, from sound therapy to relaxation techniques, ultimately supporting better sleep and an enhanced sense of peace.
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): While persistent sadness (dysthymia) or unpredictable mood shifts (cyclothymia) can be challenging, many older adults find relief through a combination of talk therapy and, when needed, medication, enabling them to maintain independence and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
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. Susan Laenger offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: As part of a comprehensive approach to your health, incision and drainage can treat an infection, relieving symptoms and preventing further complications.
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Advance directive end-of-life planning allows you to make informed choices about your medical care, even if you can no longer communicate them yourself.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: For seniors with intricate medical needs, care coordination acts as a central hub, simplifying communication and ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.
- Diabetes Counseling: Through diabetes counseling, you'll learn practical strategies for healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication management to improve your overall well-being.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a vital tool in monitoring the effectiveness of your heart medication and adjusting your treatment plan as needed, optimizing your heart health and overall quality of life.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
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. Susan Laenger 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:
- A senior couple found relief from persistent abdominal pain, allowing them to enjoy evening strolls and dinner gatherings with family again. Their newfound comfort and mobility significantly improved their quality of life.
- The senior's painful bowel movements subsided quickly after following the prescribed treatment plan, allowing them to return to their favorite hobby of gardening and enjoying meals with their family without discomfort.
- With persistent throat pain impacting mealtimes, a senior found relief and improved nutrition after a consultation. The family felt reassured knowing the cause was identified and a treatment plan was in place.
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. Susan Laenger:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Laenger and her team are internists, primary care doctors specializing in adult health. They are experts in the many health issues common in older adults, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Susan Laenger have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Yes, Dr. Laenger is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the common health concerns and conditions that arise in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Laenger and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their participation is invaluable for clear communication and providing supportive care.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Susan Laenger?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Laenger, 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?
- You can request a refill through our patient portal or by calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. If you have any questions, please contact 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.
- What kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Laenger's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, focusing on helping patients effectively manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- How does Dr. Susan Laenger help patients manage their blood pressure?
- Dr. Laenger helps patients manage blood pressure by prescribing medication when needed, but also through regular monitoring, lifestyle counseling (diet and exercise), and a personalized plan to help reach and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
4033 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Ste B
Gulf Breeze FL 32563
Phone: (850) 932-9251
Dr. Susan Laenger, 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): 1851343370
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. Susan Laenger 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.