Dr. Susan Zimmer, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Tampa, 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. Please call (813) 871-6411 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Susan Zimmer, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from University of South Florida in 1986 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and is accepting telehealth appointments. With over 35 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 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. Zimmer provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Susan Zimmer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Susan Zimmer is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex medical needs, manages chronic conditions with personalized strategies, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. Her compassionate approach focuses on understanding your individual needs and goals, fostering a collaborative partnership with you and your family to create a personalized plan for optimal health and comfort as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Susan Zimmer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Susan Zimmer 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:
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Dealing with painful urination can impact your overall well-being, but with the right medical care, many people find significant relief, allowing them to live more comfortably and actively.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis, an inflammation of your eyelids, may cause crusting, redness, and discomfort, but regular eyelid hygiene prescribed by your doctor can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your eye health.
- Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: When diabetes affects your kidneys, it's called diabetic kidney disease; working closely with your doctor to control your blood sugar and blood pressure can significantly slow its progression and help you feel better.
- Back Pain: Experiencing back pain? It's important to discuss it with your doctor to find the right treatment plan to reduce your discomfort and improve your mobility.
- Fever: Managing a fever involves comfort measures like plenty of fluids and rest, along with medications prescribed by your doctor, to help you feel better and remain comfortable at home.
- Proteinuria: Having protein in your urine is a signal that we need to investigate further to make sure your kidneys are working properly, and treatment can help prevent further complications.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle by causing pauses in breathing, but with proper medical attention and potentially a simple device used at night, you can experience better sleep and more energy during the day.
- Animal Allergies: Animal allergies can affect seniors by causing breathing problems or skin reactions, but this is treatable. Working with your doctor to develop an allergy management plan can help maintain your independence and reduce allergy symptoms.
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH): As men age, their prostate gland may grow larger, leading to urinary problems; thankfully, your doctor can help manage this condition (BPH) with medication or minimally invasive procedures to improve your quality of life.
- Constipation: Treatment for constipation can include simple lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and over-the-counter medications, improving bowel regularity and overall well-being.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain can impact sleep, mood, and daily functioning, but many treatments, such as gentle stretches, medication, and other therapies, can help reduce pain and restore your ability to move comfortably.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent condition, often without symptoms, but it's crucial to manage it as it can damage your organs. With your doctor's help, through medication and healthy habits, you can protect your health and well-being.
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 Zimmer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor understand how well your lungs are working and how your body is managing oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- 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.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Thromboendarterectomy or Excision of Infected Graft: For seniors with vascular problems, thromboendarterectomy or infected graft excision helps clear blocked arteries or remove infected materials, preventing dangerous complications and promoting better overall health.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Diagnosing hypersensitivity allows your healthcare team to effectively manage your symptoms and make adjustments to your care plan, promoting your overall comfort and safety.
- Drug Testing: By identifying potential drug interactions or side effects, drug testing plays a crucial role in creating a comprehensive care plan for managing your health conditions.
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 Zimmer 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 a tailored treatment plan, a senior woman experienced a significant reduction in painful urination, allowing her to return to her beloved evening walks with renewed energy and confidence.
- With regular eyelid hygiene and guidance from the internal medicine specialist, a senior was able to enjoy a more comfortable quality of life by regaining the ability to read without the constant discomfort caused by blepharitis.
- With careful blood sugar and blood pressure management, a senior couple experienced a marked reduction in fatigue and a renewed ability to enjoy their favorite weekly dinners with friends, feeling more secure and connected in their home.
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
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- 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 Zimmer:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Zimmer is an internist, a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. She's particularly skilled in the many health concerns that commonly arise with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating complex care.
- Does Dr. Susan Zimmer have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Zimmer is an internist, specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the common conditions that affect seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Zimmer 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 support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Susan Zimmer?
- Please bring a list of all 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 calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for your request 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.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Zimmer coordinates care seamlessly by acting as the team captain. She handles referrals to specialists, ensures all relevant medical information is shared, and synthesizes recommendations into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- Dr. Zimmer's office can perform common diagnostic tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing to refer you elsewhere right away. These tests are valuable tools for monitoring and addressing your needs.
4710 N Habana Ave Ste 401
Tampa FL 33614
Phone: (813) 871-6411
Dr. Susan Zimmer, 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): 1255365979
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 Zimmer 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.