Dr. Tessa Wigger, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Valrico, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. She serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Dr. Wigger is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (813) 662-0123 to schedule an appointment. Valrico Primary-Care Physician Tessa Wigger, MD, is your primary partner in health and connection to a healthier life. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Family 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 South Alabama in 2008 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. I am proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, my team and I help you reach your personal health goals. We focus on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Call now to get started. Dr. Tessa Wigger offers consultations in Danish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Tessa Wigger is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Tessa Wigger is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care needs, and collaborates closely with families to develop personalized plans that address your unique health goals and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling senior life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Tessa Wigger can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Tessa Wigger 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:
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Experiencing pain in your anal or rectal area? Don't suffer in silence; talk to your doctor to find relief and get back to your normal activities.
- Kidney Infection: Kidney infections can cause pain, fever, and discomfort, but with proper medical care including antibiotics and plenty of fluids, you can recover and maintain your independence.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Heartburn and that sour taste in your mouth might be signs of GERD, a condition where stomach acid irritates the esophagus, but thankfully, simple adjustments to your diet and medications can often provide relief.
- Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking can impact your daily life, but understanding the underlying cause, such as arthritis or neuropathy, is the first step towards effective management and improved comfort.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain is a persistent problem that often responds well to a combination of approaches like medication, lifestyle adjustments, and therapeutic exercises. Maintaining good posture can greatly alleviate symptoms.
- Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): Sprains and strains are common injuries involving overstretched or torn tissues around joints or muscles, leading to discomfort and limited movement; gentle exercises and rest, guided by your doctor, can help you manage the pain and recover faster.
- Gait Abnormality: Difficulty walking can impact your daily activities and social life. However, a comprehensive assessment and personalized plan can restore your confidence and ease your movement.
- Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, a common but treatable problem that can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or other therapies to improve comfort and maintain independence.
- Genital Herpes: Experiencing genital herpes doesn't mean a diminished quality of life; with proper medical care and medication, many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
- Leukocytopenia: A low white blood cell count, or leukocytopenia, can make you more susceptible to infections, but with appropriate medical care, including regular check-ups and prompt treatment of any infections, we can ensure you stay healthy and enjoy your life to the fullest.
- Wheezing: If you're experiencing wheezing, it's a sign that your airways may be narrowed, making it harder to breathe. Treatment can help open your airways and make it easier to breathe comfortably and stay active.
- Shingles: Many older adults experience shingles, a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus; with the right antiviral treatment, you can significantly reduce the pain and duration of this condition, improving your overall well-being and 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. Tessa Wigger offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Psychological Evaluation: Through a psychological evaluation, your doctor can assess your cognitive function and memory, helping to create a safety plan and tailored support for you as needed.
- Strep Test: A strep test is a key diagnostic tool in managing sore throats and respiratory infections in seniors, helping ensure the right care and medication.
- Ovarian Cancer Screening: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, ovarian cancer screening can help identify this often-silent disease, allowing for timely intervention.
- Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment helps your doctor create a personalized care plan addressing your specific health concerns and improving your quality of life in your senior years.
- Thyroid Screening: Thyroid screening helps your doctor create a personalized plan to address any thyroid imbalances, keeping you healthy and active as you age.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a quick check by your doctor to feel the prostate gland and help detect any potential prostate problems early.
- Memory Evaluation: A memory evaluation helps your doctor understand your cognitive abilities and identify potential memory problems, enabling early intervention if needed.
- Trichomoniasis Screening: This screening helps ensure early detection and management of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.
- Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms and other breast cancer screenings empower you to take an active role in your health and manage your risk factors for breast cancer effectively.
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: This check-up helps create a personalized care plan for your surgery, minimizing risks and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome and quick recovery.
- Bacteriuria Screening: This urine test is a crucial part of managing urinary health as we age, helping identify and treat infections that could lead to serious complications.
- Disability Evaluation: This assessment helps determine the extent of your disability, allowing your physician to recommend appropriate therapies, assistive devices, or home modifications.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Tessa Wigger 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 woman, previously hesitant to leave her home due to anal pain, found renewed confidence and comfort, enabling her to enjoy evening strolls with her grandchildren again.
- After a kidney infection, a senior felt much better thanks to the treatment plan, which included antibiotics and plenty of fluids. The family was relieved to see their loved one's pain decrease and regain their energy to enjoy daily activities.
- After implementing dietary changes and medication, a senior couple found their evenings free from the discomfort of heartburn, allowing them to enjoy their favorite nightly television shows without interruptions.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Tessa Wigger:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Wigger and her team are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because they often care for patients throughout their entire lives. This allows for a deep understanding of a senior's health history and ongoing needs. They are trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and skilled at coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Wigger, we'll partner to review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual needs.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Wigger, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all your medications (including over-the-counter ones), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How does Dr. Tessa Wigger approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression in seniors?
- Dr. Wigger understands that mental health is crucial for seniors' overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, performs initial assessments, manages medications, and coordinates care with specialists as needed.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Wigger can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help you stay safe and independent.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Wigger's practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. We are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can absolutely come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI. Seeing Dr. Wigger for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
2237 Lithia Center Ln
Valrico FL 33596
Phone: (813) 662-0123
Dr. Tessa Wigger, 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): 1497919344
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Tessa Wigger 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.