Dr. Theodore Bass, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at UF Health Cardiovascular Center - Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Internal Medicine care for older adults, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Bass is currently welcoming new patients; please call (904) 383-1011 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Theodore Bass, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL, with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Brown University Alpert Medical School in 1976 and completed an internship at Mayo Clinic-Rochester in 1977. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in University Hospital Boston in 1979, deepening his expertise. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Bass is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, respectively. He is affiliated with UF Health Jacksonville and committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Bass provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Theodore Bass is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Theodore Bass is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care with a compassionate focus on your well-being. He meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age. His approach emphasizes understanding your unique needs and goals, working collaboratively with you and your family to create a personalized plan for optimal health and comfort.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Theodore Bass can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
- Select HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Theodore Bass 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:
- Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Coronary artery aneurysms are a condition where a blood vessel in your heart weakens and bulges, and managing this often involves medication and regular checkups to help you stay active and independent.
- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow, which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication to improve your heart health and energy levels.
- Nail Infection: If you notice a painful or discolored nail, it could be an infection. Seeking prompt medical attention can lead to effective treatment and prevent the infection from spreading or becoming more serious, thus preserving your independence.
- Hypertensive Heart with Failure: Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure means your heart is weakened and struggling to pump blood effectively due to high blood pressure, but with proper management, including medications and lifestyle changes, you can improve your heart's function and your overall well-being.
- Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorders: Rheumatic fever can sometimes damage the aortic valve in the heart, resulting in a condition called rheumatic aortic valve disorder; thankfully, with proper medical attention and possibly surgical intervention, you can manage this condition and continue living a full life.
- Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis is a condition where your stomach drops lower than its normal position, sometimes causing discomfort or digestive issues that can be managed with lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical intervention, making daily life easier.
- Third Degree Heart Block: A third-degree heart block means your heart's natural pacemaker isn't working properly, resulting in a slow or irregular heartbeat; thankfully, a pacemaker can restore a normal rhythm, preventing serious complications and improving your overall well-being.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: High cholesterol from familial hypercholesterolemia is manageable! By working with your healthcare team, you can keep your cholesterol in check with medication and healthy habits, thus preserving your independence and overall well-being.
- Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramping is a sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle that can cause pain and discomfort, but with proper management, you can ease the pain and maintain your daily activities.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): If you're experiencing frequent, urgent urination or burning sensations, you might have a UTI. This infection is effectively treated with antibiotics, helping you regain your comfort and well-being.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects, present since birth, are often treatable through various approaches to ensure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain independence for older adults and better manage any related symptoms.
- Congestive Heart Failure: If you have CHF, your heart isn't as strong as it should be and can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, however, treatment can help manage these symptoms and improve your daily 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. Theodore Bass offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: This test helps doctors assess blood flow to your heart muscle, informing treatment decisions for chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart-related symptoms, improving your overall cardiac health management.
- Thoracentesis: To better manage your breathing problems, your doctor might recommend thoracentesis, a procedure to drain excess fluid from around your lungs, improving your comfort and breathing.
- Cardiac Imaging: For seniors with existing heart conditions, cardiac imaging helps monitor their progress, ensuring their treatment plan remains effective and helps manage their health.
- Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiogram, uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping your doctor assess its structure and function to better manage your heart health.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Stress Test: A stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's ability to handle physical exertion, aiding in the management of heart conditions and preventing future problems.
- Thrombolysis: Thrombolysis is a supportive treatment that can be part of your overall strategy for preventing and treating serious blood clot-related conditions, improving your quality of life.
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: This test uses medication and imaging to evaluate your heart's response to stress, helping your doctor create a personalized plan to manage your heart health.
- TCD Bubble Test: This simple test uses ultrasound to detect tiny air bubbles in your bloodstream, assisting your physician in diagnosing conditions affecting brain blood vessels and improving your treatment plan.
- Chest Pain Evaluation: This process involves tests and examinations to identify the origin of your chest pain, leading to effective management of your symptoms and improved well-being.
- Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): A chest CT scan, including your heart and lungs, helps doctors see inside your chest to diagnose potential problems like pneumonia, lung cancer, or heart disease, ensuring you receive the right treatment.
- Coronary Angiogram: To better understand your heart health and develop an effective management plan, a coronary angiogram provides detailed images of your arteries, showing where blockages might be affecting blood flow.
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. Theodore Bass 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:
- Following a personalized treatment plan, a senior felt more secure at home, resuming their beloved weekly card games with friends, a significant improvement in their quality of life.
- A senior couple found renewed energy and vitality after working with a medical professional to manage their atherosclerosis. They were able to resume their weekly bike rides, a cherished activity they had been forced to abandon due to fatigue.
- A senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of painting after a nail infection was successfully treated, restoring their sense of well-being and independence.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Interventional Cardiology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Theodore Bass:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Bass and his team are internists, which means they are primary care doctors specializing in adult health. They are experts in the many health concerns that can arise with aging, and they excel at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Theodore Bass have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Bass is an internist, meaning he has specialized training in adult medicine, including the specific health concerns of older adults. He is experienced in managing the many conditions common in later life. His practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Bass and our team believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is invaluable for ensuring clear communication and supportive care planning.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Theodore Bass?
- 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?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. If you have 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.
- What is your philosophy on maintaining quality of life for patients with serious illnesses?
- Dr. Bass's practice prioritizes a patient-centered approach. Our goal is to manage symptoms effectively, align treatment plans with each patient's personal values and goals, and ensure comfort and dignity are always paramount.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Bass and our team understand that memory concerns can be worrisome. We provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss these concerns, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to neurologists or other specialists if further evaluation is needed.
UF Health Cardiovascular Center - Jacksonville
655 W 8th St # 5
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 383-1011
Dr. Theodore Bass, 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): 1902872740
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. Theodore Bass 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.