Dr. Thomas McKnight, MD is a Family Medicine physician deeply committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Niceville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. McKnight understands that 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. He serves Adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Currently, Dr. McKnight is not accepting new patients, but you can call (850) 279-6949 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. McKnight's dedication to senior care stems from a rich background in medicine and service. A former United Methodist pastor and graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, he realized his passion for serving people during times of medical uncertainty. After completing 18 months of premed studies, he attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1983. He completed an internship at Eglin Afb Family Medicine in 1984, followed by a residency in Family Medicine at Eglin Air Force Base in 1986, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. He furthered his expertise with fellowship training at the University of North Carolina, deepening his understanding of a specific area of patient health. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. His career includes a preventive medicine residency specializing in obesity and weight management, and diverse leadership roles in the Air Force, including deployments to Saudi Arabia. His care philosophy is simple: "Your Health, Our Passion." Visit us at www.echidoc.com. Dr. McKnight provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Thomas McKnight is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Thomas McKnight is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care focused on your overall well-being. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your independence and comfort, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition through the aging process. He understands that senior health is deeply personal and works collaboratively with you and your family to create a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Thomas McKnight can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana
Medicare
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Thomas McKnight 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:
- Esophagitis: If you're having trouble swallowing or experiencing chest pain after eating, you may have esophagitis. Fortunately, this condition often responds well to medication and lifestyle adjustments, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy daily life.
- Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Postmenopausal health is an important aspect of women's overall well-being, and addressing issues like bone loss and urinary problems through preventative measures and appropriate treatments helps maintain independence and health in later life.
- 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.
- Limb Pain: Experiencing pain in your limbs is common as we age, but it's important not to suffer in silence. Your doctor can help identify the cause and develop a plan to manage your pain and improve your comfort.
- Rash: Many rashes are easily treatable, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve your comfort levels and prevent potential skin infections or other complications.
- Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramping, those sudden, painful tightenings in your muscles, can be managed with simple stretches, staying hydrated, and sometimes medication, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) means your prostate gland is swollen, which can lead to frequent nighttime urination or a weak urine stream; however, many effective management options exist to ease these symptoms.
- Sleep Apnea: Experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating might signal sleep apnea; consulting your doctor for evaluation and treatment will help restore healthy sleep patterns and improve your overall quality of life.
- Symptomatic Menopause: Symptomatic menopause is the stage of life when a woman experiences bothersome physical and emotional changes due to decreasing estrogen levels, impacting sleep, mood, and overall well-being, but treatments are available to significantly improve comfort and quality of life.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea, which is having more frequent, watery stools than normal, can be disruptive, but with the right care, we can help you regain comfort and avoid serious problems.
- Abdominal Pain: Experiencing abdominal pain? Don't worry, many causes exist, and your doctor can help determine the source and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your discomfort and maintain your daily activities.
- Limb Swelling: Swollen arms or legs can affect your daily activities. Early identification of the cause by your healthcare provider can allow for interventions to preserve your independence.
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. Thomas McKnight offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Tuberculosis Screening: This screening helps manage your risk of tuberculosis, a potentially serious infection, by identifying the presence of the bacteria early on, even if you have no symptoms.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: By detecting dementia or depression early through screening, doctors can develop a personalized care plan to manage symptoms and support independence.
- Herpes Simplex Screening: Herpes simplex screening helps your doctor identify and manage this common viral infection, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment and prevent future outbreaks.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings are vital tests that help detect cancer early, when treatment is often most effective, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
- Ovarian Cancer Screening: For women, ovarian cancer screening is an important part of preventive care, contributing to a proactive approach to your long-term health.
- Strep Test: This simple test helps identify strep throat, allowing for prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and speed recovery.
- Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This blood test helps your doctor assess your risk for hepatitis B and develop a tailored plan to address the condition should it be present.
- Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Alcohol misuse screening helps your doctor assess your alcohol consumption and identify potential risks to your health as you age.
- Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Menopause treatment helps manage symptoms and reduce their impact on daily activities, promoting comfort and well-being in later life as part of a comprehensive care plan.
- Wheelchair Evaluation: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a wheelchair evaluation ensures seniors have the proper equipment to maintain activity levels and participate in daily life.
- Vaccination: Through vaccination, your healthcare provider can help prevent many common infectious diseases, a vital step in ensuring long-term health and vitality.
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. Thomas McKnight 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 medication and dietary changes, a senior couple found relief from the painful symptoms of esophagitis, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and spend more time together at home.
- With guidance on managing menopausal symptoms, a woman regained her confidence in daily activities and felt more secure in her home environment. Her family also appreciated the improved quality of life and reduced stress related to her health.
- With a tailored treatment plan that included medication and gentle exercises, a senior was able to resume knitting, a cherished hobby, without the debilitating neck pain. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was more comfortable and engaged in activities they enjoyed.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Thomas McKnight:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. McKnight and our practice are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because we often follow patients throughout their lives. This allows us to have a deep understanding of their health history and current needs. We are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care, making us your trusted primary care partner.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. McKnight, we'll partner to review your medications, conduct a physical exam, assess your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer tests. This visit is a key opportunity to set health goals together.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. McKnight, please write down your top health questions beforehand. Bring a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter items. 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.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. McKnight's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots. This avoids the need for separate appointments or travel to a specialist, making it convenient for our senior patients.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. McKnight works with patients to create a personalized plan for managing multiple chronic conditions, acting as a central coordinator for their care. This plan includes monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to help prevent complications and maintain a high quality of life.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. McKnight can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help seniors stay safe and independent.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. McKnight and his team can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment can include advice on safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
4566 E Highway 20 Ste 105
Niceville FL 32578
Phone: (850) 279-6949
Dr. Thomas McKnight, 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): 1679554422
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. Thomas McKnight 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.