Dr. Yvette Novak, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at Novak & Novak in Destin, 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. Novak is currently welcoming new patients; please call (850) 837-0141 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Novak earned her medical degree from Comenius University in Slovakia in 1972 and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at State Hospital in Massachusetts in 1980. She is on Medical Staff at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and specializes in Internal Medicine. Her educational journey began at Comenius University, where she earned her medical degree, followed by an internship to build a foundation in clinical practice. She then honed her skills in comprehensive medical care during her residency at Westborough State Hospital. Dr. Novak's philosophy, "My patients are my family and my family is my life," reflects her commitment to building trusting relationships with her patients. She offers consultations in several languages, including Czech, German, and Russian.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Yvette Novak is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Novak is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age. Her approach centers on understanding your individual needs and goals, creating a personalized plan to support your health and happiness.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Yvette Novak can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Meritain Health
Also Accepts These Carriers
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Yvette Novak 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:
- Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: URIs are infections of your upper airways, like your nose and throat, causing congestion, cough, and sometimes fever. Gentle home care, including plenty of rest and fluids, will usually help you recover comfortably and quickly.
- Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst is a harmless fluid-filled bump that commonly appears on the hands and wrists, often causing minimal discomfort but can sometimes limit hand movement; treatment options range from observation to simple drainage procedures, restoring hand function and daily activities.
- Acidosis: Experiencing acidosis? It means your body's pH is too low, possibly causing fatigue or shortness of breath; your doctor can help find the cause and develop a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and help you stay active.
- Back Pain: Back pain can significantly impact your daily life, but with appropriate care and management, you can find relief and continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Insomnia: If you're having trouble sleeping, you're not alone—insomnia is a widespread issue, particularly among seniors, but it's manageable with the right approach, leading to improved daytime function and mood.
- Diarrhea: If you're dealing with diarrhea, know that you're not alone, and there are ways to find relief and get back to enjoying life.
- Migraine: Migraines are a common type of headache, often characterized by intense pain, but don't suffer in silence! There are many effective treatments and management strategies available to reduce the impact of migraines and help you live a more fulfilling life.
- Muscle Cramping: Experiencing muscle cramps? These are often temporary and treatable, helping you stay active and independent.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): If you're finding urination painful, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment of dysuria can prevent complications and help you maintain your independence and quality of life.
- Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia means you have unhealthy levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can manage it and stay healthy.
- Abnormal Thyroid: Having an abnormal thyroid can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, but these are often manageable with medication tailored to your specific needs, significantly improving your overall well-being.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Finding blood in your urine doesn't have to disrupt your life; with a doctor's assessment and a personalized treatment plan, you can often manage the underlying cause and keep living comfortably.
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. Yvette Novak offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps you understand your diabetes diagnosis and create a personalized plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may use an EKG to detect irregularities in your heartbeat, such as an abnormal rhythm or signs of a heart attack, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: To support your overall health, a fecal occult blood test is used to screen for colorectal cancer, allowing for early intervention and better health management.
- 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.
- Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to identify precancerous changes before they become serious health problems.
- Counseling for Gay and-or Lesbian Individuals: As part of a broader health assessment, counseling for gay and lesbian individuals helps identify and manage mental health conditions and promotes a positive aging experience.
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. Yvette Novak 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:
- After a few days of rest and fluids, guided by the supportive care plan, a senior felt significantly improved and able to enjoy a quiet evening with her family, free from the bothersome cough and congestion.
- With the guidance of a supportive medical professional, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of knitting without the nagging discomfort of a ganglion cyst, significantly improving their quality of life.
- With guidance from the internal medicine specialist, a senior was able to reduce the shortness of breath and fatigue associated with acidosis, allowing them to enjoy their daily walks again.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Yvette Novak:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Novak is an internist, a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. She is uniquely trained to manage the complex health issues that commonly arise with aging, including chronic diseases. She can also coordinate your care with other specialists if needed.
- Does Dr. Yvette Novak have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Novak 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 health conditions that affect seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Novak and our practice believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is valuable in ensuring clear communication and support for the best possible outcome.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Yvette Novak?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Novak, 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 have written down.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a refill is through our patient portal or by contacting your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed. Dr. Novak's office will also follow up with your pharmacy if needed.
- 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. Novak and her team manage a variety of breathing conditions, including asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients understand and manage their symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Novak and her team are dedicated to preventive care for older adults. We offer essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. We believe this is crucial for maintaining health and well-being.
Novak & Novak
994 Airport Rd
Destin FL 32541
Phone: (850) 837-0141
Dr. Yvette Novak, 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): 1780677559
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. Yvette Novak 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.