Dr. Zhen Hou, MD is a medical oncologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Palatka, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Hou understands the unique needs of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. He is a general oncologist, providing expert medical care for common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. Working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists, he helps manage complex conditions and creates a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcomes. Currently, Dr. Hou is not accepting new patients, but you may call (904) 276-2303 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Zhen Hou, MD is a medical oncologist in Palatka, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Shanghai First Medical College, National Shanghai Medical College in 1988 and is Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His extensive experience, combined with his deep understanding of senior health, allows him to offer comprehensive care that addresses the specific needs of older adults. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as UF Health Jacksonville and Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center, and with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Hou offers consultations in Chinese.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Zhen Hou is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hou is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors facing cancer. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to develop tailored treatment plans, addressing the unique needs and goals of each patient. His expertise extends to common cancers affecting older adults, ensuring the best possible outcomes within a supportive and understanding environment.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Zhen Hou can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- GA Employee Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Oscar Health
- Preferred PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Zhen Hou 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:
- Gynecologic Cancer: Gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian or uterine cancer, are tumors that develop in the female reproductive organs, and treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, aim to improve quality of life and maintain independence for seniors.
- Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma affects the bone marrow, producing abnormal plasma cells which can cause bone pain and other issues, but thankfully, with modern treatments, many people can live comfortably with the condition for many years.
- Meningiomas: While meningiomas are tumors, many are slow-growing and non-cancerous; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preserving independence if they affect daily functioning.
- Male Breast Carcinoma: Male breast cancer treatment focuses on eliminating the cancer cells while preserving the patients overall health and well-being. The aim is to improve comfort and help the patient remain active and involved in their daily routines for as long as possible.
- Gallbladder Cancer: While gallbladder cancer can be challenging, treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy exist to target the cancer and help maintain independence as much as possible.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a cancer affecting white blood cells, but modern medicine offers effective treatments that can keep the disease in check and minimize its impact on your daily routines.
- Small Intestine Cancer: Managing small intestine cancer often involves a team approach, including oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists, dedicated to supporting seniors and their families throughout the journey, focusing on symptom relief and maintaining independence for as long as possible.
- Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Cancer: Cancers affecting the gallbladder or bile ducts are serious but treatable; doctors create a personalized plan using surgery, medication, or other therapies to manage symptoms and extend life.
- Stomach Cancer: Developing stomach cancer means there are cancerous cells growing in your stomach, but with modern treatments including surgery, targeted therapies, and supportive care, many seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer that progresses slowly in many people, often requiring watchful waiting rather than immediate treatment, allowing seniors to maintain their quality of life.
- Vertebral Column Tumors: Tumors in the spine can cause pain and weakness, but with appropriate medical care including tailored treatment plans, many seniors can manage their symptoms and live comfortably.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood disorders where the bone marrow doesn't make enough healthy blood cells, often affecting older adults and potentially impacting energy levels and increasing infection risk, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve 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. Zhen Hou offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: To assess the health of your blood and bone marrow, a bone marrow biopsy can help diagnose various blood disorders and cancers, assisting in creating a personalized treatment strategy.
- Cancer Screening: Cancer screening tests help find cancer early, often before you have any symptoms, improving treatment chances.
- Plasmapheresis: For some seniors with specific blood cancers or complications from cancer treatments, plasmapheresis can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Melanoma Removal: This procedure helps diagnose the extent of the melanoma and guides further treatment decisions, optimizing your senior care journey.
- Pelvic Exenteration (For: Gynecologic, Urinary, or Colorectal Malignancy): This extensive surgical procedure, pelvic exenteration, can help seniors manage gynecologic, urinary, or colorectal cancers that have spread to the pelvic region, improving their quality of life.
- Small Bowel Surgery: Small bowel surgery is a treatment option for certain cancers affecting the small intestine, offering seniors the chance to remove cancerous tissues and potentially cure the disease.
- Lymphadenectomy With Robotic Assistance: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan for seniors, robotic lymphadenectomy offers a less invasive way to remove lymph nodes, potentially leading to faster recovery and reduced complications.
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 Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Zhen Hou 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 challenging gynecologic cancer diagnosis, a senior woman felt empowered to resume her beloved knitting hobby, a cherished activity that brought her immense joy and a sense of normalcy.
- With the guidance of a specialist, a senior with multiple myeloma found relief from debilitating bone pain, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of knitting.
- With careful monitoring and symptom management, a senior couple felt more secure in their home, enjoying evening strolls and conversations without the nagging headaches previously associated with the meningioma.
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 (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Zhen Hou:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Zhen Hou and her team are medical oncologists, specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other specialists, such as surgical and radiation oncologists, may also be part of your care team, working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Hou will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin developing a personalized plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Hou will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, marking the start of a collaborative partnership.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Hou considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals as more critical. Personalized treatment plans are designed to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the work. It's often a well-tolerated approach to cancer care.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the specific cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery like lumpectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are often well-tolerated. Dr. Hou works with a multidisciplinary team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to getting an X-ray.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with PSA tests and biopsies instead of immediate treatment, avoiding potential side effects of surgery or radiation for cancers that may not cause problems.
600 Zeagler Dr Ste 1
Palatka FL 32177
Phone: (904) 276-2303
Dr. Zhen Hou, 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): 1912994872
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 provider named. Oncology like Dr. Zhen Hou 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.