Howard Hirschfield, MSN is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at Skin Wellness Center in Pinellas Park, FL. As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Howard MSN understands the unique needs of adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. 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.
Dr. Howard MSN is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is a family medicine specialist in Pinellas Park, FL, and is accepting new patients. Dr. Howard MSN provides consultations primarily in English. If you'd like to schedule an appointment, please call (727) 545-3376.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Howard MSN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Howard MSN is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care tailored to your specific needs. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. His focus is on understanding your personal goals and creating a collaborative plan that maximizes your comfort and allows you to thrive in your later years.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Howard MSN can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Howard MSN 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 Gout: Experiencing sudden, intense joint pain? It might be acute gout, a type of arthritis that can be managed with medication to ease your discomfort and prevent future attacks, so you can continue enjoying your independence.
- Allergies: Allergies, whether seasonal or related to specific substances, can be disruptive, but with a proper diagnosis and personalized plan from your doctor, you can minimize symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Asthma: Asthma is a long-term lung condition that can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, but with proper management, you can breathe easier and enjoy a more active life.
- Bronchitis: Bronchitis can cause a persistent cough and chest discomfort, but treatment can help reduce symptoms, making daily activities much easier to manage.
- Ear Infection: An ear infection, or otitis, is a common problem that causes pain, discomfort, and sometimes hearing difficulty, but with prompt treatment from your doctor, you can feel better quickly and maintain your daily activities.
- Gonorrhea Infections: Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by your physician, ensuring a swift recovery and protecting your overall well-being.
- Herpes Simplex Infection: While herpes simplex virus can cause painful sores, effective antiviral treatments are available to lessen the frequency and severity of outbreaks, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol is a common condition, especially as we age, where there's too much fat in your blood. Working closely with your doctor to manage it through medication, diet, and exercise ensures that you can continue living a fulfilling life.
- Injuries: Managing injuries effectively involves understanding the type of injury, receiving appropriate medical care, and following a tailored rehabilitation plan to regain strength and mobility.
- Laceration: A laceration, or tear in your skin, might need a bandage and careful cleaning to heal correctly, allowing you to stay active and avoid potential problems.
- Sinusitis: Experiencing sinus pain and pressure? Sinusitis, an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, can be treated with decongestants, saline rinses, and sometimes antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to help you breathe easier and feel better.
- Sprain: Sprains are common, especially as we age, and typically occur from a sudden twist or fall. Gentle exercises and physical therapy can help restore your joint's strength and flexibility, improving your ability to participate in activities you enjoy.
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. Howard MSN offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Women’s Sexual Health Management: Comprehensive women's sexual health management is a key component of a holistic approach to aging, addressing physical and emotional well-being.
- Childhood Immunization: While not directly relevant to seniors' current health, ensuring childhood immunizations were received helps build a complete health history, informing future care decisions and identifying potential long-term health risks.
- Bursal Drainage: Bursal drainage is a procedure to remove excess fluid from a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints, helping to relieve pain and improve joint function in seniors with bursitis.
- Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing: Routine HPV DNA testing is a key component of preventive care, empowering you and your physician to take proactive steps to protect your long-term health.
- Point of Care A1C Testing: Getting a point-of-care A1C test is a crucial part of proactive health management for seniors, as it facilitates early detection and effective management of diabetes and its complications.
- Primary Care for Adults: This service helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, offering support and guidance to maintain a good quality of life as you age.
- Arrhythmia Screening: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an arrhythmia screening can identify heart rhythm problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, potentially saving your life.
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. Howard MSN 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 acute gout symptoms significantly reduced, a senior couple was able to resume their weekly bridge games, a cherished social activity. They felt much more comfortable and confident moving about their home, enjoying their golden years with greater ease.
- Mrs. Hernandez's seasonal allergies were significantly lessened with a tailored treatment plan, enabling her to enjoy outdoor gatherings with her grandchildren without the constant sniffles and itchy eyes.
- With asthma better managed through a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple could once again enjoy their daily walks in the park, breathing freely and without the usual shortness of breath.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Howard MSN:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Howard and our practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients throughout their entire lives, building a deep understanding of their health history. We are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care, making us a trusted primary care partner.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- Your annual wellness visit with Dr. Howard is a key opportunity to partner with us on your health goals. We'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, check your memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer tests.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To get the most from your appointment with Dr. Howard, 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 small 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.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a fall, bad cold, or UTI. Seeing Dr. Howard for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat many common ailments, avoiding unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Howard's practice 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.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Howard's practice partners with patients to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular medication reviews to check for interactions, simplify regimens, and ensure every prescription is still needed and effective.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Howard 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.
Skin Wellness Center
9005 Belcher Rd N
Pinellas Park FL 33782
Phone: (727) 545-3376
Howard Hirschfield, MSN 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): 1306982541
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. Howard MSN 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.