Dr. Gerard Flores, MD

About Dr. Gerard Flores, MD

Dr. Gerard Flores, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at his clinic in Okeechobee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). I provide comprehensive, patient-centered medical care for adults, addressing a wide range of health concerns. Patients should call (863) 467-8770 to confirm if Dr. Flores is currently accepting new patients. He is an internist in Okeechobee, FL, and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field, bringing a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families.

Dr. Flores earned his medical degree from Oakland College Of Medicine And Surgery in 1979 and completed an internship at Santo Tomas University Hospital in 1980. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at St Lukes Hospital in 1981, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (typically 18 years and older). To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Cleveland Clinic Foundation|University Hospitals Of Cleveland in 1981, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Flores is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment for patients. He offers consultations in Spanish.

Internal Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Gerard Flores addresses a wide range of Internal Medicine health concerns, including:

• Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): ADPKD is a genetic disorder causing numerous fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, which can eventually impair kidney function.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: An imbalance in calcium levels, affecting bones, nerves, and muscles, points to a calcium metabolism disorder.
• Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia is a medical term for abnormally high calcium levels in your blood.
• Congenital Cystic Kidney Disease: Congenital cystic kidney disease is a condition where cysts form in the kidneys, potentially causing kidney problems.
• Chronic Kidney Infection: Chronic kidney infection means the kidneys are repeatedly or continuously infected with bacteria.
• Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia is a condition where you have lower than normal levels of potassium in your blood.
• Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is worsened by high blood pressure, requiring careful management of both.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertension is causing complications in both your heart and your kidneys.
• Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition.
• Acute Nephritic Syndrome: Acute nephritic syndrome is a serious kidney disorder marked by the appearance of blood and protein in the urine, frequently accompanied by high blood pressure and swelling.
• Gout: Gout happens when there's too much uric acid in your blood, forming crystals that build up in your joints.
• Parathyroid (Gland) Disease: Parathyroid disease encompasses a range of conditions impacting calcium regulation and potentially causing bone problems and other symptoms.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Gerard Flores addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Internal Medicine manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Adult patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Internal Medicine Services Provided

Dr. Gerard Flores offers a range of services to support your Adult patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): The arterial blood gas test assesses your blood's pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels to diagnose and manage breathing problems and other medical conditions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Your doctor might order an EKG to check for problems with your heart rate or rhythm.
• Hemodialysis: When your kidneys fail, hemodialysis helps you stay healthy by regularly removing waste and excess water from your blood.
• Kidney Transplant Evaluation: This appointment focuses on evaluating your overall health to plan for a kidney transplant procedure.
• Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: Our internal medicine team evaluates potential living kidney donors to ensure they're healthy enough for this procedure.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: Our peritoneal dialysis service provides specialized care for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment.
• Renal Scan: A renal scan helps doctors evaluate kidney blood flow, damage, and the ability of your kidneys to filter waste.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of organs and tissues.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Gerard Flores. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Internal Medicine can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Adult patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Gerard Flores:

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. We provide comprehensive care, managing a wide range of conditions, and emphasizing preventative health strategies. Unlike family medicine, which often includes care for all ages, internal medicine specializes in adult health.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Gerard Flores?

Your first visit with Dr. Flores will involve a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and a discussion of your health goals and concerns. Please bring a list of all current medications and any relevant medical records. This helps ensure a thorough and efficient visit.

Does Dr. Gerard Flores accept my insurance?

Dr. Flores' office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please contact our office directly to verify your specific insurance coverage.

Does Dr. Gerard Flores specialize in geriatric care?

Dr. Flores has extensive experience in caring for seniors, incorporating geriatric principles into his practice. He is knowledgeable in the unique health needs of older adults and is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for this population. His practice prioritizes the well-being of his geriatric patients.

Does Dr. Gerard Flores offer same-day appointments?

Dr. Flores's office strives to accommodate urgent needs. Please call our office to discuss your specific situation and explore scheduling options. We will do our best to help you find the most appropriate care.

Does Dr. Gerard Flores offer telehealth appointments?

Dr. Flores offers telehealth appointments for routine follow-up visits and some urgent care needs. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation and determine if telehealth is appropriate for your care.

Does Dr. Gerard Flores address mental health concerns?

Dr. Flores does not provide direct mental health services, but he is happy to coordinate care with specialists or provide referrals to appropriate mental health professionals if needed.

Does Dr. Gerard Flores offer men's health services?

Dr. Flores provides comprehensive men's health services, including preventative screenings and management of age-related health concerns such as prostate health and cardiovascular issues. He prioritizes personalized care to address individual needs.