Dr. Luis Aponte, MD – Family Physician | Fort Myers, FL

Dr. Luis Aponte, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice).

To confirm if Dr. Luis Aponte is currently accepting new patients, please contact (239) 343-2000. Dr. Luis Aponte focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care.

Dr. Luis Aponte, MD is a family medicine physician in Fort Myers, FL. He serves patients of all ages and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. His approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Luis Aponte offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Luis Aponte is committed to providing the highest quality care and improving the health and well-being of his patients and the community.

Dr. Luis Aponte addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Rosacea: This is a common skin condition causing redness and bumps on the face.
• Tremor: This involves involuntary shaking or trembling, which can have various underlying causes.
• Dry Eyes: This condition involves insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to discomfort.
• Leukocytopenia: This refers to an abnormally low number of white blood cells, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Food Poisoning: This is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or drink.
• Nail and Nail Bed Infection: This involves infection of the nail or the surrounding skin.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): This is a brief episode of reduced blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign of stroke.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: This occurs when the body lacks sufficient amounts of one or more B vitamins.
• Diabetes Type 2: This chronic condition involves elevated blood sugar levels.
• Bedsores: These are pressure sores that develop on skin over bony prominences.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: These conditions involve disruptions in the body's ability to absorb, use, or store iron.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This involves the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
• Polyneuropathy: This refers to damage to multiple peripheral nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, and pain.
• Thrush: This is a fungal infection of the mouth or throat.

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

Dr. Luis Aponte offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Memory Evaluation: This involves assessing cognitive function to detect potential memory problems.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This uses ultrasound to assess the health of a baby's heart during pregnancy.
• Dementia Evaluation: This involves assessing cognitive function to detect and diagnose dementia.
• Joint Fluid Test: This involves analyzing fluid from a joint to diagnose joint conditions.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This involves assessing a patient's needs for and suitability for a wheelchair.
• STD Screening: This involves testing for sexually transmitted infections.
• McMurray's Test: This is a physical examination maneuver to assess for meniscus tears in the knee.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: This involves testing for genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: This involves testing for herpes simplex virus infection.
• Geriatric Assessment: This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the health of an older adult.
• HIV Screening: This involves testing for HIV infection.
• Skin Testing and Screening: This involves examining the skin for abnormalities and performing allergy tests.
• Pilonidal Cyst Removal: This involves surgical removal of a pilonidal cyst.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This involves testing for hepatitis B virus infection.

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

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

Dr. Luis Aponte is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Luis Aponte can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, patients experience a significant reduction in pain and numbness associated with polyneuropathy. This allows them to regain mobility and participate more fully in the activities they enjoy.
• With the right treatment, patients find relief from the discomfort of thrush, allowing them to enjoy eating and socializing without pain or worry. This restored comfort often leads to a quick return to their normal routines and activities.
• Patients experiencing vitamin B deficiency often find that with proper treatment, their energy levels increase and debilitating fatigue subsides, allowing them to return to their favorite activities and enjoy a higher quality of life. They are able to resume normal daily life with renewed vigor.
• With appropriate treatment, patients quickly recover from the discomfort of food poisoning, allowing them to return to their normal routines and enjoy meals again without worry.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Luis Aponte, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Fort Myers, Florida area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Fort Myers and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Fort Myers. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Luis Aponte. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Luis Aponte or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Aetna HMO
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: FL Medical Providers
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
  • Plan: Seamless, Type: HMO
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Florida Blue
  • Plan: BlueCare, Type: HMO
  • Plan: BlueOptions
  • Plan: BlueSelect
  • Plan: Choice
  • Plan: SimplyBlue
  • Plan: myBlue

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Luis Aponte is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Luis Aponte) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (239) 343-2000 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Luis Aponte may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Lee Memorial Hospital (Fort Myers, FL)
• Gulf Coast Medical Center (Fort Myers, FL)
• Cape Coral Hospital (Cape Coral, FL)

Dr. Luis Aponte has completed all necessary medical education and holds current licensure. Specifics can be discussed or verified with The Florida Board of Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Luis Aponte:

Are services from Dr. Luis Aponte typically covered by health insurance in Florida?

Dr. Luis Aponte, as a Family Physician in Florida, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (239) 343-2000 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Luis Aponte is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Luis Aponte as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Luis Aponte to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Luis Aponte will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Luis Aponte, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Luis Aponte handle complex care?

As a Family Physician, Dr. Luis Aponte is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. He will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Luis Aponte will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved (ensuring referrals are appropriate, results are integrated, and treatment plans are aligned), manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions and polypharmacy (reviewing for necessity and effectiveness), and develop a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan that aligns with your overall health goals, values, and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions, medications, and concerns is key to this process.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Luis Aponte?

To each appointment with Dr. Luis Aponte at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Luis Aponte) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Luis Aponte beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

Does Dr. Luis Aponte at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Luis Aponte at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Luis Aponte if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Luis Aponte before scheduling such an appointment.

Can Dr. Luis Aponte help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Luis Aponte are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex or require specific psychotherapies not offered in-office. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Luis Aponte.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor's visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Luis Aponte recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Luis Aponte?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Luis Aponte's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Luis Aponte and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Luis Aponte, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Luis Aponte, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate, but this can add time. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

2776 Cleveland Ave
Fort Myers FL 33901
Phone: (239) 343-2000

Dr. Luis Aponte, 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): 1790818607

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Luis Aponte are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.