Dr. David Rivera, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Land O Lakes, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Rivera understands the unique health needs of seniors, and 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. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Rivera is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (813) 782-1234 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rivera, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been practicing in Florida since 2011. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine and is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rivera enjoys exercising, sports, kayaking, and running, reflecting his dedication to a healthy lifestyle. He is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions, and he offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. David Rivera is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rivera acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. He meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. His approach emphasizes understanding your unique needs and goals, fostering a collaborative environment with you and your family, and creating a personalized plan to help you thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. David Rivera can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
- Select HMO (HMO)
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx (HMOx)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. David Rivera 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:
- Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed when a blood test confirms the presence of rheumatoid factor, indicating an autoimmune attack on your joints; thankfully, advances in medicine provide many options to reduce pain and inflammation and support your overall well-being.
- Scleroderma: Scleroderma affects different parts of the body, impacting skin, joints, and organs, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preserving your independence.
- Dry Eyes: If you're finding it harder to see clearly or your eyes feel scratchy or irritated, dry eye could be the cause; a visit to your doctor or eye doctor can help find a solution to maintain your vision and independence.
- Muscle Cramping: Experiencing muscle cramps? These are often temporary and treatable, helping you stay active and independent.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS is a challenging condition, often characterized by persistent, severe pain, swelling, and changes to the skin or limb; yet, with a tailored treatment plan that combines pain relief, physical therapy, and other approaches, you can significantly lessen the impact on your life and preserve your ability to perform your daily tasks.
- Muscle Weakness: Losing muscle strength can be frustrating, but with a proper assessment and personalized plan from your doctor, you can safely and effectively build back muscle strength and improve your overall well-being.
- Gout: Gout happens when too much uric acid builds up in your blood, forming crystals that cause painful joint inflammation; treatment helps reduce pain and prevent future attacks, allowing you to stay active.
- Chronic Pain: Managing chronic pain involves working closely with your doctor to find the right treatment plan, which might include medication, therapies, and self-management strategies, to help you live more comfortably and maintain your independence.
- Hepatitis B - Immune Response: A strong immune response to Hepatitis B can clear the infection, while a weaker one might need medical intervention to avoid long-term liver damage, allowing you to remain active.
- Systemic Vasculitis: If you have systemic vasculitis, it means your blood vessels are inflamed, potentially affecting various organs; working closely with your doctor to manage this condition can help prevent serious complications and maintain your independence.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs in our spine naturally lose their cushioning effect, leading to degenerative disc disease; this can cause back or neck pain, but treatments like exercise, pain relievers, and even surgery can significantly improve your comfort and daily functioning.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting the liver, and while it can be serious, many treatments are available to manage it and help you live a full and healthy 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. David Rivera offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Bone Density Scan: To ensure your bones remain strong as you age, a bone density scan provides valuable information for your doctor to guide treatment and lifestyle choices.
- 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.
- Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing pain or swelling in your joints, guiding treatment decisions.
- Musculoskeletal Function Test: This test assesses your joints, muscles, and bones to identify the cause of pain or stiffness and guide your treatment.
- Osteoporosis Screening: Osteoporosis screening helps detect weak bones early, allowing for timely intervention to reduce fracture risk and maintain independence.
- Steroid Injection: Steroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation in joints, easing discomfort and improving mobility for seniors with arthritis.
- Trigger Point Injection: Trigger point injections are a treatment option that can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness in seniors by targeting specific, sensitive areas.
- Ultrasound: As part of your comprehensive health assessment, an ultrasound can help identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention and better health outcomes.
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. David Rivera 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 her seropositive rheumatoid arthritis better managed, a senior woman was able to resume her beloved weekly book club, enjoying stimulating conversation and camaraderie with friends.
- With careful management of their scleroderma symptoms, a senior couple regained the ability to enjoy their daily walks together in the park, a cherished activity now possible without significant discomfort.
- After struggling with dry eyes that made reading and watching TV difficult, a senior was thrilled to regain her independence and enjoy her favorite hobbies again. Her internal medicine physician helped her find a treatment plan that significantly improved her vision and quality of life.
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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. David Rivera:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Rivera's practice focuses on internal medicine, which means he's a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. He's uniquely qualified to address the wide range of health concerns that often come with aging, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. David Rivera have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Rivera's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific needs of older adults. He has extensive experience managing common health concerns in later life. His expertise ensures comprehensive and appropriate care for seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Rivera and our practice believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. David Rivera?
- Please bring a list of all your current medications (including doses and any over-the-counter supplements), a summary of your medical history, your insurance information, and any specific questions or concerns you'd like to discuss.
- 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. If you have any questions, please call our office.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Yes, our practice proudly accepts Medicare. We are committed to providing high-quality care for our senior patients. We recommend contacting our office to confirm details about your specific plan.
- Does your office help with preventive care like flu shots and other immunizations?
- Dr. Rivera and our team are dedicated to preventive care. We offer essential adult immunizations, including annual flu shots, and help patients stay up-to-date on recommended screenings. We're here to support your health and well-being.
- How does Dr. David Rivera approach managing type 2 diabetes?
- Dr. Rivera's approach to managing type 2 diabetes is comprehensive, focusing on medication management tailored to individual needs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and crucial lifestyle counseling. This includes personalized dietary recommendations, exercise plans, and detailed foot care instructions to promote optimal health and well-being.
2100 Via Bella Blvd
Land O Lakes FL 34639
Phone: (813) 782-1234
Dr. David Rivera, 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): 1417246356
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. David Rivera 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.