Dr. Fernanda Mercade, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a valued partner in your senior health journey. Her practice is focused on the specific needs of older adults, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and prioritizing your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive as you age. She serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (786) 442-2100 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Mercade brings extensive experience and specialized training to her practice. She is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, with additional board certification in Obesity Medicine, and a strong focus on geriatric care. Her rigorous medical training includes a graduation from the University of Buenos Aires Medical School, followed by internal medicine residency and a geriatric fellowship at renowned institutions. This comprehensive background allows her to deliver a wide range of services, from preventive medicine to disease management, ensuring that she meets the unique health needs of older adults and their complex medical conditions. She has been practicing since 2002 and is fluent in Spanish, offering consultations in that language as well. Dr. Mercade & Associates, LLC opened in 2021.
As your internist, Dr. Mercade will ensure you receive all recommended diagnostic and preventive care, counseling, and medical treatment. She is committed to building strong patient relationships, providing evidence-based medicine, and helping you maintain optimal health and well-being as you age. Her compassionate approach and comprehensive understanding of senior health make her an exceptional partner in your healthcare journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Fernanda Mercade is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Fernanda Mercade is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your unique needs. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, helping you maintain a fulfilling life as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and collaborating with you and your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Fernanda Mercade can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Ambetter
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicare
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Fernanda Mercade 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:
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is a condition where you have too much fat in your blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet and medication, you can keep your heart healthy and maintain your active lifestyle.
- Scabies: Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin, causing intense itching and a rash; prompt treatment with prescribed medication can quickly relieve the itching and clear the infestation.
- Cold Sore: If you experience a cold sore outbreak, know that it's a common viral infection that usually clears up on its own within a week or two; however, antiviral medications can be helpful in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms, maintaining your overall well-being.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Limb swelling from fluid retention can be managed effectively with medical attention, often through medications and dietary adjustments, which can significantly ease discomfort and help you remain active and independent.
- Gonorrhea Infections: A sexually transmitted infection called gonorrhea is easily cured with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, helping you stay healthy and preventing potential long-term complications.
- Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction or irritation of the skin that can lead to redness, itching, and swelling, but managing it by avoiding triggers and using gentle skin care products helps maintain comfort and well-being.
- Hyperkalemia: Having too much potassium (hyperkalemia) in your blood can sometimes cause heart problems, but with careful monitoring and treatment from your doctor, you can feel better and stay active.
- Proteinuria: Finding protein in your urine might suggest kidney damage, but many things can cause this, and managing it can help protect your kidney health.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly without lasting damage, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention to prevent a more serious stroke.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that requires medical attention, but with the right treatment plan, including medication and supportive care, you can regain your strength and quality of life.
- Heart Palpitations: If you're feeling your heart pound or beat unusually, it's important to talk to your doctor. Understanding the cause of your palpitations can help you manage them effectively and improve your overall well-being.
- Acute Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Sometimes, a blood clot develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg, this is called deep vein thrombosis, and if part breaks off and travels to the lungs, it's a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism; treatment involves medications to dissolve the clot and prevent future occurrences, enabling you to maintain your mobility.
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. Fernanda Mercade offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Advance directive end-of-life planning ensures your wishes regarding medical care are respected during your final stages of life.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To create a personalized care plan, your doctor may order an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess your respiratory and overall health.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination helps seniors with multiple health issues manage their conditions effectively by connecting them with the right specialists and resources.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling provides guidance and support to help you confidently navigate the challenges of living with diabetes and maintain a healthy life.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening tool that can help detect hidden blood in your stool, an early sign that might indicate colorectal cancer.
- Geriatric Assessment: By evaluating various aspects of your health – physical, cognitive, and social – a geriatric assessment helps doctors prevent health issues and maintain your independence.
- Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect changes in the cells of your cervix, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
- Vaccination: Vaccination is a simple yet powerful tool in managing chronic health conditions in older adults by boosting immunity and preventing severe 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 Internal Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Fernanda Mercade 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 careful dietary adjustments and medication, a senior couple experienced a significant improvement in their cardiovascular health, enabling them to enjoy their daily walks and maintain their active lifestyle.
- After receiving effective treatment for scabies, a senior couple could finally enjoy peaceful evenings together, free from the relentless itching that had been disrupting their rest.
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable internal medicine specialist, a senior experienced significantly reduced cold sore outbreaks, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of playing cards with friends without discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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 Obesity Medicine (Obesity Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Fernanda Mercade:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Mercade and her team are internists, which means they are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adult patients. They are experts in the many health issues that can occur as people age, such as managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Fernanda Mercade have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Mercade is an internist, specifically trained in adult medicine, with extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. She is highly knowledgeable about conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Mercade's practice believes in a team approach and welcomes the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is valuable in ensuring clear communication and support throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Fernanda Mercade?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Mercade, please bring a list of all your current medications (including doses and over-the-counter supplements), a summary of your medical history, your insurance information, and any specific questions or concerns you'd like to address.
- 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.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Mercade's practice prioritizes medication management, especially for patients taking multiple medications. We conduct regular reviews to assess for potential drug interactions, unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of your overall medication plan.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Mercade's approach to chronic pain, such as arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate medication, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
747 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 405
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (786) 442-2100
Dr. Fernanda Mercade, 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): 1184899700
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. Fernanda Mercade 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.