Dr. Fernando Zarraga, MD is an oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute in Miami, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological 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). As a general oncologist, Dr. Zarraga provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He focuses on common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia.
Fernando de Zarraga Jr., M.D., is an experienced oncologist/hematologist with over 25 years of dedicated experience in oncological care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1998 and completed his residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in hematology/oncology, at UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital. His comprehensive approach to care, informed by his extensive training and experience, prioritizes the specific needs of older adults. Dr. Zarraga is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (786) 345-7208 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Spanish. Miami Cancer Institute, where he practices, takes a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring patients receive a personalized treatment plan from a team of experts.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Fernando Zarraga is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Zarraga is a compassionate and dedicated oncologist, committed to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors facing oncological challenges. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to create personalized treatment plans for conditions like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, prioritizing the unique needs and goals of each patient while ensuring a supportive and informed experience for both the senior and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Fernando Zarraga can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Dimension Health
Global Excel Insurance
Medica
Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP)
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna Better Health
- Blue Card
- Blue Care
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- BlueDental Choice
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- Dental
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Navigate
- NetworkBlue
- Options
- PHCS Network
- Select
- Standard
- TRICARE Extra
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Fernando Zarraga 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:
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes: For seniors, a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be concerning, as it affects blood cell production; however, with appropriate treatment plans involving medication, blood transfusions, or possibly a bone marrow transplant, many are able to maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Malignant Pituitary Gland Tumor: This type of cancer involves a tumor in the pituitary gland, impacting hormone production, and treatment may include surgery, radiation, or medication to control hormone levels and manage symptoms, helping seniors maintain their independence.
- Skin Cancer: Skin cancer, a common type of cancer, is often treatable with early detection, and treatment can improve your comfort and quality of life by removing concerning skin growths.
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system's T-cells, can be challenging, but treatment plans often incorporate tailored approaches to minimize side effects and help you live comfortably and independently for as long as possible.
- Stomach and Small Intestine Cancer: Stomach and small intestine cancers involve the growth of abnormal cells in these digestive areas, and while treatment might be complex, many therapies can help control the cancer and alleviate discomfort, allowing you to enjoy life's moments.
- Urinary Tract Cancer: Developing urinary tract cancer can be concerning, but treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation aim to control the cancer and improve your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, and with the support of your healthcare team and potentially supportive care services, you can navigate treatment and maintain a good quality of life.
- Malignant Mediastinal Tumor: A malignant mediastinal tumor is a cancer arising in the middle of the chest. Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific tumor and your overall health, often focusing on removing the tumor surgically and/or using radiation to prevent its return, thus helping preserve your health and independence.
- Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: This type of lymphoma, NLPHL, often responds well to treatment, allowing many older adults to continue enjoying their daily activities and remain independent.
- Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Upper digestive tract cancers can be challenging, but advancements in medicine offer various treatment options to control symptoms, extend life expectancy, and help seniors live as fully as possible.
- Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: If a gastrointestinal tract neoplasm is found, we will carefully explain what it means for your health, discuss various treatment options to ease symptoms and extend your comfort, and help you stay as independent as possible.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, nose, or voice box, and treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for seniors.
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. Fernando Zarraga offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a crucial step in confirming or ruling out cancer, ensuring seniors receive the appropriate treatment or monitoring strategy.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to determine if cancer cells are present, helping doctors tailor your cancer treatment and monitor its effectiveness.
- Chemotherapy: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, chemotherapy can shrink tumors before surgery or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Partial Lobectomy with Robotic Assist: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan for older adults, a partial lobectomy with robotic assist helps remove cancerous tumors from the lung, improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
- Open Thymectomy: This surgery helps improve the quality of life for some seniors with thymus-related cancers by removing the affected tissue, aiding in long-term health management.
- Cancer Treatment: Cancer treatment involves a team approach, incorporating specialists and support services to help seniors navigate their journey.
- Head and Neck Reconstruction Surgery: Head and neck reconstruction surgery addresses the physical consequences of head and neck cancers, improving appearance, swallowing, and speech for seniors.
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 Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Fernando Zarraga 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 a tailored treatment plan, a senior with myelodysplastic syndromes experienced fewer fatigue symptoms and was able to resume regular visits with grandchildren, a cherished part of their life.
- With careful treatment, a senior regained the energy to enjoy morning walks with their beloved dog, a cherished activity significantly impacted by the tumor. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was managing the symptoms and maintaining independence.
- Concerned about a skin growth, a senior felt reassured after a consultation and treatment plan. The patient's peace of mind and improved comfort allowed them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities again.
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 Oncological care with Dr. Fernando Zarraga:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Zarraga and our team are medical oncologists, specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer using medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We often collaborate with surgical and radiation oncologists to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient's specific needs.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Zarraga will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Zarraga will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you in this process.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Zarraga considers your overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining the best cancer treatment plan. He specializes in creating personalized plans for seniors, adapting treatments to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard way to manage slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves close monitoring with regular blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment. This approach avoids treatment side effects for cancers that may not cause problems.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It's a groundbreaking approach, often well-tolerated by older adults.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, depending on the specific cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Zarraga works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
8900 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 345-7208
Dr. Fernando Zarraga, 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): 1578550810
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 provider named. Oncology like Dr. Fernando Zarraga 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.