Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Tamarac, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring his patients receive the highest quality of care. Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara understands the unique health needs of seniors, serving as a primary healthcare partner who coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and focuses on overall well-being and independence to help patients thrive as they age. He primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs.
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. Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Iscm Vc Cuba in 1987. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Internal Medicine, Hospital Of San Juan. Puerto Rico (graduated 2013), and Endocrinology, Institute Of Endocrinology, Havana, Cuba (graduated 1994), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Primarily older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a graduate of Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas in Santa Clara, Cuba, where he was in the top 10 of his graduating class. He is currently welcoming new patients, and they can schedule an appointment by calling (954) 532-5160. Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara offers consultations in Spanish. His care philosophy emphasizes the mutual collaboration between physician and patient, providing patients with accurate information and ensuring they leave feeling confident about their health and well-being.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care that prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and focuses on empowering you to thrive as you age. His approach centers on understanding your individual needs and goals, working collaboratively with you and your family to create a personalized plan that maximizes your comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care of Florida
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)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara 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:
- Emphysema: With emphysema, the delicate air sacs in your lungs become damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness, but treatments like medication and pulmonary rehabilitation can help improve your breathing and overall well-being.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight, known as obesity, can make daily activities harder, but working with a healthcare provider on a weight-management plan can help you maintain your independence.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD involves stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, causing discomfort, but don't worry, it's often easily managed with medication, adjustments to your diet, and lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life and keep you active.
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, leading to fatigue and weakness, but it can often be managed with simple treatments to improve energy levels.
- Heart Disease: If you have heart disease, understanding your specific condition and working collaboratively with your healthcare team through medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices ensures you can continue to live a fulfilling life.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition affecting your breathing, but with a well-managed treatment plan, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, you can prevent flare-ups and maintain your independence.
- Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking is a common concern, especially as we age, but we can work together to find solutions that make moving around easier and safer.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol is a condition where there's too much cholesterol in your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease, but with proper diet, exercise, and medication, you can keep your heart healthy and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and stiffness, often making everyday activities more challenging, but with proper management, you can maintain your mobility and independence.
- Back Pain: Back pain is a common problem that can be managed with various treatments to help you stay comfortable and maintain your independence.
- Hyperandrogenism: If you're experiencing symptoms like acne or irregular periods that might be related to high levels of male hormones (hyperandrogenism), talking to your doctor can lead to a personalized treatment plan to alleviate these issues and enhance your health.
- Sleep Apnea: If you or a loved one snores loudly and often feel tired despite sleeping enough, it might be sleep apnea, a condition easily diagnosed and treated to restore restful nights and improve energy levels.
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 Gonzalez-Vergara offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Abscess Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage is a surgical procedure that helps diagnose the type and extent of a localized infection, supporting better decision-making in senior care.
- 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.
- Breath Testing: As part of your overall health assessment, a breath test can assist in the early diagnosis of certain conditions, helping you and your doctor make informed decisions about your care.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, an EKG helps your doctor quickly diagnose the cause, providing timely intervention to prevent serious complications and ensuring your safety.
- 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.
- Immunization: Staying up-to-date with immunizations is a key part of a comprehensive care plan, helping to prevent infections and reduce the need for more extensive medical treatment later on.
- Spirometry: Spirometry is a key tool in creating a personalized care plan for managing your breathing difficulties, helping you breathe easier and live more comfortably.
- Urinalysis: As part of your regular check-up, a urinalysis provides valuable information about your kidney function and helps your doctor monitor your health over time.
- Vaccination: Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is a key component of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, helping manage and prevent infections that can complicate existing conditions.
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. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara 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 the help of a personalized treatment plan, a senior was able to enjoy a walk in the park without feeling winded, a cherished activity that had become increasingly difficult due to emphysema. The family felt great relief knowing their loved one was experiencing improved breathing and overall well-being.
- Feeling more energetic and confident, a senior was able to join a weekly walking group, a cherished activity that had become difficult due to excess weight. Their family was relieved to see their improved mobility and overall well-being.
- With dietary adjustments and medication, a senior couple found relief from the persistent heartburn and discomfort of GERD, allowing them to enjoy their evening walks and social gatherings without interruption.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara's practice specializes in internal medicine for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who focus exclusively on adult health, making them uniquely qualified to manage the complex health needs that often arise with aging. They are skilled at coordinating care and managing chronic conditions.
- Does Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience caring for the unique health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions commonly affecting seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara'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 for the best possible care.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara, 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 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.
- How do you help patients who are at risk of falling?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara's practice prioritizes fall prevention. We review medications for side effects, assess mobility, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to reduce fall risk.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Vergara's practice prioritizes a coordinated approach to care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. We work as a central hub, coordinating with specialists to create a unified care plan. This includes careful medication management to avoid conflicts and ensure the best possible outcomes.
8050 N University Dr Ste 101
Tamarac FL 33321
Phone: (954) 532-5160
Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara, 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): 1518276146
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. Fernando Gonzalez-Vergara 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.