Dr. Francisco Cruz, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Cruz is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (305) 380-0940 to schedule an appointment.
With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Cruz brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Born in Havana, Cuba, he earned his medical degree from Fac Med University La Habana in 1988 and completed an internship at Dr Ramon R Arnau University Hospital. He then undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Raritan Bay Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of primarily older adults. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is based in Office, Hospital, and Skilled Nursing Facility services, and has been the Medical Director of St Annes Nursing Facility since 2009. Dr. Cruz offers consultations in Spanish. He is a member of the Florida Medical Directors Association and holds admitting privileges at several Miami-area hospitals.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Francisco Cruz is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Francisco Cruz is a dedicated partner in your health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence as you age. He meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your personal needs and goals, ensuring a plan that maximizes your comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Francisco Cruz can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Francisco Cruz 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:
- Atherosclerosis: With atherosclerosis, your arteries become stiff and less flexible, affecting blood flow. By following your doctor's plan, including medication and healthy habits, you can lessen its impact and maintain your ability to enjoy everyday life.
- Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, often causing a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever, which can be managed with rest, fluids, and sometimes antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to ease discomfort and help you feel better faster.
- Urinary Incontinence: Many effective treatments exist for urinary incontinence, helping seniors regain confidence and reduce the impact on daily routines and social interactions. Don't hesitate to speak with your doctor.
- Bronchiectasis: If you have bronchiectasis, your lung airways are abnormally enlarged and scarred, resulting in chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and infections; thankfully, with the right care, including medication and breathing techniques, you can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Influenza (Flu): For older adults, the flu can pose a greater risk of pneumonia and other serious complications, but timely vaccination and medical care can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.
- Phobia: A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something specific, like spiders or heights, that can significantly impact daily life and cause significant distress.
- Liver Damage from Alcohol: For seniors, managing alcohol-related liver damage often involves reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, along with medications and a healthy diet, to help maintain your independence.
- Gait Abnormality: Experiencing problems with walking, like taking shorter steps or losing your balance, is a common issue, especially as we age; a doctor can help find the cause and suggest solutions that ensure safety.
- Autism: Autism spectrum disorder varies widely in its expression, meaning support and interventions need to be personalized to address individual strengths and needs in adult life.
- Fever: Managing a fever involves comfort measures like plenty of fluids and rest, along with medications prescribed by your doctor, to help you feel better and remain comfortable at home.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Managing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, which include flaky skin and itching, is important to avoid scratching and potential skin infections; a healthcare professional can help find the right treatment plan for you.
- Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Venous embolism and thrombosis (VTE) refers to blood clots that form in the veins, often in the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications if they travel to the lungs.
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. Francisco Cruz offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you actively participate in shaping your healthcare decisions and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): By measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment for lung or heart problems.
- Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: This service provides guidance on managing existing heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, to prevent complications.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service ensures a smooth care journey for seniors undergoing complex procedures, coordinating appointments and follow-up care for optimal recovery.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps seniors understand their weight and develop a personalized plan to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improving overall health.
- Pap Smear: This quick test can help manage your risk of cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells early, enabling prompt intervention.
- Physical Examination: Your doctor uses a physical exam to assess your current health and risk factors, guiding decisions about preventive care and lifestyle adjustments.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, smoking cessation counseling supports seniors in overcoming nicotine addiction and reducing their risk of serious health problems.
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. Francisco Cruz 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, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, a senior couple regained their energy and confidence to take daily walks in the park, a cherished activity they had put aside due to atherosclerosis.
- With tonsillitis symptoms significantly reduced, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with their family, a cherished activity they had been missing.
- Feeling more confident and secure at home, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly bridge club gatherings, a cherished social activity.
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. Francisco Cruz:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Cruz's practice specializes in internal medicine, which means he's a primary care doctor who focuses exclusively on adult health. This makes him an expert in the many health issues that commonly affect older adults, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Francisco Cruz have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Cruz is an internist, specifically trained in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions frequently seen in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Cruz and our practice strongly 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. Francisco Cruz?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Cruz, 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 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.
- How do you coordinate care with specialists like cardiologists or oncologists?
- Dr. Cruz coordinates care by acting as the team captain. He handles referrals to specialists, shares all your medical information, and synthesizes recommendations from specialists into one comprehensive treatment plan.
- How do you manage chronic pain, such as arthritis?
- Dr. Cruz's approach to chronic pain, like arthritis, is multifaceted. It includes appropriate medication, referrals to physical therapy, and discussions about lifestyle adjustments to help manage discomfort and maintain activity levels.
13500 SW 88th St Ste 271
Miami FL 33186
Phone: (305) 380-0940
Dr. Francisco Cruz, 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): 1386629681
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. Francisco Cruz 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.