Dr. Hiroko Fernandez, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at UF Health Cardiology - Springhill in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as a primary healthcare partner, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on the overall well-being and independence of her patients. She is particularly skilled in providing personalized care to primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Fernandez is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (352) 265-0820 to schedule an appointment.
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine, Dr. Fernandez brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 2005 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her focus on senior care is evident in her commitment to helping patients thrive as they age, and her expertise extends to the management of complex cardiac conditions. Dr. Fernandez also offers consultations in Japanese. Her diverse clinical experience, including a fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology, positions her as a knowledgeable and highly skilled partner in your health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Hiroko Fernandez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Fernandez is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care. She meticulously coordinates complex care, expertly manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to help you thrive as you age, fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship with you and your family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Hiroko Fernandez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Choice HMO (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Blue Select PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP)
- 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)
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Connecticare
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- EmblemHealth
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Flex Connecticut EPO (EPO)
- Florida Blue
- GHI CBP
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- MagnaCare
- MagnaCare PPO (PPO)
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- NY
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO (PPO)
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Choice POS (POS)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network APCN Choice (OAMC) POS II (POS II)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Savings Plus of Metro
- Select
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Hiroko Fernandez 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:
- Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: Hypertensive heart disease and chronic kidney disease are interconnected conditions where high blood pressure damages the heart and kidneys, but managing both with medication and lifestyle changes can help you stay healthier and more active.
- Nausea: Nausea is that queasy, uneasy feeling in your stomach that can make you feel like you might vomit.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: If you have mitral valve prolapse, a heart valve doesn't close completely, sometimes leading to irregular heartbeats or breathlessness; treatment focuses on managing any symptoms and maintaining your overall health and independence.
- Angina: Angina, a type of heart pain, happens when your heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood; managing it with lifestyle changes and medication can prevent attacks and keep you feeling your best.
- Heart Murmur: Heart murmurs can be monitored or treated based on their cause and severity, allowing you to live comfortably and independently for longer.
- Third Degree Heart Block: In third-degree heart block, your heart's electrical signals aren't working correctly, causing an irregular heartbeat that might cause fatigue or lightheadedness; however, a pacemaker can help regulate this rhythm, ensuring you feel better and stay independent.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Swollen limbs can happen when your body holds onto too much fluid, making it harder to move around, but your doctor can help manage this with medication or lifestyle changes to improve your comfort and independence.
- Prinzmetal Angina: Prinzmetal angina is a type of chest pain caused by temporary narrowing of the heart's blood vessels, but it's treatable! Medication can help prevent these episodes, allowing you to enjoy a more fulfilling and less painful life.
- Second Degree Heart Block: A second-degree heart block means your heart's electrical signals aren't always reaching all parts of your heart efficiently, potentially causing slower or irregular heartbeats; working with your doctor on medication or a pacemaker can keep your heart rhythm regular, allowing you to stay active and independent.
- Pericarditis: Pericarditis is a condition causing chest pain and discomfort due to inflammation near the heart. Treatment usually involves medication to ease symptoms and improve your overall well-being, ensuring you can maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
- First Degree Heart Block: This slow heart rhythm issue, called first-degree heart block, is usually mild and may go unnoticed; it typically doesn't require treatment, allowing you to maintain your independence and quality of life.
- Urinary Incontinence: If you're struggling with unexpected urine leaks, know that you're not alone. Treatment options are available, ranging from pelvic floor exercises to medication, to help regain control and enhance your quality of 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. Hiroko Fernandez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Chest Pain Evaluation: Understanding the source of your chest pain is crucial for managing your health, and a thorough evaluation helps create a personalized care plan.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a crucial preventive care step to protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases, helping them maintain their health and independence.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that uses small sensors placed on your chest to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping your doctor assess your heart health and manage any potential problems.
- Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: A dobutamine thallium stress test helps your doctor assess how well your heart is working during physical exertion, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
- Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): As part of your comprehensive heart health assessment, a cardiac catheterization helps doctors understand the extent of any artery blockages, informing decisions about the best treatment approach.
- Treadmill Stress Test: This test measures your heart's response to physical exertion, helping your physician determine your fitness level and manage conditions like heart disease.
- Cardiovascular Diagnostic Test: Cardiovascular diagnostic tests help your doctor understand your heart's health and identify potential problems like heart disease or irregular heartbeats, allowing for early intervention and better management.
- Coronary Angiogram: As part of your comprehensive heart health assessment, a coronary angiogram helps doctors assess the severity of any coronary artery disease and make informed decisions about your care.
- Tilt_Testing: By identifying the underlying cause of your fainting spells through tilt table testing, your doctor can recommend more effective treatment strategies.
- Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac ablation is a procedure that can help correct irregular heartbeats, improving your overall heart health and quality of life.
- Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiogram, uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping your doctor assess its structure and function to better manage your heart health.
- Chest CT (incl. Heart and Lungs): If you're experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, a chest CT scan can help doctors pinpoint the cause, guiding their decision on the best treatment approach for your comfort and recovery.
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. Hiroko Fernandez 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 medication and lifestyle adjustments, a senior couple experienced significant symptom relief from their hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease, allowing them to safely enjoy their daily walks and garden again.
- A senior couple found relief from persistent nausea, allowing them to enjoy their favorite restaurant outings again without discomfort. Their quality of life improved significantly with the guidance of a supportive medical professional.
- With careful management of her mitral valve prolapse, a senior woman regained her energy and could once again enjoy her daily walks in the park, a cherished activity.
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 (Cardiovascular Disease)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Hiroko Fernandez:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Fernandez is an internist, a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. Internists are experts in the many health issues that can arise with aging, and are skilled at managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Hiroko Fernandez have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Fernandez is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience treating the unique health needs of older adults. She is knowledgeable about the conditions common in later life, providing comprehensive care tailored to the specific needs of seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Fernandez and our practice believe in a team approach to care, and we welcome the involvement of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their participation is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and providing the best possible support for your loved one.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Hiroko Fernandez?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Fernandez, 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 a list of any specific questions or concerns you have.
- 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?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- What is the practice's approach to discussing memory concerns or cognitive changes?
- Dr. Fernandez and our team understand that memory concerns are important. We create a safe space to discuss these worries, offer initial cognitive screenings, and can coordinate referrals to neurologists or other specialists if needed.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Fernandez's office, we can perform common tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
UF Health Cardiology - Springhill
4037 NW 86th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-0820
Dr. Hiroko Fernandez, 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): 1356485742
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. Hiroko Fernandez 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.