Dr. Ivan Rivera, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at our Lakeland, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a trusted partner in your senior health journey. 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. He is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (863) 680-7000 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Ivan Rivera, MD is an internist in Lakeland, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 2009 and completed an internship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2010. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2012, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and affiliated with Lakeland Regional Medical Center. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Ivan Rivera is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ivan Rivera is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. He meticulously coordinates complex care and manages chronic conditions, always prioritizing your comfort and personal goals. His compassionate approach ensures a smooth transition through the aging process, fostering a strong connection with you and your family to create a personalized plan for optimal health and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ivan Rivera can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO (PPO)
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
- Select HMO (HMO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ivan Rivera 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:
- Fibromyalgia: While fibromyalgia involves ongoing pain, stiffness, and tiredness, it's important to know that many effective strategies exist to reduce symptoms and improve your overall quality of life, allowing you to enjoy activities you love.
- Diverticulosis: Diverticulosis is a common condition where small pouches develop in the digestive tract, often causing no symptoms but sometimes leading to discomfort that can be managed with dietary changes and medication.
- Bronchitis: A cough and shortness of breath are common signs of bronchitis, an infection affecting your airways; with the right care, symptoms can be eased, improving your overall comfort and well-being and reducing the impact on your daily routines.
- Diverticulitis: If you have diverticulitis, it means that small pouches in your colon have become inflamed or infected, causing abdominal pain, but your doctor can help manage this condition and improve your quality of life.
- Gout: Characterized by sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, gout is a manageable condition with proper medical care, improving your comfort and quality of life.
- Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, but understanding its causes and managing it with your doctor can help you stay safe and independent.
- Osteoarthritis: While osteoarthritis's joint pain and reduced mobility can be concerning, effective management with your healthcare team, including pain relievers and therapies, allows you to maintain your daily routines and enjoy an active lifestyle.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and impacting overall health, but thankfully, treatment like CPAP machines can significantly improve sleep quality and daily life.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: If you're experiencing unexplained fatigue or balance problems, you might have low vitamin B12 levels. Regular monitoring and simple treatments, like B12 shots, can help you feel better and maintain your independence.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain can sometimes indicate a serious condition needing immediate medical care, so it's important to seek help promptly to receive appropriate treatment and maintain your well-being.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Dealing with chronic neck pain doesn't mean you have to accept the discomfort. Working with a doctor, you can find a treatment plan that reduces pain, improves mobility, and helps you enjoy life more fully.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is pain that radiates down your leg from your lower back, often caused by a pinched nerve, and managing it with gentle exercise, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy can significantly reduce discomfort and 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. Ivan Rivera offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor understand how well your lungs are working and how your body is managing oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling supports you in making informed decisions about your diabetes care, including medication choices and lifestyle changes.
- 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.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a key component of a comprehensive care plan, ensuring seniors receive protection against potentially debilitating infections.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: For seniors, smoking cessation counseling provides expert guidance and support to successfully quit smoking, leading to better cardiovascular and respiratory health.
- Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a crucial step in helping seniors adapt to life after a spinal cord injury, promoting better physical and mental health.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure uses radio waves to eliminate cancerous or abnormal tissue, a valuable tool in your ongoing cancer management and enhancing your long-term comfort.
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. Ivan Rivera 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 guidance of a supportive healthcare provider, a senior with fibromyalgia found relief from debilitating pain, allowing her to once again enjoy her beloved water aerobics class.
- Following a personalized plan, a senior couple experienced a significant reduction in digestive discomfort related to diverticulosis, allowing them to enjoy a more active and comfortable lifestyle at home.
- With guidance from a knowledgeable internal medicine specialist, a senior was able to manage their bronchitis symptoms, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without feeling breathless.
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. Ivan Rivera:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Rivera's practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care for adults, focusing on the unique health needs of older adults. Internists are specially trained to manage the complex health issues often seen in aging, including chronic conditions. They also coordinate care with other specialists to ensure a holistic approach.
- Does Dr. Ivan Rivera have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Rivera is an internist, specializing in adult medicine, and has extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults. He is knowledgeable about the conditions common in later life and is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Rivera 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 involvement is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Ivan Rivera?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Rivera, 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 prescription 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 your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Rivera's practice takes medication management very seriously for our older adult patients. We regularly review medication lists to check for interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the overall plan is safe and effective.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Rivera's office, we can perform common diagnostic tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help us quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to a specialist right away.
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 680-7000
Dr. Ivan Rivera, 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): 1720214190
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. Ivan Rivera 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.