Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Wildwood, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. She serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Currently, Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza is not accepting new patients, but you can call (352) 913-2145 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. As a primary care physician, Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza emphasizes the importance of prevention and patient education, guiding patients in managing chronic illnesses and fulfilling her role as a medical advisor and caregiver. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. In her practice, she employs a patient-centered team approach, recognizing the patient as an essential part of the care team. Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care tailored to your unique needs. She expertly manages chronic conditions, coordinates complex care, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition through the senior years. Her focus is on creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- Seamless HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza 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:
- Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: For older adults, even a simple lung infection can impact daily activities; however, appropriate medical care, which may involve antibiotics or other treatments, helps to manage symptoms, ensuring comfort and reducing the disruption to your routine.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): If you notice blood in your urine, don't hesitate to schedule a visit with your doctor. Many causes are easily addressed, ensuring you can continue enjoying your daily activities.
- Urinary Stones: Kidney stones are hard deposits that can form in your kidneys, causing significant pain and discomfort, but with proper medical care and management, you can find relief and improve your quality of life.
- Anxiety: Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome, and it's treatable with therapy, medication, or both, significantly improving your sense of calm and well-being.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis is a condition where your sinuses stay inflamed for a long time, but with proper medical care, including allergy management and medications, you can experience significant relief and avoid disruptions to your daily activities.
- Menstrual Disorders: Menstrual disorders, while typically associated with younger women, can sometimes persist into later life and may include irregular bleeding or painful periods, which can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes to improve comfort and quality of life.
- Heart Disease: Heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, can be effectively treated to improve your comfort and quality of life, often reducing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Wheezing: If you're experiencing wheezing, it's a sign that your airways may be narrowed, making it harder to breathe. Treatment can help open your airways and make it easier to breathe comfortably and stay active.
- Onychomycosis: Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, often causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness, but treatable with medication to improve appearance and prevent complications.
- Acute Laryngitis: Acute laryngitis is a common condition causing temporary voice changes due to irritation or infection of your vocal cords; plenty of fluids and avoiding talking can significantly ease symptoms.
- Overweight: Overweight is when your weight is higher than what's ideal for your height and build; however, adopting healthy habits such as better nutrition and physical activity can greatly improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of age-related diseases.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol often has no noticeable symptoms, but it's a serious condition that can lead to heart disease. Regular checkups and following your doctor's recommendations for diet and medication are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining your independence.
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. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hepatitis A Screening: Routine hepatitis A screening is a proactive measure included in a comprehensive preventative care plan, ensuring your health is monitored thoroughly.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening helps identify and manage infections that can impact your health and well-being, ensuring a proactive approach to your sexual health as you age.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a vital part of preventive care, helping protect seniors from vaccine-preventable diseases and keeping them healthy.
- Skin Screenings: Through careful examination during a skin screening, your doctor can monitor changes in your skin and address any concerns promptly.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Addressing alcohol or substance misuse in a proactive manner contributes to a comprehensive care plan to support your senior years.
- Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Early detection of anemia and iron deficiency through routine screening allows for prompt intervention, preventing further health issues and maintaining your vitality.
- Breast Exam: To ensure ongoing good health, a breast exam assists in early detection of breast abnormalities so treatment can begin promptly if necessary.
- Thyroid Screening: Thyroid screening helps detect underlying thyroid problems that can cause fatigue, weight changes, and other symptoms often overlooked in older adults.
- Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening is an important step in maintaining a woman's reproductive health as she ages, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of this common condition.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): This exam allows your doctor to screen for prostate cancer, a common concern for men as they age, and ensures timely intervention if necessary.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As part of your ongoing care, an ABG test helps your doctor understand your body's oxygenation and acid-base balance, guiding decisions about your medication or treatment strategies for a wide range of conditions.
- Geriatric Assessment: This comprehensive checkup helps doctors understand your physical, mental, and social needs to manage existing conditions and prevent future problems as you get older.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza 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:
- A senior citizen, struggling with a persistent cough and shortness of breath, found relief from their acute lower respiratory infection. With appropriate medical care, they were able to resume their beloved hobby of knitting, a cherished part of their daily routine.
- Concerned about blood in her urine, a senior woman consulted a family medicine physician. Following a thorough evaluation and treatment plan, she regained her confidence in her ability to maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
- After struggling with kidney stones, a senior couple found relief from frequent pain and discomfort, allowing them to enjoy evening walks and social gatherings again, strengthening their overall well-being.
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 Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza and her team are uniquely positioned to care for seniors because family physicians often care for patients throughout their lives. This gives them a deep understanding of a senior's health history and allows them to be trusted primary care partners, experts in managing chronic conditions, and coordinators of all aspects of care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza, we'll review your medications, perform a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your individual health needs. This visit is a chance to partner with us on your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all medications (including over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- What is the practice's approach to fall prevention?
- Fall prevention is a top priority for our practice. Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza can conduct a fall risk assessment, review medications that may contribute to dizziness, and recommend physical therapy or home safety evaluations to help seniors stay safe and independent.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza and her team can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. If a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedist is needed, she will make the referral and coordinate care to ensure all treatments work together seamlessly.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Dr. Gonzalez-Mendoza's office can perform many common skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing precancerous spots (actinic keratosis). This often avoids the need for a separate appointment at a dermatologist's office, making it convenient for seniors.
1305 Cleveland Ave
Wildwood FL 34785
Phone: (352) 913-2145
Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza, 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): 1194836825
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Mariel Gonzalez-Mendoza 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.