Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, DO is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Tampa, FL. She 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. She is committed to empowering you and your family with the knowledge and support necessary to make informed decisions about your health. Primarily serving older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs, Dr. Cruz is currently welcoming new patients.
Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, DO is an internist in Tampa, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and HCA Florida Saint Petersburg Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College Of Osteopathic Medicine and is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Marijo Cruz provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (813) 259-1013. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Marijo Cruz is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cruz is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care focused on your overall well-being and independence. She meticulously coordinates complex care, manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes understanding your personal goals to create a plan that maximizes comfort and empowers you to thrive as you age.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Marijo Cruz can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- National (BlueCard) PPO (PPO)
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Marijo 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:
- Constipation: Constipation is when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass, often causing discomfort and reduced quality of life for older adults.
- Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia means you have a deficiency of potassium in your blood, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness and tiredness; your doctor can help you manage this through dietary changes, medication, or both, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Gait Abnormality: Difficulty walking, such as unsteadiness or an unsteady gait, can affect your balance and increase your risk of falls, but many treatments can help improve stability and reduce falls.
- Diarrhea: Experiencing diarrhea can be unsettling, but understanding its causes and treatments can help you regain control and improve your well-being.
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: If you're experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort from diverticulitis, know that treatments like antibiotics and changes to your diet can significantly ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Malaise and Fatigue: If you or a loved one are struggling with ongoing fatigue and a lack of overall well-being, remember that effective strategies for managing these symptoms exist, and consulting your doctor is a crucial step towards finding relief and enhancing daily functioning.
- Pneumonia: If you have pneumonia, it means your lungs are inflamed due to an infection, potentially impacting your breathing; however, medical care, including medication and supportive therapies, helps manage symptoms and get you back on your feet.
- Cachexia: Cachexia is a serious condition causing unintentional weight loss and muscle wasting, often linked to chronic illnesses, and proper medical management can help improve your strength and energy levels.
- Bronchiectasis: In bronchiectasis, the tubes in your lungs become damaged and inflamed, causing persistent coughing and increased risk of lung infections; but don't worry, a proactive approach with medication, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments can help control symptoms and enable you to enjoy daily activities.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can make everyday activities feel harder, but understanding its cause and working with your doctor can often ease your breathing and improve your comfort.
- Asthma: Asthma makes breathing difficult due to inflamed airways, but with proper medication and a plan from your doctor, you can control your symptoms and stay active.
- 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.
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. Marijo Cruz offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Chronic Care Management: By focusing on prevention and early intervention, Chronic Care Management helps seniors with chronic conditions avoid hospitalizations and maintain their independence.
- 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.
- Hysterectomy: As a treatment option for certain uterine conditions, a hysterectomy can alleviate persistent pain and discomfort, allowing seniors to live more comfortably.
- Trauma Rehabilitation: As part of a comprehensive care plan, trauma rehabilitation addresses the physical and emotional effects of injuries, fostering a faster and more complete recovery.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: This painless test employs sound waves to produce detailed images of your eye's structures, aiding in the early detection and management of glaucoma or other eye diseases.
- Lyme Disease Treatment: Diagnosing Lyme disease early is crucial, and appropriate treatment helps alleviate symptoms and prevent chronic health issues in older adults.
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. Marijo 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:
- After a consultation with the internal medicine specialist, a senior felt more comfortable and in control of their bowel movements, regaining a sense of normalcy and freedom to enjoy their daily activities without discomfort.
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional, a senior experienced a significant reduction in muscle weakness and fatigue, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of gardening once more.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior felt significantly more secure navigating their home, confidently resuming their beloved daily walks in the park.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Marijo Cruz:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Cruz and her team are internists, which means they are primary care doctors who specialize in treating adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can occur as people age, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Marijo Cruz have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Cruz's practice specializes in adult medicine, including the specific health needs of older adults. She has extensive experience managing common conditions in later life and is well-equipped to care for you.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Cruz and her team believe in a team approach to care, and welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is valuable for ensuring clear communication and providing supportive care.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Marijo Cruz?
- To prepare for your first appointment with Dr. Marijo 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 have written down.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- The easiest way to request a refill is through our patient portal or by calling your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for requests to be processed.
- 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 kind of breathing or lung conditions do you manage?
- Dr. Cruz's practice manages common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. We focus on helping patients effectively manage symptoms, use inhalers correctly, and develop personalized action plans to prevent future flare-ups.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Cruz's practice prioritizes medication management for our older adult patients. We conduct regular reviews to assess for potential drug interactions, unnecessary prescriptions, and to ensure your medication plan is both safe and effective.
10150 Highland Manor Dr Ste 240
Tampa FL 33610
Phone: (813) 259-1013
Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, DO 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): 1841262680
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. Marijo 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.