Dr. Richard Fernandez, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. Please call (305) 595-6202 to confirm if Dr. Fernandez is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Richard Fernandez, MD is an internist in Miami, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1985 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and Doctors Hospital and accepts telehealth appointments. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Fernandez provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Richard 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. He meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you can thrive as you age. His approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a tailored plan that maximizes your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Fernandez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- 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
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- Engage (large group) HMO (HMO)
- Engage - Small Employer Groups
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Focus - Small Employer Groups
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- Medica Choice
- National POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard 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:
- Tobacco Use Disorder: It's common for older adults to develop a tobacco use disorder, but help is available to quit and reduce the risks to their lungs, heart, and overall health, enhancing their independence and enjoyment of life.
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Living with COPD means your airways are narrowed, making it challenging to breathe comfortably, yet managing this condition through proper medication and therapies helps maintain independence and mobility.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can make you feel sluggish and affect your overall health, but with the right medication and care, you can effectively manage your symptoms and feel healthier.
- Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, can put you at risk for heart disease, but it's manageable! By making healthy lifestyle changes and/or taking medication as prescribed, you can reduce your risk and continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Limb Pain: Experiencing pain in your arms or legs? It's important to discuss this with your doctor to determine the cause and find the right treatment to improve your comfort and daily life.
- Pharyngitis: While a sore throat (pharyngitis) can be bothersome, especially for older adults, simple treatments like gargling with salt water and drinking warm liquids can often provide significant relief.
- Urinary Incontinence: Experiencing accidental urine leakage can be embarrassing, but it's a very manageable condition. Your doctor can help find the right solution to improve bladder control and your overall comfort.
- Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: If you have VTE, blood clots in your veins, early diagnosis and treatment with blood thinners are crucial to prevent the clot from traveling to your lungs, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Cough: Dealing with a cough can be frustrating, but understanding its cause – whether it's a cold, allergies, or a more serious condition – is the first step towards effective management and improved comfort.
- Rosacea: Rosacea is a common skin condition causing redness, bumps, and sometimes pimples, mainly on the face, that can be managed with simple treatments to improve your comfort and confidence.
- Malaise and Fatigue: Malaise and fatigue, meaning feeling unwell and exhausted, can significantly impact daily life, but talking to your doctor can help determine the root cause and explore treatment options that restore your vitality and independence.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT, or a blood clot in a deep vein, can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, but it's treatable; by working closely with your doctor and following their recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce your risk of serious issues and improve 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. Richard Fernandez 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.
- Chronic Care Management: This service provides ongoing support for seniors dealing with long-term illnesses, helping them track their health, manage medications, and prevent complications.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
- Immunization Administration: Through timely immunizations, we can help prevent hospitalizations and complications related to infectious diseases, keeping seniors healthier and more active.
- Pap Smear: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a Pap smear helps your doctor monitor the health of your cervix and guide decisions about future care.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse: This structured program helps seniors struggling with addiction overcome challenges, providing professional guidance and support to address the root causes of their substance use and facilitate a healthier lifestyle.
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. Richard 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 the support of a personalized treatment plan, a senior was able to quit smoking, significantly reducing shortness of breath and experiencing a renewed sense of energy, enabling them to enjoy their grandchildren's activities more fully.
- After careful monitoring and medication adjustments, a senior with COPD found relief from persistent shortness of breath, allowing them to once again enjoy their daily walks in the park.
- After starting medication for hypothyroidism, a senior felt a noticeable increase in energy, allowing her to return to her beloved knitting circle, connecting with friends and enjoying a renewed sense of purpose.
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. Richard Fernandez:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Fernandez and our practice are dedicated to providing comprehensive internal medicine care for adults. Internists are primary care doctors who specialize in adult health, making them uniquely qualified to address the diverse health needs of older adults, including managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists.
- Does Dr. Richard 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. He is knowledgeable about the conditions frequently encountered 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 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 throughout the care process.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Richard 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 any specific questions or concerns you'd like to discuss.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. If you have 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.
- What kind of diagnostic tests can be done in your office?
- In Dr. Fernandez's office, we can perform common diagnostic tests like electrocardiograms (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.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Fernandez's practice prioritizes medication management, regularly reviewing prescriptions to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary medications, and ensure the overall plan is safe and effective for each patient.
9210 SW 72nd St Ste 100
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 595-6202
Dr. Richard 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): 1235110057
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. Richard 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.