Dr. Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at Lakeland Regional Health in Plant City, FL. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she understands the unique health needs of seniors. 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 serves primarily older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Dr. Fernandez is currently welcoming new patients; please call (863) 284-5000 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Fernandez, a board-certified internal medicine physician, is deeply committed to involving patients in their care. This collaborative approach allows her to understand individual preferences and ensure patients feel comfortable with her clinical recommendations. Earning her medical degree from the Carlos J. Finlay Higher Institute of Medical Sciences in Camaguey, Cuba, and completing her residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York, she brings extensive experience to her practice. As a member of the American College of Physicians and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she is dedicated to the highest standards of care. She offers consultations in Spanish, making her accessible to a wider range of patients.
Dr. Sandra Fernandez is committed to providing personalized, patient-centered care, recognizing the multifaceted needs of her patients. She understands the importance of maintaining independence and quality of life as individuals age. Her dedication to comprehensive care, coupled with her commitment to patient involvement and comfort, positions her as a trusted partner in your health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Sandra Fernandez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Sandra Fernandez is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive internal medicine care tailored to your individual needs. She meticulously coordinates complex care, effectively manages chronic conditions, and prioritizes your overall well-being and independence, ensuring you can thrive as you age. Her approach emphasizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Sandra Fernandez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
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 and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO (PPO)
- Blue Select PPO (PPO)
- BlueOptions HMO (HMO)
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO (EPO)
- Curative PPO (PPO)
- Curative PPO Plus (PPO Plus)
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS (POS)
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO (PPO)
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Medica Choice
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Preferred PPO (PPO)
- Preferred Patient Care
- Select HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue HMO (HMO)
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO (EPO)
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Sandra 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:
- Acute Pharyngitis: Acute pharyngitis, or a painful throat, can be managed with simple home remedies like warm salt water gargles and throat lozenges, keeping you comfortable and preventing further complications, thus maintaining your quality of life.
- Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is a condition where a nerve root in your spine is compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm or leg, and treatment can help you manage pain and maintain your independence.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Getting older doesn't mean you're immune to STDs; these infections can affect people of all ages. Fortunately, many STDs are treatable with medication, improving your comfort and overall health.
- Chest Pain: While chest pain can have various causes, understanding the source allows for better management and reduces your discomfort, helping you enjoy your daily activities.
- Testicular Dysfunction: Experiencing changes in sexual function or other symptoms related to the testicles should prompt a visit to your doctor, as testicular dysfunction can often be addressed through effective medical intervention, enhancing your comfort and well-being.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in your lungs, leading to a cough and sometimes shortness of breath; with appropriate care, you can manage symptoms and quickly return to your normal activities.
- Hypotension: If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness due to low blood pressure, know that it's manageable. With appropriate medical care, you can minimize symptoms and enjoy a more active, fulfilling life.
- Urinary Hesitancy: Experiencing difficulty initiating urination, or urinary hesitancy, is a common problem that can be improved with medical attention, easing discomfort and improving your daily life.
- Hyperkalemia: If you have hyperkalemia, your doctor can work with you to adjust your medications and diet to bring your potassium levels to a safe range, ensuring your heart remains strong.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: If you or a loved one struggles with tobacco use, know that effective treatments and support groups are available to help overcome nicotine addiction, leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
- Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a common skin infection that can be treated successfully with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, ensuring swift recovery and avoiding potential long-term health problems.
- Gait Abnormality: Changes in your walking style, like shuffling or stumbling, can be a sign of a gait abnormality; understanding the cause can help your doctor create a plan to help you maintain 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. Sandra 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): This simple blood test helps assess your blood's acid-base balance, crucial for managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This service helps diagnose and manage the interaction of multiple chronic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving overall wellness.
- 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.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test, checking for hidden blood in your stool, can help your doctor find and manage colorectal cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Immunization Administration: Regular immunization updates ensure that seniors' immune systems are adequately prepared to fight infections, significantly contributing to their quality of life.
- Percutaneous Biopsy of Autologous Kidney: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a percutaneous kidney biopsy can help identify the cause of kidney issues and guide treatment decisions.
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. Sandra 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 a warm salt water gargle and soothing throat lozenges, a senior quickly found relief from their painful throat, allowing them to enjoy their afternoon tea with family without discomfort.
- With guidance on managing radiculopathy, a senior couple felt more secure in their home environment, regaining their ability to easily navigate their stairs and enjoy their favorite evening walks.
- With effective treatment for STDs, a senior couple regained the intimacy and emotional connection they cherished, improving their overall well-being and strengthening their relationship.
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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Sandra Fernandez:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Fernandez is an internist, a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. She is uniquely qualified to care for the complex health needs of older adults, including management of chronic conditions and coordination of care with other specialists.
- Does Dr. Sandra 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 commonly affecting seniors.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Fernandez and our team believe in a team approach to care. We welcome the participation of family members and caregivers, with the patient's consent, as their input is invaluable for clear communication and comprehensive support.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Sandra 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 any 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?
- Dr. Fernandez's office can perform common diagnostic tests like EKGs, blood draws, and urine tests. These help quickly assess your health and manage conditions without needing a referral to another specialist right away.
- What is your philosophy on maintaining quality of life for patients with serious illnesses?
- Dr. Fernandez's philosophy centers on providing personalized care that prioritizes maintaining quality of life. We strive to manage symptoms effectively, align treatment with your personal values and goals, and ensure your comfort and dignity are always paramount.
Lakeland Regional Health
511 W Alexander St
Plant City FL 33563
Phone: (863) 284-5000
Dr. Sandra Rodriguez 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): 1497135883
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. Sandra 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.