Dr. Derrick Mena, MD

Dr. Derrick Mena, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He practices at his clinic in Panama City, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves Adults (18 years and older) and patients should call (347) 907-0005 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Derrick Mena, MD is an internist in Panama City, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His practice prioritizes the prevention of illness and the promotion of well-being. He understands that proactive health management is key to long-term health and well-being. His approach focuses on creating personalized, comprehensive care plans that address both the immediate and future health needs of his patients. Dr. Mena recognizes that a patient's active participation is crucial to achieving optimal health outcomes. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Derrick Mena is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Derrick Mena can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Derrick Mena provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Back Pain: Preventing back pain from interfering with your daily life starts with proactive care, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking professional help when needed.
• Abnormal Thyroid: Protecting your health involves understanding your thyroid. Regular checkups and proactive management of abnormal thyroid function help prevent potentially debilitating complications.
• Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis: Prompt treatment of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, guided by your doctor, can prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots and potentially life-threatening complications.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Early detection of blood clot risk factors, such as prolonged immobility or genetic predisposition, is vital to implementing preventative measures and minimizing the chance of developing a venous embolism or thrombosis.
• Bladder Infection: Proper diagnosis and treatment of bladder infections are crucial for preventing lasting damage to your urinary system.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor can assist in early diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, enabling timely intervention and improved symptom control.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Preventing the spread of acute upper respiratory infections protects your overall health and reduces the risk of complications down the line, highlighting the importance of preventive care.
• Acute Kidney Infection: Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes helps reduce your risk of developing a kidney infection and protects your kidney health.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a common digestive issue, can be easily managed with dietary changes, preventing discomfort and improving your overall well-being.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Through regular blood tests and a balanced diet, your internist can help you manage your risk of vitamin B deficiency and maintain optimal health.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Seeing blood in your urine could be a sign of a larger health problem, so early detection through regular checkups with your internist is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Managing your alcohol intake is a vital part of comprehensive preventive care, significantly reducing the risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease and its associated complications.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Derrick Mena offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Electrodiagnostic Procedure: As part of your comprehensive health plan, an electrodiagnostic procedure can help prevent the progression of nerve or muscle conditions by providing early detection of potential problems.
• Detoxification: Take control of your health by undergoing a detoxification assessment. This can help uncover hidden factors affecting your energy levels and overall health.
• Hormone Therapy, Men: Partner with your doctor to develop a personalized plan that includes assessing the role of hormone therapy in addressing specific health concerns and optimizing your overall health.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Derrick Mena is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Adult Patient's life:

• By incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain and improved their overall quality of life. They now enjoy their daily activities without the limitations imposed by chronic back pain.
• By scheduling regular thyroid function tests and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed potential thyroid issues, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their well-being.
• Following a proactive plan with their physician, a patient successfully reduced their risk of blood clots, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health management.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Derrick Mena:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Mena, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the diverse health issues adults face.

How does Dr. Derrick Mena manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Mena excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Mena's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Mena will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Mena will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Mena acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects affected by autoimmune diseases. While rheumatologists focus on specialized medications, Dr. Mena manages other health concerns like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Mena will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

449 W 23rd St
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (347) 907-0005

Dr. Derrick Mena, 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): 1053552471

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Derrick Mena are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.