Dr. Fernanda Mercade, MD

Dr. Fernanda Mercade, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to providing exceptional care for adults (18 years and older). 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. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (786) 442-2100. Dr. Mercade is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and her extensive training, including a fellowship in Geriatric care, allows her to provide a wide range of services from preventive medicine to disease management for adults. With a strong background from the University of Buenos Aires, Metropolitan Hospital, and Montefiore Medical Center, Dr. Mercade brings a wealth of experience to her practice, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. She offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Fernanda Mercade 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. Fernanda Mercade 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. Fernanda Mercade 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:

• Acute Sinusitis: Understanding your risk factors for acute sinusitis, such as allergies or environmental factors, allows for preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of developing this infection.
• Dysentery: Practicing safe food and water hygiene significantly lowers your risk of dysentery, a diarrheal illness that can lead to life-threatening dehydration if left untreated.
• 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.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Regular blood tests and liver function assessments are important preventative measures to detect early signs of alcohol-induced liver damage and ensure timely intervention.
• Cough: Catching a cough early and addressing its cause can prevent chronic respiratory problems and improve your overall health. Schedule a check-up with your doctor to discuss your concerns.
• Scabies: Early detection of scabies through regular skin checks is crucial for preventing its spread and minimizing discomfort.
• Abdominal Pain: Addressing abdominal pain promptly can prevent the progression of chronic conditions that might otherwise negatively impact your overall health.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and vaccinations, can significantly decrease your chances of getting a lower respiratory infection.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke; proactive management through diet and medication can significantly lower this risk.
• Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a preventable condition; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lower your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
• Osteoarthritis: Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis allows for timely interventions like physical therapy and medication to slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Gait Abnormality: A change in your gait may signify a neurological or musculoskeletal issue; proactive health management helps catch these problems before they become major concerns.

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. Fernanda Mercade offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Secure your peace of mind by creating an advance directive, which outlines your healthcare wishes at the end of life.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• Diabetes Counseling: Empower yourself with diabetes counseling, learning how to make lifestyle changes that can prevent or manage this chronic condition.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Geriatric Assessment: Take charge of your health as you age with a geriatric assessment; this comprehensive evaluation helps spot problems early, preventing serious health issues down the line.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses, safeguarding your health and well-being.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your 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. Fernanda Mercade 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:

• Recognizing potential triggers for acute sinusitis, like seasonal allergies, allowed a patient to proactively manage their symptoms and reduce future infections, leading to a more comfortable daily life.
• By meticulously practicing safe food and water habits, a family significantly reduced their risk of dysentery, ensuring peace of mind during their travels.
• By understanding their individual risk factors for blood clots, a patient proactively implemented lifestyle changes and preventive strategies, greatly reducing their chance of developing venous embolism or thrombosis. This proactive approach brought significant peace of mind and allowed them to confidently pursue their daily activities.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Fernanda Mercade:

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

An internist, like Dr. Mercade, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many health conditions specific to adults.

How does Dr. Fernanda Mercade manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Mercade excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing your medications to avoid interactions, and focusing on improving your overall quality of life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Mercade's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Mercade's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Mercade will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their significance for your personal risk.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

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

Dr. Mercade's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. A multi-faceted plan, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, is key. Medication is used when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure goal.

747 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 405
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (786) 442-2100

Dr. Fernanda Mercade, 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): 1184899700

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. Fernanda Mercade 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.