Dr. Francisco Fernandez, DO

Dr. Francisco Fernandez, DO is a Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He practices at his clinic in Homestead, 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (786) 243-8073 to schedule.

Dr. Francisco Fernandez, DO is an internist in Homestead, FL, affiliated with Homestead Hospital. He is accepting new patients. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and is Board Certified in Hospice Care and Palliative Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine, both by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Fernandez provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mild Asthma: Mild asthma, if left unmanaged, can worsen and lead to more severe breathing problems, emphasizing the importance of early detection and proactive treatment to prevent future complications.
• Acute Bronchitis: Understanding risk factors for acute bronchitis, like exposure to respiratory viruses, allows for preventive measures such as vaccination and avoiding sick individuals to safeguard respiratory health.
• Urinary Incontinence: Preventing urinary incontinence involves identifying and addressing underlying conditions and risk factors, ultimately helping you maintain independence and improve your well-being.
• Cachexia: Because cachexia often indicates an underlying serious illness, prioritizing preventative care through regular checkups and addressing any health concerns promptly can help prevent its development.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Fever: Regular health monitoring, including checking for fever, allows for early intervention and helps minimize the impact of infections on your well-being.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Managing an acute upper respiratory infection effectively minimizes your chances of developing secondary bacterial infections, demonstrating the value of seeking prompt medical care and preventive strategies.
• Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramps might indicate nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, making proactive management through lifestyle changes a vital part of preventive health.
• Muscle Spasm: Prompt treatment of muscle spasms helps avoid more severe problems like limited mobility and chronic pain, highlighting the significance of timely intervention in preventive healthcare.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Preventing asphyxia and hypoxemia involves proactive health measures like smoking cessation and managing chronic lung conditions to avoid breathing difficulties and oxygen deprivation.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis emphasizes the significance of regular health monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate risk factors and prevent this potentially fatal condition.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Don't underestimate the significance of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT); addressing the underlying causes through regular health assessments and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your health and independence.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• 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): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronate is a proactive measure to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms by lubricating the affected joint, enhancing comfort and reducing the need for stronger pain medications.

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. Francisco Fernandez 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 following a proactive asthma management plan, a patient experienced fewer asthma attacks and improved breathing, allowing them to confidently participate in daily activities.
• By understanding the risk factors for acute bronchitis, a patient proactively avoided exposure to respiratory viruses and maintained excellent respiratory health. This preventive approach ensured a healthy and comfortable winter season.
• By understanding potential risk factors and implementing lifestyle modifications, a patient proactively reduced their chance of developing urinary incontinence, maintaining their independence and quality of life.

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. Francisco Fernandez:

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

An internist, like Dr. Fernandez, 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 various medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Francisco Fernandez manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

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

During your Welcome to Medicare or annual wellness visit, we'll create a personalized prevention plan, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Does Dr. Francisco Fernandez provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Fernandez provides comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital, coordinating with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care throughout their stay. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible patient outcomes.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Fernandez excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Fernandez 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.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. Dr. Fernandez can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent it from getting worse. These changes can significantly improve your health.

975 Baptist Way
Homestead FL 33033
Phone: (786) 243-8073

Dr. Francisco Fernandez, 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): 1629053921

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. Francisco Fernandez 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.