Dr. Hernando Bernal, MD

Dr. Hernando Bernal, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 971-3564 to schedule.

Dr. Hernando Bernal, MD is a pulmonologist in Tampa, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Tampa. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Bernal's commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine is evident in his rigorous training. He completed his medical education at esteemed institutions, including an internship at Lawrence Hospital Center (1969), followed by residency training in Pulmonology at Hahnemann Hospital (1973) and further fellowship training at University Arizona Hosps (1974), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of patients. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Bernal is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Bronchospasm: Experiencing bronchospasm highlights the importance of proactive respiratory health management, as controlling triggers and having a plan in place can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
• Wheezing: Experiencing wheezing? Don't ignore it – early detection and management of conditions like asthma or COPD can significantly reduce future health problems.
• Swine Flu: Early detection of swine flu symptoms allows for prompt treatment, preventing potentially serious respiratory problems and reducing the spread to others.
• Pneumoconiosis and Pneumonopathy: Managing pneumoconiosis and pneumonopathy involves minimizing exposure to harmful substances and following medical advice to slow disease progression and reduce respiratory complications.
• Cough: Don't ignore a cough; it may indicate an early stage of lung disease or even lung cancer, making early medical attention vital for improved outcomes.
• Partial Lung Collapse: A partial lung collapse emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking and addressing any respiratory issues to minimize your risk of developing this condition.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Prevention of a collapsed lung focuses on identifying and managing underlying conditions that increase your risk, improving overall lung health, and promptly addressing any concerning symptoms.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): By recognizing the risk factors for COPD, such as long-term exposure to irritants, and taking steps to minimize those risks, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this chronic lung condition.
• Pleural Effusion: Regular health screenings and proactive management of chronic conditions are key to early detection and treatment of pleural effusions, thereby preventing severe consequences.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Managing interstitial lung disease effectively involves working closely with your doctor to slow its progression and minimize the risk of severe complications, significantly improving your long-term respiratory health.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Chronic pulmonary heart diseases, like pulmonary hypertension, can be better managed with early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.
• Influenza (Flu): Getting a flu shot is key to preventing severe illness, reducing your risk of needing hospitalization, and protecting your respiratory system from unnecessary strain.

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. Hernando Bernal 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 manage your lung health, an arterial blood gas test measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, providing insights into your respiratory function.
• Bronchoscopy: For early detection and management of lung conditions, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine your airways directly and obtain tissue samples for testing, helping prevent the progression of diseases like lung cancer.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management ensures you receive tailored treatment plans and guidance for managing and improving your breathing.
• Sleep Study: Protect your lungs and heart by scheduling a sleep study – it's a simple test that can uncover hidden sleep disorders impacting your overall health and well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting expert help to quit smoking—a crucial step in preventing lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
• Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure to extract fluid from around your lungs, aiding in the early detection of serious lung issues and guiding treatment decisions for better health outcomes.
• Endotracheal Intubation: Endotracheal intubation is a procedure where a tube is inserted into your windpipe to help you breathe, often used in emergencies to secure your airway and prevent breathing problems.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Hernando Bernal 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 Patient's life:

• By identifying and managing potential triggers, a patient significantly reduced the frequency of bronchospasm episodes, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By understanding their triggers and consistently following a proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of wheezing episodes, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Hernando Bernal:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They are experts in conditions like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a long smoking history. Early detection is key, and this screening can help catch lung cancer when it's most treatable. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hernando Bernal to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help you breathe better, increase your strength and stamina, and improve your overall quality of life if you have chronic lung disease.

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, we can help. Quitting smoking is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Bernal can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and prescribing medications that can double or triple your chance of quitting successfully.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

While a lung nodule on a CT scan can be concerning, the vast majority are benign. Dr. Bernal is an expert in evaluating lung nodules, considering size, appearance, and your risk factors to determine the appropriate course of action, which often involves careful monitoring.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. It's a small, quiet machine that delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improving sleep quality.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus and recurrent infections. Management focuses on preventing infections and clearing mucus from the airways to preserve lung function.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Hernando Bernal is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

13801 Bruce B Downs Blvd Ste 204
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 971-3564

Dr. Hernando Bernal, 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): 1356430698

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Hernando Bernal 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.