Dr. Lucy Guerra, MD

Dr. Lucy Guerra, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. She serves Adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 972-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Lucy Guerra, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai in 1997, completing an internship at Ny Hospital Of Cornell&Columbia/Presbyterian Medical Center in 1998. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at University Wi Hospital, graduating in 2000, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with medical facilities UF Health Shands Hospital and Tampa General Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Guerra is proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, her team and she help you reach your personal health goals, focusing on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and manage chronic conditions. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Diabetes: By participating in regular checkups and following your doctor's recommendations, you can successfully manage your diabetes and avoid its debilitating consequences.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Painful urination, or dysuria, can signal a urinary tract infection (UTI) and early detection is crucial for preventing kidney damage and other complications.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively through early intervention and appropriate treatment minimizes the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life, emphasizing the value of preventive care.
• Bladder Infection: Preventing bladder infections starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good hygiene to avoid complications.
• 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.
• Folic Acid Deficiency: Preventing folic acid deficiency is crucial for your overall health, as it helps avoid serious complications like anemia and birth defects.
• Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism, a hormonal imbalance affecting sex hormones, can be detected early through regular checkups, preventing long-term health problems like osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful substances into your bloodstream, highlighting the importance of regular checkups to catch and manage underlying health issues early.
• Confusion: Preventing serious health problems often starts with recognizing subtle changes like confusion. Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and improves the chance of a better outcome.
• Chronic Venous Embolism Thrombosis: Managing chronic venous thromboembolism through lifestyle changes, medication, and compression therapy helps prevent further blood clot formation, promoting better circulation and overall well-being.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Preventing blood clots in your legs, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is crucial to avoid serious complications like pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for magnesium imbalance and making lifestyle changes, like adjusting your diet, can significantly improve your health and well-being.

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. Lucy Guerra 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: As part of your comprehensive care, incision and drainage quickly addresses localized infections, improving your comfort and preventing severe illness.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Proactively plan your end-of-life care wishes to ensure your preferences are respected and your family is supported.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Prevent health crises by proactively managing your multiple medical conditions with a coordinated care approach focused on early diagnosis and intervention.
• Chronic Care Management: Prevent serious health issues down the road by participating in Chronic Care Management – it's a proactive approach to managing your health.
• Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps identify your risk factors for diabetes and provides personalized guidance for prevention and early detection.
• 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: 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: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future complications.

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. Lucy Guerra 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 diligently following a personalized plan for managing blood sugar levels, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing diabetes, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain good health.
• By promptly addressing painful urination, a patient avoided potential kidney complications and maintained a healthy urinary system, allowing them to enjoy their daily life without worry.
• By recognizing the early signs of acute bronchitis and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient avoided a more serious lung condition, gaining confidence in their long-term respiratory health.

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. Lucy Guerra:

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

An internist, like Dr. Guerra, 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 diverse medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Lucy Guerra manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Guerra excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures the best possible health outcomes.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Guerra's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan, 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. We work together to develop a strategy for proactive health management.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important. These vaccines can significantly reduce your risk of complications from these common infections.

Does Dr. Lucy Guerra provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Guerra works closely with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care for patients admitted to the hospital. This collaboration ensures continuity of care, from admission to discharge, providing comprehensive and coordinated medical management.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Guerra 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, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Guerra can help you understand lifestyle changes, including diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver issues.

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

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

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Lucy Guerra, 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): 1245286004

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. Lucy Guerra 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.