Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, DO

Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with adults (18 years and older) to create personalized preventive care plans. 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; please call (813) 259-1013 to schedule.

Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, DO is an internist in Tampa, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and HCA Florida Saint Petersburg Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College Of Osteopathic Medicine and approaches patient care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Marijo Cruz provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anxiety: Anxiety left unmanaged can contribute to various health issues; proactive care helps maintain your well-being and prevents more serious problems from developing.
• Asthma: Understanding your asthma triggers and following your doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing future respiratory problems.
• Urinary Incontinence: Early detection of urinary incontinence allows for prompt treatment, preventing more serious problems such as falls, infections, and reduced social participation.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Regular health check-ups and discussions with your doctor about hip and thigh pain can aid in early osteoarthritis detection, enabling proactive management to avoid severe limitations in mobility.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Consistent preventive healthcare, including regular screenings and discussions about your bowel health, is essential for early identification and management of intestinal diverticulitis.
• Hypothyroidism: Early detection of hypothyroidism through routine blood tests allows for timely treatment, minimizing the risk of serious complications like heart disease and infertility.
• Hypokalemia: Maintaining adequate potassium intake through diet or supplements, as advised by your doctor, can help prevent hypokalemia and its associated health risks.
• 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.
• Emphysema: Early detection of emphysema is crucial, as it allows for timely interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation and medication to slow disease progression and improve quality of life, highlighting the importance of regular health check-ups.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Though often self-limiting, recognizing pinkeye's symptoms early and seeking care can help manage discomfort and prevent secondary infections.
• Arthritis: Early detection of arthritis through regular check-ups with your internist can help manage symptoms and prevent irreversible joint damage.
• Abdominal Pain: Understanding and managing the causes of abdominal pain through preventive care ensures better long-term health and quality of life.

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. Marijo Cruz 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Chronic Care Management: Take control of your health with Chronic Care Management, a program designed to detect and manage chronic conditions before they become serious.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.
• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions through hormone replacement can prevent many health problems, making it a crucial part of comprehensive healthcare.
• Skin Tag Removal: Addressing skin tags proactively allows your internist to assess for any unusual skin changes, helping prevent more serious skin issues down the line.
• Muscle-Testing Electrodiagnosis With Chronaximetry: Take a proactive step towards better health; this procedure uses electrical signals to evaluate muscle and nerve function, providing insights into your overall wellbeing.

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. Marijo Cruz 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 addressing anxieties proactively through therapy and lifestyle changes, a patient found relief from overwhelming symptoms and improved their overall well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently navigate daily challenges.
• By understanding their asthma triggers and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their asthma symptoms, enabling them to confidently participate in daily activities.
• By proactively discussing concerns with their physician and implementing lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of urinary incontinence, leading to greater confidence and improved 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. 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. Marijo Cruz:

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

An internist, like Dr. Cruz, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many health issues that can affect adults.

How does Dr. Marijo Cruz manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Cruz'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 proactively minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Cruz's practice provides comprehensive type 2 diabetes management. We work with you to achieve optimal blood sugar control through regular A1c monitoring, medication (oral or insulin), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise. This helps prevent potential long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

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

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Cruz can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent it from worsening.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a crucial opportunity to create a proactive health plan. We'll develop a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Cruz carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This helps identify potential drug interactions, eliminates unnecessary prescriptions, and ensures the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

10150 Highland Manor Dr Ste 240
Tampa FL 33610
Phone: (813) 259-1013

Dr. Marijo De La Cruz, 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): 1841262680

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. Marijo Cruz 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.