Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD

Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He 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. Dr. Hernandez is committed to this approach, serving adults (18 years and older). Please call (305) 628-6117 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL, and brings over 15 years of experience in the medical field to his practice. He earned his medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine in 2005 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital and Adventist Health White Memorial. Dr. Luis F. Anez and Dr. Michael Hernandez value our patients and provide care using the most up-to-date medical technology with compassionate care. Dr. Michael Hernandez provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diarrhea: Understanding the causes of your diarrhea and taking steps to prevent it, like practicing good hygiene, can help safeguard your digestive health and overall well-being.
• Sarcoidosis: Because sarcoidosis can affect multiple organs, proactive health monitoring and attention to any unusual symptoms are crucial for timely diagnosis and preventive care.
• Muscle Cramping: Regular check-ups with your internist allow for early detection of conditions that cause muscle cramping, enabling timely treatment and preventing long-term health issues.
• Low Back Pain: Protecting your back health through regular exercise and good posture can prevent debilitating low back pain later in life.
• Enteritis: Early detection of enteritis is crucial to prevent severe dehydration and complications; regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage this condition.
• Hypertension: Even slightly elevated blood pressure increases your risk of developing serious complications, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis, a condition where airways become permanently widened and scarred, can be effectively managed with preventative measures such as regular pulmonary rehabilitation and chest physiotherapy to reduce symptoms and improve breathing.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular checkups and staying hydrated can help detect and manage UTIs, preventing them from becoming chronic or recurring problems.
• Thyroid Goiter: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing any iodine deficiency can significantly reduce your risk of developing a goiter, demonstrating the importance of preventive measures.
• Constipation: Managing constipation proactively through diet and lifestyle changes is a key aspect of preventive health, reducing your risk of complications like fecal impaction and abdominal discomfort.
• Insomnia: By proactively managing insomnia, you can reduce your risk of accidents, improve cognitive function, and enhance your ability to cope with stress, promoting long-term health.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is a neurological condition causing problems with coordination, balance, and movement, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent falls and injuries.

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. Michael Hernandez 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 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): 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: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
• CLIA Waived Testing: Proactively manage your health by utilizing these convenient tests, which can identify early signs of disease and guide your doctor in recommending appropriate steps to maintain your well-being.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Taking a proactive step towards your health, a prostate cancer screening can identify potential issues before they become serious health concerns.
• Port Placements or Replacements: Scheduling a port placement or replacement appointment allows for early detection of potential issues, maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing risks.
• Arterial Line Insertion: An arterial line insertion allows doctors to continuously monitor your blood pressure and get frequent blood samples, helping them make quicker, more informed decisions about your treatment and prevent serious 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. Michael Hernandez 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 understanding the triggers for their diarrhea and practicing meticulous hygiene, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of episodes, regaining a sense of digestive well-being.
• By diligently tracking symptoms and engaging in proactive health monitoring, a patient achieved peace of mind, knowing early detection could significantly improve their long-term health outcomes.
• Regular check-ups with an internist helped a patient identify and address the underlying cause of their muscle cramps, preventing future discomfort and allowing them to maintain a more 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Michael Hernandez:

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

An internist, like Dr. Hernandez, 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 common in adults.

How does Dr. Michael Hernandez manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Hernandez 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 prioritizing your overall well-being. His expertise ensures comprehensive and effective management of your complex health needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Hernandez's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, 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 create a plan that supports long-term well-being.

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 (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance, and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this group. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common illnesses.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Hernandez's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We offer regular A1c monitoring, medication management (including oral medications or insulin), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to help prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Hernandez 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.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Hernandez will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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

Dr. Hernandez's practice emphasizes careful polypharmacy management. We regularly review all medications to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.

3059 Edgewood Ave W
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (305) 628-6117

Dr. Michael Hernandez, 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): 1609929405

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. Michael Hernandez 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.