Dr. Nancy Nieves-Cruz, MD

Dr. Nancy Nieves-Cruz, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases. Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, ensuring your overall wellness and optimal long-term health through this proactive approach. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to embark on this journey toward proactive health. Call (863) 688-5811 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Nieves-Cruz's extensive experience includes medical training at esteemed institutions, starting with graduation in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, in 1982, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at Hospital Episcopal San Lucas in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She also held a role as Medical Director in a Federal Clinic in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, and pursued a Master's in Public Administration, including a fellowship at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, NJ. Her career further includes a role as Medical Director of RMC (a hospital-prison) in Gainsville, Florida, and four years as an Internal Medicine Specialist at OFP, a company offering primary care and specialists in Central Florida. Her goal is to provide high-quality care that improves her patients’ lives. Dr. Nieves-Cruz is an experienced and compassionate physician, dedicated to providing honest and thorough care, and she offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Nancy Nieves-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. Nancy Nieves-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. Nancy Nieves-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:

• Hypokalemia: Maintaining adequate potassium intake through diet or supplements, as advised by your doctor, can help prevent hypokalemia and its associated health risks.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Untreated restless legs syndrome can disrupt sleep, leading to other health issues; seeking timely evaluation and treatment is crucial for preventive care.
• Sleep Apnea: Regular check-ups and screenings help identify sleep apnea early, allowing for proactive management that protects against heart problems, high blood pressure, and other health risks.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Maintaining good blood sugar control and healthy circulation are vital in preventing leg and foot ulcers, highlighting the role of preventive measures in avoiding chronic wound development.
• Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): Low blood pressure, if consistently low, can increase your risk of falls and dizziness, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early detection and management.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Regular checkups with your internist can help identify and address calcium metabolism problems before they lead to significant health complications.
• Cellulitis: Understanding your risk factors for cellulitis, such as diabetes or weakened immune system, empowers you to take preventive measures and seek prompt treatment.
• Dizziness: Preventing serious health issues starts with addressing symptoms like dizziness. Your internist can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate preventive strategies.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath may indicate an underlying condition, making regular health screenings vital for early detection and timely management to maintain your overall wellness.
• Abnormal Thyroid: Abnormal thyroid function can affect many aspects of your health, but proactive management and regular monitoring can mitigate potential complications and improve your quality of life.
• Arthritis: Through comprehensive preventive care, your internist can help you develop a personalized plan to manage arthritis, reducing pain and improving your overall health.
• Acute Sinusitis: Understanding your risk factors for acute sinusitis, such as allergies or environmental factors, allows for preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of developing this infection.

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. Nancy Nieves-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): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening is a proactive step towards a healthier heart, helping to identify high cholesterol and enabling timely treatment to reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.
• Diabetes Screening: Protect your long-term health by undergoing diabetes screening; early detection is key to managing blood sugar and avoiding future health issues.
• 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: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a fecal occult blood test helps screen for colorectal cancer, significantly improving the odds of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Proactive bone density testing can identify osteoporosis risk factors before you experience any symptoms, enabling proactive treatment to protect your bone health.
• Physical Examination: A physical exam is a vital tool for detecting subtle changes in your body that could signal developing illnesses, leading to prompt treatment and better outcomes.
• 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. Nancy Nieves-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 understanding their potassium levels and adjusting their diet, a patient proactively managed their potassium intake, reducing the risk of hypokalemia and its potential complications. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and confidence in their overall health.
• By understanding the importance of early intervention for restless legs syndrome, a patient proactively addressed potential sleep disruptions, leading to improved overall well-being and a more restful night's sleep.
• By attending regular check-ups and screenings, a patient identified sleep apnea early, reducing their risk of serious health complications like heart disease and high blood pressure. They felt empowered to take control of their health and enjoyed improved sleep and overall well-being.

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. Nancy Nieves-Cruz:

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

An internist, like Dr. Nieves-Cruz, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Nancy Nieves-Cruz manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Nieves-Cruz excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing the patient's overall well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and coordinated care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Nieves-Cruz'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.

Does Dr. Nancy Nieves-Cruz provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Nieves-Cruz works closely with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care for patients admitted to the hospital. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care, from admission to discharge, and provides comprehensive management of your health needs.

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. Nieves-Cruz can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver damage.

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 your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective. This is a vital visit for establishing a proactive health plan.

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

Dr. Nieves-Cruz and our team take a careful and thorough approach to medication management, including a practice called polypharmacy management. We regularly review all of a patient's medications to check for potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

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

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

1417 Lakeland Hills Blvd Ste 204
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 688-5811

Dr. Nancy Nieves-Cruz, 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): 1407884174

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. Nancy Nieves-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.