Dr. Rodolfo Fernandez, MD

Dr. Rodolfo Fernandez, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care at AdventHealth Medical Group Family and Internal Medicine in Lake Wales, FL. 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. He is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge, and serves adults (18 years and older). Currently, Dr. Fernandez is not accepting new patients, but you can call (866) 390-7839 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Fernandez's commitment to preventive medicine is rooted in his extensive medical training. He completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at East Tenn State University Hospital (1994), followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, and General Surgery at East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Fernandez offers consultations in Filipino.

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

• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Preventing blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), is crucial for maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications like strokes or heart attacks.
• Pharyngitis: Understanding the risk factors for pharyngitis, such as viral infections or allergies, can aid in timely prevention and management strategies.
• Hypokalemia: Regular check-ups are important for detecting hypokalemia early, preventing muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening heart rhythms.
• Warts: Preventing the spread of warts through good hygiene and prompt treatment is a key aspect of maintaining overall skin health and preventing discomfort.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often with the help of your internist, can help prevent malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Understanding your risk factors for herpes simplex infection, such as close contact with infected individuals, helps you take preventative measures to protect your health.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues. Preventive care helps you identify and address it effectively.
• Acidosis: Acidosis, an imbalance where your blood is too acidic, can be a serious health issue that's often preventable through a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups, allowing for early detection and management of underlying conditions.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Addressing chronic depression proactively through preventive measures like therapy and lifestyle changes helps prevent long-term complications such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and physical health problems.
• Skin Ulcer: Early detection of skin ulcers is crucial to prevent infection and further tissue damage, significantly impacting your overall health and quality of life.
• Overweight: Regular checkups with your internist allow for early detection of overweight-related risks, enabling timely intervention and preventing future health problems.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Understanding pinkeye's contagious nature and practicing preventative measures, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can safeguard your eye health and that of others.

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. Rodolfo Fernandez 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: This procedure helps identify and treat infections swiftly, reducing potential long-term health risks associated with untreated abscesses and fluid collections.
• 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: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• 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.
• Spirometry: A simple spirometry test helps check your lung function, allowing for early detection and management of 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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Rodolfo Fernandez 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 risk factors and following a personalized prevention plan, a patient gained confidence in managing their health and significantly reduced the chance of developing blood clots. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a healthier, more worry-free lifestyle.
• By understanding the triggers for pharyngitis, a patient proactively managed their symptoms, reducing the frequency and severity of infections. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthier lifestyle without disruptions.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient successfully prevented the onset of hypokalemia, ensuring ongoing energy levels and a healthy heart.

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. Rodolfo Fernandez:

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

An internist, like Dr. Fernandez, 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 medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Rodolfo Fernandez manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Fernandez's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers, as well as lifestyle counseling to promote healthy aging. We work in partnership with you to minimize health risks and improve your overall well-being.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Fernandez and our team can help manage your type 2 diabetes. We offer comprehensive care, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin as needed), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

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

During your Welcome to Medicare or annual wellness visit with Dr. Fernandez, we'll create a personalized prevention schedule, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common lung disease, often caused by smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Fernandez's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. A multi-faceted strategy begins with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, and adds medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure goal.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Fernandez and our team focus on maintaining your functional independence as you age. We perform key geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps you maintain your well-being and quality of life.

AdventHealth Medical Group Family and Internal Medicine at Lake Wales
1255 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales FL 33853
Phone: (866) 390-7839

Dr. Rodolfo Fernandez, 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): 1649230061

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. Rodolfo Fernandez 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.