Rafael Rivera Sepulveda

Rafael Rivera Sepulveda is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his 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), Dr. Sepulveda understands the crucial role of prevention in maintaining optimal health. 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (813) 259-0670 to confirm if Dr. Sepulveda is currently accepting new patients.

As an internal medicine specialist in Tampa, FL, Dr. Sepulveda is dedicated to providing exceptional care for his adult patients. He prioritizes developing personalized preventive strategies tailored to each individual's unique needs and health history. His approach emphasizes proactive health management, ensuring patients receive the support they need to make informed decisions about their health. Dr. Sepulveda's commitment to collaborative care, coupled with his deep understanding of internal medicine, results in a comprehensive approach to patient well-being. He consistently strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Rafael Sepulveda provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteoarthritis: Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis allows for timely interventions like physical therapy and medication to slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Familial Mediterranean Fever: Preventive care for Familial Mediterranean Fever focuses on identifying symptoms early and starting treatment promptly, preventing irreversible damage to vital organs.
• Kidney Stones: By actively managing existing kidney stones and addressing any underlying conditions, you can significantly reduce your risk of recurring episodes and long-term kidney damage.
• Barrett's Esophagus: Managing Barrett's esophagus effectively involves regular check-ups and adhering to lifestyle changes such as diet and weight management to decrease the chances of developing esophageal cancer.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Managing your alcohol intake is vital for preventing mental health disorders and maintaining a healthy mind. Your internist can help you create a plan to reduce risk.
• Psychosis: Proactive management of psychosis through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes is essential for preventing relapses and maintaining overall well-being.
• Protein Deficiency Anemia: Protein deficiency anemia, a condition where a lack of protein leads to low red blood cell counts, can be prevented through a balanced diet rich in protein sources, helping you maintain optimal energy levels and overall health.

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. Rafael Sepulveda offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: As part of your comprehensive neurological care, a deep brain stimulation evaluation is a crucial step in exploring this advanced therapy to improve your movement control and reduce symptoms.
• Cardiac Procedure: A cardiac procedure can help detect heart problems early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.
• Spinal Anesthesia: Choosing spinal anesthesia when appropriate can help speed up your recovery time after certain surgical procedures, promoting a quicker return to your normal activities.
• Memory Evaluation: Protecting your cognitive function is key to healthy aging; a memory evaluation is a proactive way to assess your memory and identify any concerns.
• Transfusion: A blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention that supplies your body with essential blood components, aiding in recovery from surgery, accidents, or blood diseases.
• Sexual Counseling: Sexual counseling offers a safe space to discuss any sexual health issues, helping you make informed decisions and improve your quality of life.
• Gastric Tube Insertion: Gastric tube insertion is a procedure that can help patients receive essential nutrients and medications when they are unable to consume them orally.

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. Rafael Sepulveda 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 attending regular checkups and following a personalized exercise plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk factors for osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind and confidence in managing their long-term health.
• By adhering to a proactive treatment plan, a patient experienced fewer and less severe flares of Familial Mediterranean Fever, significantly improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
• By following a personalized plan for kidney stone prevention, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future episodes and maintained a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and allowed them to confidently enjoy their daily activities.

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. Rafael Sepulveda:

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

An internist, like Dr. Sepulveda, 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 many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Rafael Sepulveda manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Sepulveda 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 focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Sepulveda'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), as well as lifestyle recommendations. We partner with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive care.

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

Dr. Sepulveda's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted approach starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed. The goal is to achieve a safe blood pressure level that minimizes your risk of future health problems.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Sepulveda acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Sepulveda monitors and manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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 important to protect against these common but potentially severe conditions.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Sepulveda's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We will monitor your A1c regularly, prescribe oral medications or insulin as needed, and provide counseling on diet and exercise to help prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Does Dr. Rafael Sepulveda provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Sepulveda provides comprehensive care for patients in the hospital, either directly as a hospitalist or by coordinating with a dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless care throughout your hospital stay, from admission to discharge. Our team's dedication to continuity of care is a priority.

17 Davis Blvd Ste 308
Tampa FL 33606
Phone: (813) 259-0670

Rafael Rivera Sepulveda 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): 1518515642

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. Rafael Sepulveda 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.