Dr. Mario Hernandez Mendez, MD – Family Physician | Tampa, FL

To confirm if Dr. Mario Mendez is currently accepting new patients, please contact (813) 872-7737.

Dr. Mario Hernandez Mendez, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Mario Mendez provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Mario Hernandez Mendez, MD is a family medicine physician in Tampa, FL and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Autonomous University of Guadalajara School of Medicine in 2007. He is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships.

Dr. Mario Mendez provides continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages and is committed to their ongoing health and well-being within the Tampa community.

Dr. Mario Mendez addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): These infections are diagnosed and treated with appropriate medications and strategies to prevent transmission.
• Celiac Disease: This autoimmune disorder, triggered by gluten consumption, is managed through dietary changes and monitoring of symptoms.
• Malnutrition: Nutritional deficiencies are addressed through dietary counseling and supplementation to restore optimal health.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: This condition, marked by abdominal discomfort and bloating, is addressed through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medication if needed.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: This degenerative joint disease is managed with pain management strategies, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
• Foot Infection: Infections of the foot are treated with antibiotics and other measures to prevent complications.
• Dyslipidemia: Abnormal cholesterol levels are managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring.
• Cold Sore: These viral infections are treated with antiviral medications and measures to reduce their recurrence.
• Pubic Lice (Crabs): These parasitic infestations are treated with medicated lotions and shampoos.
• Hernia: Hernias, involving organ protrusion through a weakened muscle wall, may be managed conservatively or require surgical repair.
• Obesity: Weight management strategies involve lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and potential medication to improve overall health.
• Hypogonadism: This hormonal deficiency is addressed through hormone replacement therapy and management of associated symptoms.
• Foot Sprain: Sprains of the foot are treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), and physical therapy as needed.
• Perimenopause: This transitional phase leading to menopause is managed with hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and symptom management strategies.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Mario Mendez addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Mario Mendez offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This screening helps detect the presence of the Hepatitis C virus, enabling early intervention and treatment.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: A thorough assessment of chest pain helps determine its cause and guide appropriate treatment.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screening and counseling help identify and address substance abuse issues.
• Bone Density Scan: This test measures bone density to assess risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test evaluates the heart's response to stress to assess cardiovascular health.
• Cholesterol Screening: This screening measures cholesterol levels to assess cardiovascular risk and guide treatment.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: These evaluations assess work-related injuries for workers' compensation claims.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: This screening helps detect the presence of various sexually transmitted infections.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test assesses adrenal gland function.
• Memory Evaluation: This assessment helps identify potential causes of memory problems.
• Health Screening: Comprehensive health screenings assess overall health and identify potential problems.
• Strep Test: This test detects Streptococcus bacteria, a common cause of strep throat.
• Detoxification Evaluation: This evaluation assesses the need for and guides the process of detoxification from substances.
• McMurray's Test: This physical examination test assesses for meniscus tears in the knee.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Mario Mendez. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Dr. Mario Mendez is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Mario Mendez can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients experiencing hypogonadism often find relief through personalized treatment plans, leading to improved energy levels, mood, and libido, allowing them to enjoy a fuller and more active life. They regain confidence and are able to participate more fully in their daily activities and relationships.
• With consistent effort and the right support, patients successfully shed excess weight, leading to improved mobility, increased energy levels, and the ability to enjoy favorite activities once again. They often report a renewed sense of confidence and well-being.
• With careful diet management and adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle, many individuals with Celiac Disease experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improved overall health. This allows them to enjoy a wider range of foods and participate more fully in social activities without the fear of debilitating reactions.
• With prompt treatment, patients quickly find relief from the discomfort of cold sores, allowing them to confidently resume social activities and feel more comfortable in their daily lives.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Mario Mendez, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. 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.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Tampa, Florida area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Tampa and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Tampa. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Mario Mendez. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Mario Mendez or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• AvMed
  • Plan: Empower - Small Employer Groups
  • Plan: Empower, Type: POS
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: PPO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Mario Mendez is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Mario Mendez) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (813) 872-7737 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Mario Mendez may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• St. Joseph's Hospital (Tampa, FL)

He earned his medical degree from Autonomous University of Guadalajara School of Medicine in 2007.

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Mario Mendez:

Are services from Dr. Mario Mendez typically covered by health insurance in Florida?

Dr. Mario Mendez, as a Family Physician in Florida, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely imperative that patients verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Mario Mendez is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Mario Mendez as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Mario Mendez to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Mario Mendez will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Mario Mendez, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor's visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Mario Mendez recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

What if Dr. Mario Mendez works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Mario Mendez?

Dr. Mario Mendez practices as part of a group practice, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Mario Mendez, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Mario Mendez is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Mario Mendez for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Mario Mendez one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Mario Mendez, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for his patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. He manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

What does it mean for Dr. Mario Mendez to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Mario Mendez (or the clinic he practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. 'Out-of-network' means there's no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called 'balance billing'). It is always best to verify Dr. Mario Mendez's network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

Does Dr. Mario Mendez at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Mario Mendez at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Mario Mendez if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Mario Mendez before scheduling such an appointment.

Can Dr. Mario Mendez help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family Physicians like Dr. Mario Mendez are integral to supporting patients' mental health in the US. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling on coping mechanisms and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex or require specific psychotherapies not offered in-office. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Mario Mendez.

3001 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 872-7737

Dr. Mario Hernandez Mendez, 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): 1023258373

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Mario Mendez are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. 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 Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.