Dr. Mercedita Rivera, MD – Family Physician | Newark, NJ

Dr. Mercedita Rivera, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Newark, NJ. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Mercedita Rivera is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (973) 483-6110 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Mercedita Rivera, MD is a family medicine physician in Newark, NJ and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. She 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. She serves patients of all ages and is registered with The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners and practices under the New Jersey Statutes, Title 45, Chapter 9 (Medicine and Surgery).

With over 55 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. Dr. Mercedita Rivera is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. She provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Mercedita Rivera is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of her patients and the Newark community.

Dr. Mercedita Rivera addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a condition where white patches form on the mucous membranes, often inside the mouth.
• Pityriasis Alba: Pityriasis alba is a mild skin condition that often affects children and teens, leaving light-colored patches on the skin.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus is a skin condition that causes rashes and skin sores.
• Wounds: Treatment addresses injury-related open wounds.
• Non-Allergic Skin Diseases: Management focuses on various skin issues not caused by allergies.
• Eyelid Disorders: Treatment addresses issues that may cause discomfort or vision problems.
• Morphea: Morphea is a type of scleroderma, a rare skin disease causing hard, thickened patches of skin.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Mercedita Rivera 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 she 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. Mercedita Rivera offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: This procedure involves taking a tiny tissue sample from your thyroid nodule using a thin needle to help diagnose it.
• Ambulatory EEG With Video Monitoring: This test records your brainwave activity while you're awake and moving around, with cameras to monitor your actions.
• IV Cutdown: If a regular IV can't be started, a small cut will be made to insert an IV line directly into a vein.
• Thrombolytic Therapy: This therapy helps restore blood flow by dissolving a blood clot.
• Medical Management of Acid Reflux: Treatment and management of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
• Hematologic Disorder Treatment: Treatment for blood disorders.
• 3D Ultrasound: A 3D ultrasound uses sound waves to create a detailed, three-dimensional image of internal organs or tissues.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Mercedita Rivera. 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 New Jersey and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners.

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

• With careful management, patients experience significant reduction in skin inflammation and scarring, allowing them to confidently enjoy outdoor activities and social events without the self-consciousness often associated with the condition. Their improved skin health boosts their self-esteem and overall quality of life.
• With consistent management, patients experience a reduction in the severity of their morphea symptoms, leading to improved skin condition and a greater ability to participate in the activities they enjoy. They find renewed confidence and comfort in their daily lives.
• With proper wound care, patients saw their injuries heal completely, allowing them to return to their favorite activities without pain or limitation. They regained confidence in their ability to participate fully in life.
• After careful monitoring and treatment of their leukoplakia, patients often experience a reduction in the size and number of white patches in their mouths, leading to increased comfort and confidence in their oral health. This allows them to enjoy favorite foods and social interactions without worry.

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

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Newark, New Jersey area, near key city attractions and public services. It is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Newark. 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. Mercedita Rivera. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Mercedita Rivera or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

Dr. Mercedita Rivera and the clinic may participate in various health insurance plans common in New Jersey. Please contact our office or your insurer for details.

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. Mercedita Rivera 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. Mercedita Rivera) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (973) 483-6110 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.

Information on hospital affiliations can be obtained by contacting the clinic.

She earned her medical degree from University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1967.

Are services from Dr. Mercedita Rivera typically covered by health insurance in New Jersey?

Dr. Mercedita Rivera, as a Family Physician in New Jersey, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients must always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Mercedita Rivera 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. Mercedita Rivera as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Mercedita Rivera to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Mercedita Rivera 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. Mercedita Rivera, 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.

How often should I see Dr. Mercedita Rivera for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, can vary based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Many insurance plans in the US cover one annual preventive visit for adults with no co-pay. Generally, healthy younger adults may still benefit from regular check-ins (e.g., every 1-3 years if no major concerns, but an annual visit is often encouraged if covered by insurance), while older adults (e.g., annually, especially for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits), or individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) typically require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-6 months or annually, as determined by Dr. Mercedita Rivera). For specific screening tests like Pap smears, mammograms, or colonoscopies, there are established national guidelines (USPSTF, ACS, ACOG) based on age and gender which Dr. Mercedita Rivera follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Mercedita Rivera to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

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

‘In-network’ means Dr. Mercedita Rivera (or the clinic she 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. Mercedita Rivera’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.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Mercedita Rivera?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Mercedita Rivera's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances, medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a significant time since your last review, an appointment will likely be required. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization, which our office can help initiate. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Mercedita Rivera?

Continuity of care refers to the process where your Family Physician, Dr. Mercedita Rivera, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr. Mercedita Rivera becomes familiar with your medical background, your lifestyle, and what's 'normal' for you. This knowledge aids in quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and ensures that your care is well-coordinated, especially important when dealing with multiple specialists or navigating complex insurance plans. It's about having a trusted healthcare partner throughout your life who understands your complete health picture.

Can Dr. Mercedita Rivera help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your Family Physician, Dr. Mercedita Rivera plays a crucial role in mental and behavioral healthcare. She is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Mercedita Rivera can provide an initial assessment (often using screening tools), offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications), and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists (LCSW, LPC, MFT), or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care (like specific types of psychotherapy) is needed. Dr. Mercedita Rivera can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions, often working in an integrated care model.

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. Mercedita Rivera recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

65 Broadway
Newark NJ 07104
Phone: (973) 483-6110

Dr. Mercedita Rivera, MD is regulated by the New Jersey Statutes, Title 45, Chapter 9 (Medicine and Surgery) in New Jersey and is licensed by The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1801917133

Registration can typically be verified through The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners 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. Mercedita Rivera 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.