Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez, MD – Family Physician | Newark, NJ

Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Newark, NJ. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He 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).

Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (973) 482-4697 to inquire or schedule an appointment. His focus is providing 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.

Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez, MD is a family medicine physician in Newark, NJ and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Fac Med University del Valle, Cali in 1993. He is affiliated with Clara Maass Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships, ensuring his patients receive the best possible care. He is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of his community.

Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: This inherited condition leads to high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Overweight: Being overweight can increase the risk of various health problems, and treatment involves lifestyle changes and medical guidance.
• Itchy Skin: Itchy skin can have various causes, and treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying issue.
• Genital Herpes: This sexually transmitted infection causes sores and blisters in the genital area, and management focuses on symptom relief and preventing transmission.
• Folliculitis: This inflammation of hair follicles often presents as pimples or boils, and treatment usually involves topical medications.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: These conditions affect the body's ability to process minerals, and treatment depends on the specific disorder.
• Anxiety: Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry and fear, and treatment may include therapy, medication, or both.
• Atherosclerosis: This hardening and narrowing of arteries increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, and management focuses on lifestyle changes and medication.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: This condition causes abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas, and treatment may include dietary changes and medication.
• Wheezing: Wheezing is a whistling sound during breathing, often associated with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This addiction involves the compulsive use of tobacco products, and treatment focuses on cessation strategies.
• Chronic Laryngitis: This condition involves long-term inflammation of the voice box, often leading to hoarseness.
• Tonsillitis: This infection of the tonsils causes throat pain and swelling, and treatment may involve antibiotics or other interventions.
• Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking can stem from various causes, necessitating a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying issue.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This screening helps detect low red blood cell counts and iron deficiency.
• Disability Evaluation: This evaluation assesses functional limitations and their impact on daily activities.
• Obesity Counseling: This counseling provides guidance on healthy weight management strategies.
• Vaginosis Screening: This screening helps detect vaginal infections.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: This counseling supports individuals in quitting smoking.
• Diabetes Screening: This screening helps detect high blood sugar levels.
• Dyslexia Assessment: This assessment evaluates reading difficulties.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: This coordination ensures seamless care for patients with multiple health issues.
• Hepatitis A Screening: This screening helps detect Hepatitis A infection.
• Joint Fluid Test: This test analyzes fluid from a joint to diagnose conditions such as arthritis.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: This online tool assesses cardiovascular risk factors.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This screening detects a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Diabetic Evaluation: This evaluation assesses the overall health of individuals with diabetes.
• Patch Testing: This test helps identify allergens causing skin reactions.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez. 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez can make a difference in patients' lives:

• Patients successfully managing their weight often report increased energy levels and improved mobility, allowing them to enjoy favorite activities and pursue new hobbies with renewed vigor. This improved well-being contributes to a greater sense of self-confidence and overall life satisfaction.
• With proper management, patients experience fewer outbreaks and reduced symptoms, allowing them to enjoy more fulfilling and active intimate relationships. This improved quality of life empowers them to confidently engage in social activities and pursue personal goals without the constant worry of herpes flare-ups.
• With prompt treatment, patients experiencing tonsillitis often find relief from debilitating throat pain and discomfort. This allows them to return to their normal routines, including work, school, and social activities, much sooner than expected.
• Patients find freedom from nicotine addiction through proven methods, enabling them to breathe easier and rediscover the joy of activities they previously avoided due to their smoking habit. They regain energy and improve their overall health, leading to a more fulfilling and active life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez, 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 Newark, New Jersey area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Newark and 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • Plan: APCN Open Access Aetna Select
  • Plan: AWH NJ Choice MultiTier - Maximum Savings
  • Plan: AWH NJ Choice MultiTier - Standard Savings
  • Plan: AWH NJ Choice MultiTier, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Aetna HMO
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Plan: Savings Plus of Metro, NY
  • Plan: Select
  • Plan: Signature Administrators, Type: PPO
• Amerihealth
  • Plan: Hospital Advantage, Type: EPO
  • Plan: Local Value Network POS Plus
  • Plan: Regional Preferred POS Plus
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
  • Plan: High Performance Network - Tiered, Type: HPN
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: BluePPO HSA, Type: PPO
  • Plan: SimplyBlue/Simply Blue Plus, Type: PPO
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BCBS, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Blue High Performance, Type: Network
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
  • Plan: Direct Access, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Type: POS
  • Plan: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Type: PPO
  • Plan: OMNIA - Tier1, Type: EPO
  • Plan: OMNIA, Type: HMO
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO
• MagnaCare
  • Plan: MagnaCare PPO
• Oscar Health
  • Plan: Oscar Circle
• Oxford Health Plans
  • Plan: Freedom
  • Plan: Liberty
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (973) 482-4697 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Clara Maass Medical Center (Belleville, NJ)

He earned his medical degree from Fac Med University del Valle, Cali in 1993.

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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez:

Are services from Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez typically covered by health insurance in New Jersey?

As a Family Physician in New Jersey, Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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 you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez is 'in-network' for your plan and understand your 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez, 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.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez handle complex care?

If you have several health issues, Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. He's role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the US healthcare system (including specialist referrals and insurance considerations for complex care), and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

How long do appointments with Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez to discuss a specific health concern or for a routine follow-up might last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam/preventive visit, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 to 45 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at the clinic about the nature and number of concerns you have when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez can be arranged to provide quality care.

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

'In-network' means Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez (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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez'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.

Can Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family medicine. He can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate (monitoring for effectiveness and side effects), and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required, ensuring your overall care plan is holistic. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez is an excellent person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

What happens if Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), he will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez's office sending a formal referral request, including your relevant medical information and reason for consult, to the specialist's office. Depending on your insurance plan (especially HMOs), a formal referral from Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez may be required by your insurer for the specialist visit to be covered or for you to receive in-network benefits. Our staff at the clinic will work to find an in-network specialist for you where possible and may assist with any necessary prior authorization process from your insurance. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly. The specialist's office will typically contact you directly to schedule an appointment once the referral (and any insurance authorization) is processed. Please follow up with our clinic if you encounter issues or haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe as advised by Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez.

550 Mount Prospect Ave
Newark NJ 07104
Phone: (973) 482-4697

Dr. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez, 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): 1801053715

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. Ricardo Gomez-Vasquez 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.