Diego Rivera, MD is a Family Medicine Physician dedicated to providing comprehensive care to families in Lubbock, TX. He is a trusted local provider on staging1.kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Dr. Rivera understands that Family Medicine Physicians are primary care doctors serving as the first point of contact for patients of all ages, providing everything from preventive check-ups and acute illness treatment to managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with specialists. This ensures continuous healthcare for the entire family, fostering a strong physician-patient relationship. All ages are welcome. Prospective patients should call (806) 747-4415 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Diego Rivera, MD is a family medicine physician in Lubbock, TX with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients, having graduated from the University of Puerto Rico / Mayaguez Campus in 1973. He is affiliated with University Medical Center and Covenant Childrens Hospital. Dr. Rivera is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, prioritizing a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His dedication to his patients is evident in his long career, demonstrating a deep commitment to their well-being. Dr. Diego Rivera provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Rivera is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Rivera's approach to family medicine is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing clear communication and a collaborative partnership. He provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from preventive health screenings to the management of chronic conditions. His practice prioritizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique needs, tailoring treatment plans to achieve optimal health outcomes.
By working together, you and Dr. Rivera can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Rivera offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Gout: Gout is a condition causing severe joint pain and swelling, often in the big toe; your family doctor can help you manage it through medication, dietary adjustments, and monitoring.
- Back Pain: From simple muscle aches to more complex spinal issues, your family doctor can help manage your back pain and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Hypertension: Your family physician is your best resource for managing hypertension; they'll work with you to check your blood pressure regularly and create a plan to keep it within a healthy range.
- Emphysema: Shortness of breath and wheezing could be signs of emphysema; your primary care physician will assess your symptoms, order tests, and develop a long-term care plan.
- Heart Disease: From high blood pressure to high cholesterol, your family doctor can work with you to manage heart disease risk factors and maintain a healthy heart.
- Fever: If you have a fever, your family physician can assess its severity, identify the potential cause like a virus or bacterial infection and help you recover.
- Headache: If you're experiencing headaches, your family physician is your first stop for determining the cause and recommending appropriate care.
- Limb Swelling: Don't ignore swollen limbs your primary care doctor can evaluate the swelling, order tests if needed, and create a treatment plan.
- Arthritis: Arthritis causes inflammation and pain in your joints. Your family doctor can help you find ways to cope with the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
- Dehydration: Don't let dehydration worsen. Your primary care physician can help you understand the causes and provide treatment to restore your fluid balance.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Experiencing pain with urination? A visit to your family physician can help determine if it's a simple infection or something more serious and get you the right care.
- Vertigo: Vertigo, that unsettling feeling of the room spinning, is often something your family doctor can assess and manage.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Rivera offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Cholesterol Screening: Get a cholesterol screening to determine if your cholesterol is within a healthy range, helping to prevent heart disease and stroke.
- Immunization Administration: Immunization administration is a quick procedure where you receive a vaccine to boost your body's defenses.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: For a boil, cyst, or other collection of pus, your doctor might make a small incision to drain it, allowing it to heal properly.
- Osteoporosis Screening: A bone density test, or osteoporosis screening, measures how strong your bones are and can help prevent future breaks.
- Diabetes Screening: During a diabetes screening, your doctor will assess your risk factors and may order blood work to measure your blood sugar levels.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity to detect potential problems.
- Thyroid Screening: A thyroid screening checks your thyroid gland's function to detect potential problems early.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: STI screenings are quick tests that can detect infections and help prevent serious health complications that can result from untreated STIs.
- Hepatitis Screening: Hepatitis screening tests check for the presence of hepatitis viruses in your blood, helping detect infection early for better treatment.
- Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: If you're experiencing fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath, this screening can help determine if anemia or iron deficiency is the cause.
- Rapid Flu Test: This test detects the influenza virus in minutes, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment to ease your symptoms.
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: A hepatitis C virus screening is a simple blood test to check if you have the hepatitis C virus, which can cause liver damage.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Rivera is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their gout symptoms, reducing pain and inflammation and improving their overall quality of life. By making dietary adjustments and taking prescribed medications as directed, the patient experienced significant relief from the debilitating effects of gout.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from their family doctor, a patient experienced significant relief from chronic back pain, allowing them to return to their normal activities. By working closely with their provider, the patient regained a sense of well-being and improved quality of life.
- By working with their provider to find the right medication and lifestyle plan, one patient successfully lowered their blood pressure, reducing their risk for long-term complications.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
111 N University Ave, Lubbock, TX, 79415
Phone: (806) 747-4415
View on Map
- UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO / MAYAGUEZ CAMPUS (Medical School) - 1973
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Family Medicine care with Dr. Rivera:
- What is the difference between a Family Medicine doctor and an Internal Medicine doctor?
- Family medicine physicians, like Dr. Rivera, are trained to care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. In contrast, internal medicine physicians (internists) typically focus on adult care. Dr. Rivera is a versatile choice for comprehensive family care.
- How often should I get a physical or wellness check-up?
- For most healthy adults, an annual physical is a good rule of thumb for preventive care. However, the right frequency depends on your age, personal health history, and risk factors. Dr. Rivera will help you create a personalized schedule.
- Should I see my family doctor for a cold, the flu, or a sore throat?
- Yes, Dr. Rivera is the perfect first point of contact for colds, the flu, and sore throats. They can diagnose the issue, rule out more serious conditions, and provide treatment options to manage symptoms and aid recovery. They can also advise you on whether rest at home is the best course of action.
- What happens if I need to see a specialist?
- Dr. Rivera will determine if a specialist is necessary and provide a referral to a trusted local specialist. She will continue to coordinate your care, receiving updates from the specialist to maintain a complete health picture. This "Healthcare Navigator" approach ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care.
- Do you provide care for children and teenagers as well?
- Yes, Dr. Rivera's practice provides comprehensive family medicine care for children and teenagers. Family medicine covers all stages of life, from well-child visits to managing the health needs of adolescents, making it convenient for entire families to receive care in one place.
- What kind of vaccinations can I get at your office?
- Dr. Rivera's office provides routine immunizations, including annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and shingles vaccines for older adults. We keep a detailed record of your vaccination history and recommend the appropriate vaccines based on CDC guidelines.
- How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?
- Dr. Rivera acts as a healthcare quarterback, monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure through regular check-ups. They manage prescriptions, order necessary lab tests, and coordinate care with specialists like endocrinologists or cardiologists to ensure comprehensive management.
- Can you handle minor injuries like a sprain or a small cut that needs stitches?
- Yes, Dr. Rivera's office can often treat minor injuries like sprains or small cuts needing stitches. Many family practices are equipped to handle a wide range of these issues, saving a trip to an urgent care or emergency room. Please call the office to confirm we can treat your specific injury.
111 N University Ave
Lubbock TX 79415
Phone: (806) 747-4415
Diego Rivera, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1104984988
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by staging1.kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Diego Rivera are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.