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 | What is a doctor of internal medicine? |
Doctors of internal medicine, often called "internists," focus on
adult medicine. They care for their patients for life — from the
teen years through old age. Internists have had special study and
training that focuses on the prevention and treatment of adult
diseases. At least three of their seven or more years of medical
school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to
prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults. Internists
are sometimes referred to as the "doctor's doctor," because they are
often called upon to act as consultants to other physicians to help
solve puzzling diagnostic problems.
| Why choose an internist for your health care? |
An internist, just like a family practice or general practice
doctor, can serve as your primary care doctor. But internists are
unique because they focus on adult medicine. Internists don't
deliver babies, they don't treat children, and they don't do
surgery. They do, however, have wide-ranging knowledge of complex
diseases that affect adults. With in-depth training in adult
medicine, an internist is your best choice to help you navigate the
increasingly complex world of medical care. Simply put, doctors of
internal medicine are Doctors for Adults. But you may see them
referred to by several terms, including "internists," "general
internists" and "doctors of internal medicine." But don't mistake
them with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of
residency training. An internist can treat you for something as
routine as the flu or fatigue, or provide in-depth care for diseases
such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Internists often
coordinate the many sub-specialists a patient might see in the
process of treating an illness. Internists' patients like knowing
that they have a relationship with a physician who is equipped to
deal with whatever problem the patient brings — no matter how common
or rare, or how simple or complex.
Caring for the whole patient
Internists are equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient
brings -- no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex.
They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and
can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several
different illnesses may strike at the same time. They also bring to
patients an understanding of wellness (disease prevention and the
promotion of health), women's health, substance abuse, mental
health, as well as effective treatment of common problems of the
eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.
Caring for you for life
In today's complex medical environment, internists take pride in
caring for their patients for life -- in the office or clinic,
during hospitalization and intensive care, and in nursing homes.
When other medical specialists, such as surgeons or obstetricians,
are involved, they coordinate their patient's care and manage
difficult medical problems associated with that care.
| What are the office hours? |
Hours change seasonally to accommodate cold and flu season. The
most up to date office hours and a complete list can be found on
the home page. Weekend, lunchtime and evening hours are
available.
| What hospitals is Dr. Mercado affiliated with? |
Dr. Mercado is on the attending staff at Hackettstown Regional
Medical Center and Morristown Memorial Hospital.
| What is the youngest age of the patients that Dr. Mercado
will generally treat? |
Dr. Mercado will treat patients 13 of years or older.
| Will I be able to reach Dr. Mercado after hours? |
Generally Dr. Mercado is available for all emergencies. All non
emergent calls (ie. prescription refills, scheduling
appointments, general questions etc.) should be placed during
normal office hours.
| How soon can I get an appointment? |
Same day appointments are generally available within business
hours. Sick patients or urgent appointments will be seen within
a 24 hr. period.
| What insurance companies does Dr. Mercado participate
with? |
Dr. Mercado participates with most insurance companies. For a
complete listing please see the Insurance page of our website or
simply call the office for the most up to date information.
| Does the office run on time? |
The office usually runs on time. Wait time usually averages
about 15 minutes, depending on the number of appointments
scheduled and the day of the appointment. However, emergencies
and patients who may need extra time may make the waiting time
longer.
| Can I have my labs drawn in the office? |
For the convenience of our patients, Dr. Mercado usually draws
blood in the office and the specimens are sent to the lab
designated by your insurance company. However, some insurance
companies have restrictions and the labs may need to be drawn at
a designated drawing site.
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