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Dr. Cardona is a direct primary care physician and aesthetics provider in Jacksonville who is committed to bridging the gap between the patient and physician. She believes in keeping the patient informed every step along the way so he/she can make the best choice for his/her personal journey.
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Why Your Heart Health Is About More Than Just Cholesterol
For decades, heart health has been reduced to one number: cholesterol. Patients are often told to “watch their LDL” and assume that if their cholesterol looks fine, their heart must be fine too. But cardiovascular disease is far more complex. Cholesterol is just one piece of a much larger metabolic picture. You can have “normal” cholesterol and still be at significant risk. And some people with mildly elevated cholesterol may be metabolically healthy overall. If we truly wan
Jing-Jing Cardona
Feb 124 min read


This Year, Let’s Do Health Differently
Every January, we’re told this is the year everything changes. New goals. New routines. New rules. And often, the same familiar pressure: eat less, move more, try harder. But if you’ve been down that road before—especially if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond—you may already know the truth: Trying harder isn’t the problem. This year, let’s do health differently. If Willpower Worked, It Would Have Worked By Now Most people who struggle with their weight, energy, mood, or ove
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 44 min read


Busting the Myths About Statins — And Why You Should Be Taking Yours
If you have high cholesterol, chances are you have been prescribed a cholesterol-lowering medication, but you’ve also heard a lot of mixed messages and myths about statins. Social media, online “experts,” and even well-meaning friends often spread misinformation that causes people to worry about a medication that is, in reality, one of the safest and most effective tools we have for preventing heart disease. Statins have been used for over 30 years, studied in millions of pa
Jing-Jing Cardona
Dec 29, 20254 min read


Historic Changes in GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medications: A New Era for Patients
The last two weeks have brought historic changes for people seeking GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Between the November 6 White House agreement with drug-makers and the latest announcement from Novo Nordisk on November 17 to reduce the cash price of Wegovy, Americans are now seeing meaningful improvements in access and affordability. As a board-certified obesity medicine physician, I’m breaking down what these updates mean — especially for patients
Jing-Jing Cardona
Nov 18, 20255 min read


Understanding the Risks: Making Informed Medical Decisions
When patients come to me with a medical decision to make — whether it’s about starting a medication, getting a vaccine, or moving forward with a recommended procedure — the most common question I hear is: “What are the risks if I do this?” This is an important and completely valid question. Every intervention in medicine, no matter how routine, comes with potential risks or side effects. As physicians, it’s our responsibility to be transparent about those. But here’s the par
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jul 16, 20254 min read


Building Trust with Your Doctor
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it is especially crucial in the relationship with your doctor. When patients trust their healthcare providers, they feel more comfortable sharing their concerns, and this leads to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. In this post, we will explore various ways to build trust with your doctor, the significance of effective communication, and the models of the doctor-patient relationship. Trust in Doctor-Pa
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jun 21, 20255 min read


Understanding HSAs and FSAs: Choosing the Right Option
When it comes to saving money on healthcare expenses, two popular options often arise: the Health Savings Account (HSA) and the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) . Both accounts help you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical costs. However, they work differently. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right tool for your financial and healthcare goals. What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)? A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special savings account for peop
Jing-Jing Cardona
Apr 28, 20253 min read


Understanding Your Insurance: Navigating DPC with PPO and HMO Plans
As a family physician offering Direct Primary Care (DPC), I often encounter patients who are unsure how their existing insurance plan interacts with a DPC membership. One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans, and how having an HMO can create challenges when trying to enroll in a DPC practice. Let's break it down. Understanding PPO vs. HMO Plans What is a PPO? PPO
Jing-Jing Cardona
Apr 6, 20253 min read


Why Direct Primary Care is the Future of Healthcare in 2025
In 2025, the healthcare landscape is undergoing a transformation, and at the forefront of this change is Direct Primary Care (DPC). As...
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 11, 20253 min read


Choosing Health Insurance with Direct Primary Care: A Smart Move During Open Enrollment
Direct Primary Care is a model where patients pay a flat, monthly membership fee for comprehensive primary care services.
Jing-Jing Cardona
Oct 1, 20244 min read


Why Florida Blue and Baptist Health are in a Stand-Off: How Direct Primary Care Can Help You Avoid Insurance Issues
When it comes to healthcare, patients often face the uncertainty of whether their preferred doctors and hospitals will remain in-network...
Jing-Jing Cardona
Sep 29, 20246 min read


Save money on healthcare: Direct Primary Care + Health Sharing Plans or High Deductible Plans
Pairing a DPC membership with a Health Sharing Plan or a High Deductible Health Plan can provide a synergistic approach to healthcare covera
Jing-Jing Cardona
Nov 4, 20234 min read


Direct primary care for business owners
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that business owners can use to provide benefits to their employees.
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jul 24, 20232 min read
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