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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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The Approval of Oral Wegovy: A Game Changer for Weight Management
In January 2026, the FDA approved a medication that many patients have been eagerly anticipating: oral Wegovy . This is the first pill form of a GLP-1 medication officially approved for chronic weight management. Previously, Wegovy (semaglutide) was available only as a once-weekly injection. While an oral version of semaglutide (Rybelsus) existed for diabetes, there had never been an FDA-approved pill specifically for weight loss. This approval marks a significant advancement
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 155 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


Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Better Blood Sugar Management
Managing blood sugar is crucial for diabetes care. For decades, fingerstick glucose checks were the only method to track levels. Today, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized how patients and providers understand blood sugar patterns. Whether you are living with diabetes or monitoring early changes in your blood sugar, CGMs can provide powerful insights into your health. The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitors in Diabetes Management What is a Continuous Glucos
Jing-Jing Cardona
Sep 22, 20253 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


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


Primer on Obesity and Medical Management Pt IV. The Biggest Loser Study: Understanding Resting Metabolic Rate and Metabolic Adaptation
But you didn't think you could outsmart your body that easily did you? There's another concept to learn: Metabolic adaptation
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jun 1, 20247 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


Dr. Cardona of CARDONA DIRECT PRIMARY CARE talks COVID-19 vaccine.
Four days ago, I was fortunate enough to receive the first of two COVID-19 vaccinations from the Duval County Department of Health at our...
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 8, 20213 min read
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