Dr. Nicole Diane Melendez, MD

As a father and mother of 4 and both life long professionals, my wife and I can tell you to keep looking for another Rhuematologist. Dr. Melendez is a blood test reader. If it doesn't show up on blood tests (which auto immune and almost all rheumatological diseases/disorders do not), you will get no help here. My wife left in immense pain with nothing more than a "good luck". We had 2 visits and that was enough to know that Dr. Melendez lacks an empathy chip and certainly lacks an ability to "find" the answers. This was our experience. We found great Rhuematologists in Riverview area that care, listen and want to help. Dr. Melendez was none of that. We wasted a lot of valuable time with her. Again, I would keep looking if you are a loved one is sick. From Dr. Melendez's website that made us excited to go to her: "Dr. Melendez believes in providing compassionate and comprehensive patient-centered care", this is absolutely not true. Best. JKidd

Dr. Melendez delivers excellent, compassionate, caring, professional service. I feel comfortable with the way she interacts with me, respecting my decisions when she makes a suggestion. I highly recommend her for the excellent expertise she portrays in her specialty of Rheumatology.

Dr Melendez is easy to converse with and she takes the time to explain labs and possibly treatments if I am interested. I rate her very highly as my rheumatologist and appreciate her suggestions.

Great Dr. Took time on 1st visit, examined all joints and then discussed a change in meds. A few weeks later I was having pain in my lung, I was sent to a plumenologist. A cat scan was done and noduals were noted bilateral lungs. Dr Melendez got results and without hesitation told me we had to get a little more aggressive within a week I was having infusions and now see my quality of life much better I truly can say I had great care from Dr Melendez, she treated me with care, concern and understood me. I had Medicade and figured I would receive poor health care due to this State insurance, but test assure, Dr Melendez did not care that I had State Medicade, she treated me with care. I know how hard it is to find good Drs on Medicade, no good Drs want to take it, but Dr Melendez has changed my quality of life by fighting for the infusions and keeping on top of it. I'm truly blessed to have seen her, and I thank God each day for giving me such a wonderful Dr. Dr M rocks and I could… not have asked for better.

She is focused on the computer when she comes in the room. Very nice but for a first visit not much time provided me. Didn't examine me except for 3 -5 secs. Yes, I am telling the truth. Ordered MRI and lots of mix up in their office. Didn't have the report, then they said they had it "after" my appt. was already canceled due to no results...told me to go a neurosurgeon. Did nothing for me. No meds; nothing. Just dropped me like hot potato. There were other issues needed to be addressed but, I was just told "After you've seen neurosurgeon you can come back, IF you want to." Would not go to her again. I gave her fair because she isn't too different than the other physicians in Baycare or around Tampa Bay---except USF/TGH. Atleast, I got my MRI which the pain dr. wouldn't order. So, I thank her for that.

I was referred to Dr Melendez due to abnormal bloodwork pointing towards lupus. She took the time to explain to my results and what each test was for. She included me In her plan of care asked me if it was ok with it and she seems to really want to get down to the underlying issue, She made me feel a little better and cleared up my uncertainties.

Caring and compassionate. She is the only Dr. that was able to diagnose and treat my gout.