Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults (ages 19 - 65)
- Geriatrics (>65)
Languages
- Spanish
- English
Gender
FemaleAbout Dayana E. Patera
Dayana Patera, MD, was inspired at an early age to pursue a career in medicine after watching her sister enter medical school. Years later, when her father was diagnosed with kidney cancer, she witnessed her sister’s role in guiding the family through treatment.
“Seeing how she helped us navigate the diagnosis and acted as a mediator between our family and the medical team solidified my desire to become a physician,” she said.
Dr. Patera – a native of Venezuela who is fluent in Spanish and English – chose to specialize in internal medicine because it allows her to combine two values she holds dear: patient education and long-term preventive care.
Her clinical interests include metabolic health, obesity medicine, and midlife women's health. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She’s passionate about advocating for all her patients and dedicated to removing barriers to quality, comprehensive and compassionate care. She is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to connect with and best serve her Spanish-speaking patients.
“What I enjoy most comes down to the relationship and the lasting impact I can have on a person’s life journey,” said Dr. Patera, who sees patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic - West Shores. “It’s incredibly rewarding when something clicks for a patient – when they truly understand their condition or how to meaningfully improve their health.”
One of her most memorable experiences involved helping a patient recover from a stroke and navigate the diminished quality of life that followed.
“It was in that moment – when she realized that she was an active participant in her care, rather than a passive recipient, being told what to do – that something unexpected happened. She cried tears of joy, grateful to finally have someone willing to listen.”
Outside of medicine, Dr. Patera enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with their five children and loving on their two doodles. She also appreciates warm getaways to balance the Midwest winters.
Ratings & Reviews
Ratings and reviews are available after a Methodist-employed provider has a minimum of 30 returned surveys in the last year.
Video
Locations
- Methodist Physicians Clinic - West Shores
- 24110 West Dodge Road, Waterloo, NE 68069
- Get Directions
- phone: 402-815-6550
Expertise
Education
- Residency: Creighton University Medical Center, 2012
- Medical School: Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2005
Board Certifications
- Obesity Medicine: American Board of Obesity Medicine, 2021
- Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2012
Insurance
- Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions
- Aetna
- Aetna Medicare Assure Premier (HMO D-SNP)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle (HMO)
- Aetna Medicare Premier (HMO)
- Aetna Medicare Premier (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare SmartFit (HMO)
- Aetna Medicare SmartFit (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Value Plus (HMO)
- Aetna Meritain
- Aetna NHN
- Aetna Signature Administrators
- Ambetter Health
- American Health Plans of Iowa ISNP
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Medicare Advantage Access (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Medicare Advantage Connect (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Medicare Advantage Core (HMO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Medicare Advantage Secure (PPO)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska NEtwork Blue
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Network Blue Heartland Blue
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Premier Select Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Premier Select Blue Choice Heartland Blue
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Select Blue Choice
- Carelon Behavioral Health (MJE Only)
- Coventry Workers' Compensation
- Elite Choice
- First Health
- HealthSmart PPO
- HealthSmart Workers' Compensation
- Humana Full Access (PPO)
- Humana Gold Plus (HMO)
- Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE (HMO D-SNP)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
- HumanaChoice (PPO)
- HumanaChoice Giveback (PPO)
- Immanuel Pathways PACE IA
- Immanuel Pathways PACE NE
- Iowa Total Care IA Medicaid
- Medica Choice National (PPO)
- Medica Elevate
- Medica Insure
- Medica Medicare Advantage Solution
- Medica Medicare Cost Prime Solution
- Midlands Choice Network
- Midwest Alliance Network
- Molina IA Medicaid
- Molina IA Medicare Advantage
- Molina NE Medicaid
- Molina NE Medicare Advantage
- MultiPlan (PHCS not Included)
- Nebraska Furniture Mart - Centivo TPA
- Nebraska Total Care NE Medicaid
- NX Health Network (dba Valenz Access)
- O'Hara Workers' Compensation
- Progyny (participating providers: Carolyn Doherty, Christopher Corder, John Bishay, Jusdson Davies, Brett Hill, Jon Morton)
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare AARP MA Essentials from UHC NE-3 (HMO)
- United Healthcare AARP MA Extras from UHC NE-5 (HMO)
- United Healthcare AARP MA from UHC NE-0002 (PPO)
- United Healthcare AARP MA Patriot No Rx NE-MA01 (PPO)
- United Healthcare Allsavers
- United Healthcare Core
- United Healthcare Dual Complete NE-S001 (HMO D-SNP)
- United Healthcare Dual Complete NE-S002 (PPO D-SNP)
- United Healthcare Dual Complete NE-S003 (HMO D-SNP)
- United Healthcare Dual Complete NE-V001 (HMO D-SNP)
- United Healthcare Group MA (HMO)
- United Healthcare Group MA (PPO)
- United Healthcare NE Individual Exchange Benefit Plan
- United Healthcare NE Medicaid
- United Healthcare Nexus ACO
- United Healthcare of the River Valley
- United Healthcare Optum VA CCN
- United Healthcare Surest
- Wellcare Medicare Advantage
- Wellmark Blue (HMO)
- Wellmark Blue (PPO)
- Wellmark Alliance Select (PPO)
- Wellmark Blue Access (HMO)
- Wellmark Blue Advantage (HMO)
- Wellmark Blue Choice (HMO)
- Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage (HMO)
- Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage (PPO)
- Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage Avera (PPO)
- Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage Enhanced (PPO)
- Wellmark Classic Blue (PPO)
- Wellmark IA Hawk-I (HMO)
- Wellpoint IA Medicaid
- Wellpoint Medicare Advantage DSNP
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
75 ratings, 12 reviewsThe Patient Experience Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients who are treated in outpatient or hospital settings may receive different surveys that are not included in this Patient Experience Rating. The volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
I like Dr Patera. She took her time and went over all my health issues and meds.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Dr. Patera is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Dr Patera has been my primary care doctor for years. I have been so satisfied with my care that I asked to follow her to your clinic even though I live in Lincoln and have about an hour drive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr Patera is fantastic about both educating re options and pros and cons and engaging In shared decision making
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
I am amazed by the care given by Dr Patera. I've never had a doctor as me questions about my entire being like she did. I felt heard and whole body cared for. She even went so far as to explain how she wants me to informed on making decisions about hormone replacement and obesity so that we can work together to find the right course for me. It felt like a partnership. I've never had this type of experience. Truly amazing. I was also there with my 85 year old mother. Dr Patera's care for her was thoughtful and exactly what my mom needed. She explained amd confirmed my mom's understanding of the meds and reasons behind them. She took her time to walk through mom's many ailments and asked how my mom wanted to proceed. Dr Patera, thank you for caring for my mom and I. I am excited to walk this journey with you and grateful to have found you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
Love Dr Patera!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr Patera is a very skilled and kind doctor. She listens and includes patient's input when suggesting treatment or next steps.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Patera was very thorough and answered all my questions! Provided different options, which was very helpful!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
I decided to drive to Waterloo from Lincoln to have Dr Patera continue you care! She's Amazing!! So caring and always involves you in your care and choices regarding care. Your are so blessed to have her at Methodist!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Everyone was very kind and very pleasant it was my first visit. Very happy with the Dr explained everything
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/31/2025
Dr. Patera is fabulous. I saw her in Lincoln for eight years and will continue to drive to Waterloo to have her as my primary physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/27/2025
Dr. Patera listened, gave opinions and backed up her recommendations with data.