Dr. Andy Abril, MD

Dr. Andy Abril, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Abril is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 953-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Andy Abril, MD is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His extensive experience encompasses Vasculitides, and he is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Abril earned his medical degree from Pontifical University Javeriana, Faculty Of Medicine in 1995. He is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida and UF Health the Villages Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. His practice is guided by the Mayo Clinic Model of Care, emphasizing high-quality, compassionate care delivered in a multispecialty, integrated setting. Dr. Abril provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Andy Abril is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Andy Abril can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Andy Abril provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Psoriatic Arthritis: If you have psoriasis, being aware of the signs of psoriatic arthritis and seeking medical attention promptly helps in preventing its progression and preserving joint health.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Polyarteritis nodosa, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications impacting multiple organs; proactive management is vital to preserve your health.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Osteoarthritis in your hands may seem minor initially, but managing it through lifestyle changes and medical interventions prevents future pain and preserves hand strength and dexterity.
• Sarcoidosis: Because sarcoidosis can cause joint pain and inflammation, early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent the development of chronic arthritis and disability.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Regular check-ups with a rheumatologist and diligent monitoring of your skin for changes can help detect cutaneous lupus erythematosus early, allowing for effective intervention to prevent scarring and flares.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early detection of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is crucial, as managing this condition promptly can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Dermatomyositis: Protecting your health from dermatomyositis involves understanding its symptoms like muscle weakness and skin rash, as early detection and treatment significantly reduce long-term complications.
• Lupus: Protecting your joints and overall health from the effects of lupus starts with understanding the condition and working closely with your doctor for proactive management.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Protecting your spine and overall health requires understanding ankylosing spondylitis: early diagnosis allows for effective management and prevention of severe long-term complications like spinal deformity.
• Arthritis: Don't let arthritis control your life. WePrevent empowers you to learn about risk factors and take steps toward early diagnosis and treatment, helping you maintain mobility and independence.
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Because Churg-Strauss syndrome affects blood vessels throughout the body, preventative care focuses on early detection and aggressive treatment to minimize organ damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis in your hip and thigh can be a debilitating condition, but proactive lifestyle choices and medical interventions can help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve your mobility and quality of life.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Andy Abril offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: To prevent future bone problems, a bone density scan helps assess your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-thinning conditions, enabling timely intervention.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Arthrocentesis: As part of your comprehensive care plan, arthrocentesis involves withdrawing fluid from your joint to screen for infections and inflammatory conditions, enabling quicker diagnosis and improving your chances of preserving joint function.
• Cortisone Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a cortisone injection can offer temporary pain relief, allowing you to participate in activities you enjoy without as much discomfort.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Andy Abril is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By recognizing early signs of joint pain and promptly seeking guidance, a patient proactively managed their psoriasis, significantly reducing the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis and maintaining healthy joints.
• By diligently adhering to the proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing severe complications from Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa, ensuring a healthier future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Andy Abril:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work with you to manage chronic conditions, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being. We are your long-term partners in achieving optimal health.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down over time, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Abril's role is to accurately diagnose the specific type of arthritis to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Abril's practice emphasizes lifestyle choices like adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation to help prevent or slow osteoporosis. A rheumatologist can assess individual risk factors, use a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary greatly depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent damage to vital organs.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not definitive. A rheumatologist will consider this result alongside your symptoms and other tests to determine if an autoimmune condition is present, avoiding unnecessary anxiety or misdiagnosis.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Abril and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain, and a proper diagnosis is key to starting the right treatment and preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's considered the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. The scan helps assess your risk of fracture, allowing for preventive treatment before a problem occurs.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Andy Abril, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1447240239

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Rheumatology like Dr. Andy Abril are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.