Dr. Anthony Ruffa, DO

Dr. Anthony Ruffa, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in West Palm Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands that your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 688-5808 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Anthony Ruffa, DO is a family medicine physician in West Palm Beach, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Phoenix, Northern California Campus in 1990, and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Ruffa provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Anthony Ruffa 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. Anthony Ruffa 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. Anthony Ruffa 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:

• Back Pain: Preventing future back problems starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good posture and body mechanics to avoid injury.
• Perimenopause: Early detection and management of perimenopause symptoms allows for proactive intervention, reducing the likelihood of developing long-term health concerns and improving your quality of life during this life stage.
• Lice: Managing head lice promptly minimizes discomfort and prevents secondary infections associated with scratching.
• Hypertension: Regular blood pressure checks are a key part of preventive care, allowing for early identification of hypertension and prompt management to protect your long-term health.
• Venous Insufficiency: Taking proactive steps to manage venous insufficiency, such as wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs, can improve your quality of life and prevent long-term health problems.
• Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis are rough, scaly patches on your skin caused by sun damage, and early detection through regular skin checks can prevent them from turning into skin cancer.
• Cluster Headache: Don't suffer silently. Early detection of cluster headaches and working with your physician to develop a prevention plan can reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Hip osteoarthritis can significantly impact mobility and daily activities, making preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your muscles essential to delay its onset or slow its progression.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage UTIs before they escalate, protecting your overall health and well-being.
• Cold Sore: Recognizing the signs of a cold sore early allows for prompt treatment, minimizing discomfort and duration, improving your overall quality of life and reducing the chance of spreading the virus.
• Phimosis: Regular checkups with your doctor, starting in childhood, are vital for early detection and management of phimosis, ensuring healthy development.
• Diabetes Type 2: Managing type 2 diabetes effectively through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, helps prevent serious health problems down the line.

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. Anthony Ruffa offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Chronic Care Management: Ensure early detection and effective management of chronic diseases through regular check-ups and coordinated care.
• Nail Avulsion and Excision: Nail avulsion and excision helps identify and treat underlying conditions that may be impacting your nail health, contributing to better overall wellness.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Regular chlamydia screenings are a vital part of comprehensive preventive care, ensuring you catch any infection swiftly and effectively minimizing potential health risks.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with proactive screenings. A trichomoniasis test can detect this infection early, allowing for swift treatment and preventing future issues.
• Mammography: Take a proactive step towards breast health with a mammogram; it's a screening test that can find breast cancer even before you notice any symptoms.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Protecting your sexual health is a key part of overall wellness, and gonorrhea screening is a proactive step to identify and address this infection before complications arise.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: HeartAware's online risk assessment is a quick and easy way to understand your cardiovascular risk and work with your doctor to improve your heart health.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Don't wait for a fracture to discover bone loss – an osteoporosis screening can help you understand your risk and take steps to strengthen your bones.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: Ensure you're getting the right amount of iron for your body's needs with an anemia and iron deficiency screening, helping prevent future health problems.
• Cholesterol Screening: Take charge of your heart health with a cholesterol screening: it identifies high cholesterol early, enabling timely lifestyle changes or medical intervention.
• Thyroid Screening: Ensure your thyroid is functioning optimally with a screening; early detection of thyroid disorders can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Patch Testing: Take charge of your skin health with patch testing – it's a simple test that identifies allergens, helping you prevent irritating rashes and other allergic reactions.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Anthony Ruffa is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 understanding their individual risk factors and practicing better posture, a family significantly reduced their chances of experiencing future back pain, gaining confidence in their ability to stay active.
• By understanding the early signs of perimenopause and working with a healthcare provider on a proactive management plan, a patient felt empowered to navigate this life stage with confidence and reduced concerns about future health issues.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Anthony Ruffa:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Ruffa and our team are family physicians, meaning we're primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for the whole family, from newborns to seniors. We focus on preventative care and coordinating all aspects of your health, treating the whole person, not just individual symptoms.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Ruffa is a valuable opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals to help maintain your well-being.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Anthony Ruffa, is a valuable investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your medical history and can offer personalized, faster care if needed. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Ruffa and our team are happy to treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include advice on rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Ruffa works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, including regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your well-being.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Ruffa and our team regularly perform sports physicals for children and teens. This isn't just a form to sign; it's a comprehensive health assessment to ensure your young athlete is physically prepared for a safe and successful season.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Ruffa will create a personalized screening schedule for you, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests, like colonoscopies or mammograms, at the right time for early detection.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age, health conditions, and lifestyle. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and potentially shingles or pneumonia vaccines. Dr. Ruffa's office will ensure you receive the recommended vaccinations based on the latest guidelines.

2007 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
West Palm Beach FL 33409
Phone: (561) 688-5808

Dr. Anthony Ruffa, DO 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): 1134128341

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Anthony Ruffa 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.