Dr. Carlos Ballestas, MD

Dr. Carlos Ballestas, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at HCA Florida Westside Primary Care - Sunrise in Sunrise, FL. 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. Please call (754) 255-6524 to schedule. This physician is accepting telehealth visits.

Dr. Ballestas's practice encompasses a deep understanding of comprehensive family medicine, honed through extensive training and experience. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia in 1999, followed by a residency in family practice at Texas Tech University in Amarillo, Texas, and a fellowship in geriatrics. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. He's practiced in various settings, from a hospital network in South Florida to private outpatient groups in Texas and Alabama, allowing him to apply a broad range of expertise to patient care. His focus on prevention, coupled with his knowledge of geriatrics and dermatology and sport medicine, provides a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Ballestas offers consultations in Spanish, and is dedicated to taking care of patients, one at a time. He was born in New York City but grew up in Clearwater, FL. His wife is a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist. Together they have three girls and most of their family is here in Florida. With most of his activities centered on the girls, they enjoy exercising, cycling and swimming.

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

• Rash: A rash, while sometimes harmless, can be a sign of an underlying condition, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing complications.
• Influenza (Flu): Annual flu shots significantly reduce your risk of getting the flu and therefore prevent potential health complications.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; proactive management, including identifying potential risk factors, may prevent significant complications later in life.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Preventing complications associated with sebaceous cysts, such as infection or discomfort, is a key component of comprehensive preventive health, making regular self-exams and timely medical evaluation important.
• Thrush: Early recognition and prompt treatment of thrush are essential components of comprehensive preventive healthcare, minimizing the likelihood of future occurrences.
• Asthma: Preventing asthma attacks and complications starts with understanding your triggers and working with your doctor to create a personalized prevention plan.
• Common Cold: Catching a common cold early can help prevent its spread to others and minimize its impact on your overall health and productivity.
• Allergies: Preventive care for allergies includes identifying allergens and developing strategies to minimize exposure, keeping you healthy and comfortable.
• Down Syndrome: Managing health conditions often associated with Down syndrome, such as heart defects or hearing loss, through consistent medical care and monitoring is vital for preventing further health challenges.
• Cluster Headache: Recognizing the signs of cluster headaches early can help your doctor create a prevention plan to reduce their frequency and severity, improving your overall well-being.
• Ingrown Nail: Managing ingrown toenails through good foot hygiene and appropriate footwear choices is a simple yet effective way to maintain overall foot health and prevent more significant issues.
• Mononucleosis: Mononucleosis, often spread through saliva, highlights the importance of preventive measures like handwashing to reduce the risk of infection and protect your immune system.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent a minor infection from turning into a major problem, incision and drainage offers a proactive way to remove pus and reduce the risk of long-term consequences.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To ensure your overall health, an arterial blood gas test can provide valuable insights into your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, helping prevent serious complications.
• Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: Early detection is key to preventing heart disease. Schedule a cardiovascular disease counseling session to assess your risk and discuss preventative measures.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions and efficient management of your complex health needs and procedures with our specialized care coordination services.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential problems early and preventing serious heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Take a proactive step towards a healthier future with timely vaccinations, safeguarding you against numerous infectious illnesses.
• Incision and Removal of Foreign Object: Early removal of foreign objects helps avoid potential long-term health issues, supporting your body's natural healing process.
• Obesity Counseling: Invest in your well-being by discussing weight management strategies, including nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification techniques, to improve your overall health.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards a healthy pregnancy by scheduling a pregnancy ultrasound; it helps detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• School Physicals: A school physical provides a comprehensive health assessment for your child, helping to identify and address any health conditions before they become major problems and ensuring they're school-ready.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Empower yourself to live a healthier, smoke-free life through evidence-based cessation strategies and support.

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. Carlos Ballestas 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:

• Recognizing a persistent rash early, a family proactively sought medical guidance, leading to a swift diagnosis and effective treatment plan, preventing potential complications. This proactive approach ensured their well-being and peace of mind.
• By getting annual flu shots, a family significantly reduced their risk of contracting the flu and its potential complications, ensuring a healthier, more enjoyable season.

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. Carlos Ballestas:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Ballestas, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on preventative care and coordinating all aspects of a patient's health, treating the whole person and managing the health of the entire family.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Ballestas is a key opportunity to partner with him on your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

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

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Ballestas, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're well provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your medical history and can offer personalized care if you become ill. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care, keeping you healthy.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Ballestas and our team regularly perform sports physicals for children and teens. It's more than just a form; it's a comprehensive evaluation of their health, potential risks, and readiness for a safe and successful season.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Dr. Ballestas and our team can handle many common skin concerns right here in the office. We can remove suspicious moles for biopsy, freeze warts, and drain skin abscesses. This saves you time and ensures your primary care doctor is involved in your skin health.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Ballestas and our team are experienced in treating musculoskeletal issues such as sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment often involves advice on rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on factors like age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Ballestas and his team will ensure you receive the recommended vaccinations based on the latest guidelines.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Ballestas is experienced in providing comprehensive care for infants and children, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members ensures continuity of care and convenience.

HCA Florida Westside Primary Care - Sunrise
12651 W Sunrise Blvd Ste 202
Sunrise FL 33323
Phone: (754) 255-6524

Dr. Carlos Ballestas, 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): 1609812437

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. Carlos Ballestas 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.