Dr. Cecilia Chung Nakandakari, MD

Dr. Cecilia Chung Nakandakari, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, and is dedicated 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), she is a trusted partner in preventive health. 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Nakandakari is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 243-7545 to schedule.

Dr. Cecilia Chung Nakandakari, MD is a rheumatologist in Miami, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2010 and is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she partners with patients and their families, fostering a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Dr. Nakandakari is affiliated with medical facilities such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Doctors Hospital. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Wrist: Protecting your wrist from the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition and seeking timely medical attention for effective treatment and prevention of joint destruction.
• Scleroderma: Managing scleroderma effectively through ongoing healthcare involves a commitment to regular checkups and medication adherence, preserving your ability to live a full life.
• Gout: Understanding your risk factors for gout, such as diet and family history, allows for preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis silently weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, but proactive steps like diet, exercise, and medication, when needed, can help you maintain strong bones and prevent complications.
• Vasculitis: Protecting your blood vessels from inflammation through early diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis is crucial for preventing long-term health problems.
• Osteopenia: Having osteopenia means your bone density is lower than average, making you more prone to breaks; proactive management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Managing osteoarthritis in your hands and wrists involves a proactive approach to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby preserving your hand function and preventing future limitations.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can be managed effectively to prevent severe joint pain and loss of function; regular checkups with your doctor and proactive treatment can help you maintain mobility and quality of life.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis is the presence of calcium crystals in your cartilage, which can lead to arthritis if left unmanaged, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage it early.
• Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: Managing ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis involves lifestyle adjustments and sometimes medication to slow the progression of bone spur formation and preserve spinal mobility.
• Lupus: Early detection and consistent management of lupus are key to preventing the inflammation and joint damage that can significantly impact your quality of life.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Catching polyarteritis nodosa early through regular health checks can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, like kidney failure or heart problems.

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. Cecilia Nakandakari 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: A bone density scan is a quick and painless test that helps measure the strength of your bones, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures.
• 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: This procedure helps determine whether joint pain and swelling are caused by infection, crystals, or an autoimmune disease, guiding your treatment plan.
• Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing your joint pain and swelling, allowing for early and effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection: This procedure helps your rheumatologist determine the underlying cause of your knee pain, allowing for targeted treatment to prevent further joint damage and maintain your mobility.
• Injection: Joint injections can help reduce pain and inflammation, enabling you to stay active and manage your arthritis more effectively.

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. Cecilia Nakandakari 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 understanding the early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis and adhering to a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of wrist joint damage and maintained a fulfilling lifestyle.
• By diligently following a proactive healthcare plan, including regular checkups and medication, a patient successfully managed their scleroderma, maintaining a high quality of life and peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Cecilia Nakandakari:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They are a long-term partner in managing chronic conditions, preventing joint damage, and improving your overall well-being. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often due to "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Nakandakari's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly through an IV in a comfortable, medically supervised setting. This method is highly effective for many advanced biologic medications, ensuring the body gets the full dose needed to control disease and prevent flares.

What is vasculitis?

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

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Nakandakari screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. We carefully review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests, including those looking for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial for understanding your condition and developing a plan to prevent disease progression.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise can't cure arthritis, they are powerful tools for preventing flare-ups. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

1450 NW 10th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-7545

Dr. Cecilia Chung Nakandakari, 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): 1487814166

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. Cecilia Nakandakari 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.