Dr. Christina Debenedictus, MD

Dr. Christina Debenedictus, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL. She is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 243-4000 to schedule.

Dr. Christina Debenedictus, MD is an internist in Miami, FL, affiliated with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is accepting new patients. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Debenedictus provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dehydration: Dehydration can sneak up on you, leading to fatigue and impacting your overall health; maintaining adequate fluid intake is a key part of preventive care.
• Urinary Incontinence: Early detection of urinary incontinence allows for prompt treatment, preventing more serious problems such as falls, infections, and reduced social participation.
• Cachexia: Regular health screenings and monitoring can help detect cachexia early, allowing for timely intervention and management of the underlying cause to improve outcomes and prevent severe complications.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are a vital sign of good health. Addressing constipation early can prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential long-term digestive issues.
• Limb Pain: Addressing limb pain promptly can help prevent the development of chronic conditions and improve your overall quality of life.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT) is a complex condition showing as a decline in physical and mental well-being; proactive health screenings can help identify risk factors and implement timely interventions.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Preventing blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), is crucial for maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications like strokes or heart attacks.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Understanding your risk factors for HIV and taking preventive measures, such as safe sex practices, can help you avoid infection.
• Nausea: Understanding the causes of your nausea is crucial for preventive care, as it might indicate a need for adjustments to your diet or medication.
• Bacterial Sepsis: Bacterial sepsis is a life-threatening infection that requires prompt medical attention; preventing it starts with good hygiene and managing existing health conditions to reduce your risk.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Preventing intestinal diverticulitis involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber to support regular bowel movements and reduce pressure on the intestinal walls.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Effective headache management is crucial for improving your overall well-being and preventing chronic pain and disability.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Psychotherapy for Crisis: Taking proactive steps with crisis psychotherapy can help you develop coping mechanisms and prevent future mental health crises.
• Growth Factor Therapy: Growth factor therapy is a treatment option that might be considered to manage certain diseases or injuries by supporting natural healing processes.
• Ultrasound, Abdominal Aortic: An abdominal aortic ultrasound is a painless test that helps detect an enlarged aorta, potentially preventing a life-threatening rupture.
• Urinalysis: Taking charge of your health starts with a urinalysis, a quick and painless test that screens for infections, diabetes indicators, and other underlying conditions.
• Cardiac Electrophysiology: Take a proactive step towards heart health with cardiac electrophysiology; this test helps identify hidden heart rhythm issues that could lead to strokes, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Christina Debenedictus 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By consistently tracking their fluid intake and adjusting their daily habits, a patient felt more energetic and experienced a noticeable improvement in overall well-being, demonstrating how proactive health management can enhance daily life.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing concerns with their physician, a patient proactively addressed potential urinary incontinence, reducing the risk of falls and maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.
• By attending regular health screenings, a patient proactively identified potential cachexia risk factors, enabling early intervention and a personalized plan to maintain their health and well-being. This proactive approach ensured they could confidently address any underlying causes and prevent further complications.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Christina Debenedictus:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Debenedictus, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the complex medical issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Christina Debenedictus manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Debenedictus excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Debenedictus and her team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Debenedictus's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We use a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a personalized blood pressure target that is safe for you.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Debenedictus coordinates your overall health, managing aspects like heart health and kidney function. While a rheumatologist may focus on specific medications, she ensures comprehensive care by addressing the broader effects of autoimmune diseases on your body.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Debenedictus excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Debenedictus and our team can help manage your type 2 diabetes. We offer a comprehensive approach, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin as needed), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

During a "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit with Dr. Debenedictus, we create a personalized prevention schedule, review all medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

1400 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-4000

Dr. Christina Debenedictus, 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): 1881155612

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Christina Debenedictus 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.