Dr. Christine Rice, DO

Dr. Christine Rice, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to preventive health. 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Please call (305) 447-4150 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christine Rice, DO is an internist in Coral Gables, FL, affiliated with Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Her practice is built on a foundation of thorough understanding of the human body and its systems, coupled with a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She strives to create a supportive and informative environment where patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Dr. Rice provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Don't ignore painful urination; it's important to seek medical advice promptly to rule out serious conditions and ensure timely management.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.
• Lipid Disorders: Early detection of lipid disorders through simple blood tests allows for timely interventions, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Dermatitis Due to Substances Taken Internally: Certain medications or underlying health conditions can cause internal substances to trigger skin reactions; proactive management with your doctor can minimize these outbreaks.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Managing COPD effectively involves lifestyle changes and medication to slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Viral Hepatitis: Regular checkups, including liver function tests, are crucial for early detection of viral hepatitis, enabling timely treatment and preventing serious complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• Radiculopathy: Early intervention for radiculopathy, often caused by spinal issues, can significantly improve quality of life and prevent chronic pain, emphasizing the significance of prompt medical attention.
• Abdominal Pain: Addressing abdominal pain promptly can prevent the progression of chronic conditions that might otherwise negatively impact your overall health.
• Hypothyroidism: Don't let hypothyroidism steal your energy! Regular checkups and appropriate management can help you stay active and healthy.
• Dizziness: Experiencing dizziness can be a sign of an underlying health issue, and early detection through regular check-ups with your internist can help prevent serious complications.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Understanding the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause, and discussing these options with your doctor, is an essential aspect of preventive healthcare for women.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, making early detection and management crucial for your overall health.

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. Christine Rice 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: As part of your proactive health plan, electrical muscle stimulation may be used to assess and improve muscle function after an injury or surgery.
• Disease Prevention: Proactive disease prevention involves regular checkups and screenings to detect potential health problems early, before they become serious.
• Trauma Rehabilitation: Proactive participation in trauma rehabilitation programs enables earlier identification of potential issues, leading to more effective treatment and improved functional outcomes following a traumatic experience.

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. Christine Rice 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:

• A patient experiencing painful urination sought prompt medical attention, leading to an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, allowing them to quickly return to a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. Early intervention prevented the condition from escalating into a more serious health issue.
• By identifying and addressing potential triggers, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of their headaches, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
• By scheduling routine blood tests and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their lipid levels, significantly reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease and gaining 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Christine Rice:

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

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

How does Dr. Christine Rice manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Rice excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, managing complex medications, and focusing on your overall well-being. This approach ensures comprehensive and effective care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Rice's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy, 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. We work together to develop a plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Rice will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

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

Dr. Rice plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Rice manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Rice and her team focus on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key assessments include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This holistic approach helps patients age healthily and comfortably.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Rice will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), along with their implications for your personal risk.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

806 S Douglas Rd Ste 820
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (305) 447-4150

Dr. Christine Rice, 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): 1326366956

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. Christine Rice 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.