Dr. Cornelia Charles, MD

Dr. Cornelia Charles, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Boynton Beach, FL, dedicated 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), she understands that 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 collaborating with you to achieve your health goals. Please call (561) 292-4949 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Cornelia Charles, MD is an internist in Boynton Beach, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital and Bethesda Hospital East. She earned her medical degree from Howard University, College Of Arts And Sciences, Music Department, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Charles provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Limb Pain: Limb pain, if persistent, could signal an underlying health issue, making early evaluation crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Contact Dermatitis: Proper identification of your contact allergens can stop future outbreaks, ensuring healthier skin and avoiding the discomfort of this common skin problem.
• Dyslipidemia: Regular blood tests to screen for dyslipidemia are vital for preventive care, allowing early identification and treatment of abnormal fat levels and lowering your risk of heart disease.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Proactive management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is key to preventing its potential effects on mental health and daily activities, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Migraine: Preventive care for migraines involves identifying and managing underlying risk factors such as stress, sleep disturbances, and diet, thereby reducing your migraine burden.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Careful foot care, including regular inspections and prompt attention to any wounds, can be extremely effective in preventing the formation of leg and foot ulcers and their associated complications.
• Hidradenitis: Preventing serious complications from hidradenitis suppurativa involves proactive skincare, weight management, and early medical attention to minimize long-term health impacts.
• Canker Sore: Although most canker sores heal on their own, persistent or severe cases warrant a check-up with your doctor to rule out any potential underlying medical conditions that require management.
• Intertrigo: Catching intertrigo early is crucial, as it can quickly become infected if not properly treated, impacting your overall well-being and potentially leading to more serious health issues.
• Hyperkalemia: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease is essential for preventing hyperkalemia, a serious electrolyte imbalance that can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Heart Palpitations: Experiencing heart palpitations? Early detection and discussion with your internist can help identify underlying causes and prevent serious 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. Cornelia Charles 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is a proactive checkup that helps identify potential health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious illnesses.
• Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Insertion, Removal or Repair: This procedure helps improve heart health by implanting, removing, or repairing a device designed to regulate your heartbeat, potentially preventing serious cardiac events.
• Mobility Exercise: Incorporate mobility exercises into your routine to strengthen your muscles and joints, reducing the risk of chronic pain and stiffness.

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. Cornelia Charles 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 scheduling regular checkups and addressing persistent limb pain early, a patient identified and treated a treatable condition, preventing potential long-term complications and regaining a pain-free lifestyle.
• By identifying and avoiding contact allergens, a patient significantly reduced future outbreaks of contact dermatitis, enjoying healthier skin and a more comfortable daily life.
• By consistently following a proactive screening plan, a patient was able to identify and manage their dyslipidemia, significantly reducing their risk of heart disease and gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

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. Cornelia Charles:

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

An internist, like Dr. Charles, 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 diverse medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Cornelia Charles manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Charles excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing medications to prevent interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Charles's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. Key screenings for adults, including those for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are integral to this approach. We tailor recommendations to individual needs and risk factors.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Charles will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Charles carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This allows us to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to create a proactive health plan. It involves a personalized prevention schedule, review of all medications, assessment of health risks, and coordination of all your healthcare to ensure it's effective.

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

Dr. Charles's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, memory screenings, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps patients stay healthy and engaged in their lives.

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

Dr. Charles acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Charles manages other health concerns, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

2815 S Seacrest Blvd
Boynton Beach FL 33435
Phone: (561) 292-4949

Dr. Cornelia Charles, 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): 1942569876

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. Cornelia Charles 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.