Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero, MD

Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Hialeah, FL. As a partner in preventive health, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your health journey. She serves adults (18 years and older). Please call (305) 556-7500 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero, MD is an internist in Hialeah, FL, and a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her practice prioritizes preventive care, recognizing the critical role it plays in maintaining long-term health and well-being. She is deeply committed to creating personalized care plans that address your specific health needs, incorporating regular screenings and proactive management strategies. Her approach underscores the importance of patient collaboration and active participation in your own health journey. Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero 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. Cristina Bello-Quintero 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. Cristina Bello-Quintero 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:

• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively, under the guidance of your doctor, helps slow disease progression and maintain your mobility and quality of life.
• Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Diabetic polyneuropathy can significantly impact your quality of life; proactive diabetes management, including regular foot exams and lifestyle changes, helps prevent it.
• Dysphagia: Protecting your health includes being aware of swallowing difficulties; discussing any changes with your doctor can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term issues.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Preventing kidney damage from diabetes starts with early detection and careful management of your blood sugar and blood pressure to reduce long-term complications.
• Hypothyroidism: Managing hypothyroidism effectively through medication and lifestyle changes prevents the development of severe symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Effective headache management is crucial for improving your overall well-being and preventing chronic pain and disability.
• Malaise and Fatigue: Ignoring prolonged malaise and fatigue can lead to delayed diagnosis of serious medical conditions; regular checkups with your internist are crucial for early intervention and better health outcomes.
• Gout: Preventing gout attacks starts with understanding your risk factors, like diet and weight, and making lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke; proactive management through diet and medication can significantly lower this risk.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Early detection of GERD through recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice can help prevent long-term damage to your esophagus and improve your overall health.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids allows for prompt management of symptoms and prevents complications like bleeding, thrombosis, or infection, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety proactively through preventive strategies like therapy or lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing other health 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. Cristina Bello-Quintero offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Diabetes Counseling: Proactively manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications through personalized diabetes counseling.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Thermotherapy: Take a proactive step in managing your pain and inflammation; thermotherapy can offer relief and improve functional ability, helping you stay active.
• Menopause Evaluation: Proactive assessment of your menopausal transition helps detect any underlying health conditions that may be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease, enabling timely treatment.
• Mobility Exercise: Regular mobility exercises help you maintain your strength and balance, reducing your risk of falls and fractures.
• Methacholine Challenge Testing: This non-invasive procedure, a methacholine challenge test, helps assess how easily your airways narrow in response to a medication, enabling accurate diagnosis of conditions such as asthma and guiding management of your breathing problems.
• Biofeedback: Biofeedback empowers you to monitor and modify your body's physiological responses, offering a proactive way to reduce stress and prevent its negative impact on your overall well-being.

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. Cristina Bello-Quintero 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 following a personalized plan for managing arthritis risk factors, a patient experienced reduced pain and improved mobility, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By diligently following a proactive diabetes management plan, including regular foot exams and lifestyle changes, a patient avoided the potential complications of diabetic polyneuropathy, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable future.
• By proactively discussing occasional swallowing difficulties with their physician, a patient identified and addressed potential issues early, preventing more serious complications down the road. This proactive approach ensured a smoother path toward maintaining their overall well-being.

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. Cristina Bello-Quintero:

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

An internist, like Dr. Bello-Quintero, 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 various medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Bello-Quintero 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. Bello-Quintero's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership with patients to proactively minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Several vaccines are crucial for older adults to protect against serious illnesses. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are key strategies for preventing complications.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Bello-Quintero can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent it from progressing.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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

Dr. Bello-Quintero's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key components include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

5961 NW 173rd Dr Unit 1
Hialeah FL 33015
Phone: (305) 556-7500

Dr. Cristina Bello-Quintero, 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): 1346482635

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. Cristina Bello-Quintero 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.