Dr. Cristina Pravia, MD

Dr. Cristina Pravia, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Dr. Pravia, a board-certified internal medicine physician, is committed to providing exceptional care to adults (18 years and older). Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (305) 689-5555 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Pravia brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, coupled with a deep understanding of the complexities of adult health. A four-time University of Miami alumna, she earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2000 and is board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her comprehensive background includes a master's of business administration from the University of Miami Herbert Business School, and residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Prior to joining UHealth, she was with Cleveland Clinic Florida's executive health program, further enriching her expertise in preventative health. Dr. Pravia's commitment extends beyond clinical excellence; she is actively involved with the Florida chapter of the American College of Physicians and is a member of the Governor's Advisory Council. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Addressing diverticulitis promptly with your doctor's guidance prevents its progression to more severe stages, improving your overall long-term health.
• Mild Asthma: Managing your mild asthma effectively through preventive measures, such as medication and avoiding triggers, significantly reduces your chances of developing more severe respiratory issues.
• 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.
• Secondary Renovascular Hypertension: Managing renovascular hypertension is crucial for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure, making regular blood pressure monitoring a vital part of preventive care.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively through lifestyle changes or medication, as advised by your doctor, can prevent further health deterioration and improve your overall well-being.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Understanding your headache patterns can help identify potential underlying issues and prevent future complications.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Don't underestimate the significance of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT); addressing the underlying causes through regular health assessments and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your health and independence.
• Muscle Spasm: Addressing muscle spasms early can prevent them from becoming chronic and impacting your daily life, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
• Heart Disease: By actively managing your heart health through lifestyle changes and medical guidance, you can minimize your chances of developing or worsening heart disease.
• Vascular Disease: Understanding your family history and risk factors for vascular disease allows for early intervention and personalized preventive strategies to minimize your chances of developing this condition.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is crucial for preventing disability and maintaining your overall well-being.
• Muscle Cramping: Understanding the causes of your muscle cramps is key to preventive health; early intervention can prevent debilitating complications and improve your overall well-being.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent serious infections, sometimes a simple procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection is necessary – a key part of your overall health plan.
• 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.
• Chronic Care Management: Take control of your health with Chronic Care Management, a program designed to detect and manage chronic conditions before they become serious.
• Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps identify your risk factors for diabetes and provides personalized guidance for prevention and early detection.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Puncture Aspiration: To ensure early detection of certain diseases, a puncture aspiration might be part of your preventive health plan, providing valuable insights into your body's internal workings.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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 Pravia 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 preventative plan, a patient proactively managed their intestinal health, reducing the risk of diverticulitis complications and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
• By proactively managing their mild asthma through medication and trigger avoidance, a patient significantly reduced the risk of more severe respiratory problems and enjoyed a healthier, more active lifestyle.
• By consistently tracking fluid intake and understanding their individual needs, a patient successfully avoided the fatigue and discomfort associated with dehydration, ensuring a healthier, more energetic lifestyle.

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 Pravia:

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

An internist, like Dr. Pravia, 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 many medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Cristina Pravia manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Pravia's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle counseling to promote healthy aging. We partner with you to minimize health risks and maximize well-being.

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

Dr. Pravia and her team focus 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.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Pravia 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.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. Dr. Pravia can help you understand how lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, can prevent it from getting worse. She can guide you on the best approach for your specific needs.

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

Dr. Pravia and her team carefully review all medications (polypharmacy management) to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

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

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Pravia will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their impact on your individual risk.

5555 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 689-5555

Dr. Cristina Pravia, 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): 1003879933

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 Pravia 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.