Dr. Dana Ascherman, MD

Dr. Dana Ascherman, MD is a Rheumatologist at his clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Ascherman understands that general Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life. He expertly diagnoses and manages arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Please call (305) 243-7545 to confirm if Dr. Ascherman is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Dana Ascherman, MD is a rheumatologist in Miami, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated his career to Rheumatologic care. Dr. Ascherman has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. He earned his medical degree from Stanford University in 1992 and is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with UPMC Presbyterian. His approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Ascherman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: Ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis (AVH) is a condition where bone spurs form along your spine, and catching it early with regular checkups can help prevent stiffness and disability.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder joints from the damaging effects of osteoarthritis starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent pain or stiffness; early intervention is key.
• Fibromyalgia: Understanding fibromyalgia's risk factors and proactively managing stress and sleep can help prevent the worsening of symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis silently weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, but proactive steps like diet, exercise, and medication, when needed, can help you maintain strong bones and prevent complications.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a skin condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent lasting skin damage and improve your quality of life.
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Recognizing the symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome early is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively means actively participating in its treatment and taking steps to control inflammation, thereby preventing long-term joint destruction and preserving mobility.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a condition where your bones are weaker than normal, increasing your risk of fractures, so early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent future problems.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.
• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis is a joint infection that, if caught early and treated promptly, can prevent permanent joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Scleroderma: Managing scleroderma effectively through ongoing healthcare involves a commitment to regular checkups and medication adherence, preserving your ability to live a full life.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis, an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, requires careful management to reduce inflammation and prevent serious consequences like organ damage or 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. Dana Ascherman offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: As part of your overall health plan, a bone density scan provides valuable information about your bone health, allowing for proactive measures to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Take a proactive step towards bone health with a DEXA scan – it's a simple test that can identify weakening bones, crucial for managing arthritis and preventing future complications.
• Joint Drainage: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Prioritize your joint health and explore non-surgical arthritis treatments designed to slow disease progression and maintain optimal mobility.
• Knee Injection: A knee injection can help reduce pain and inflammation in your knee joint, allowing you to stay active and prevent further damage.

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 Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Dana Ascherman 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 Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed the risk factors for ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis, maintaining a pain-free and active lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a high quality of life and avoid potential future complications.
• By understanding their shoulder pain risk factors and engaging in a proactive exercise plan, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, ensuring continued shoulder mobility and function.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Dana Ascherman:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Ascherman is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which includes musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions. She's a long-term partner in managing your condition, helping prevent joint damage, and improving your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Ascherman's role is to accurately diagnose the cause so the appropriate treatment can be started, preventing further damage.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief and allows the fluid to be tested in a lab to identify the cause of swelling, which is essential for developing a treatment plan and preventing future problems.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe and effective when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, enabling better participation in physical therapy and daily activities during flare-ups. Our team uses them judiciously to manage symptoms.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose X-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for screening for osteoporosis and helps us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Ascherman and her team review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests, including those that look for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This crucial first step helps determine the best course of action to prevent disease progression.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not a definitive diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider this result along with your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Ascherman and our team can help you prevent or slow osteoporosis. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking are important. We can assess your risk factors, use a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

1475 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-7545

Dr. Dana Ascherman, 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): 1720050123

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. Rheumatology like Dr. Dana Ascherman 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 rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.