Dr. Elena Pernas, DO

Dr. Elena Pernas, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Miami, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality, evidence-based care. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (305) 642-5366 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Elena Pernas, DO is a family medicine physician in Miami, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Allopathic Medicine in 1999 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. With this extensive experience, she is Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, reflecting her commitment to comprehensive and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Pernas strives to provide collaborative care, ensuring that patients are fully engaged in their health journey. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Atherosclerosis: Preventing atherosclerosis starts with making healthy lifestyle choices, as it's a condition where fatty deposits clog your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia can significantly impact nutrition and overall health; proactive management, often involving a multidisciplinary approach, improves quality of life and reduces the risk of malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): By proactively addressing heartburn and other GERD symptoms, you significantly reduce your risk of developing more severe health problems later on.
• Hernia: Preventing hernias involves maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise to strengthen your abdominal muscles, reducing your risk of developing one.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension effectively through lifestyle changes and medication, if needed, is crucial for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; proactive management, including identifying potential risk factors, may prevent significant complications later in life.
• Imperforate Anus: Preventive care including newborn screenings can identify imperforate anus, a condition where the anus is blocked, enabling prompt treatment to avoid bowel damage and infections.

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

• Melanoma Screening: Protect your skin and your health by scheduling regular melanoma screenings; early detection is key to successful melanoma treatment.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a personalized understanding of your heart health risks with HeartAware, empowering you to make informed decisions and prevent future issues.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a proactive step towards maintaining strong bones; this screening helps assess bone density and allows for early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting your heart starts with an EKG. This painless test helps identify hidden heart problems, allowing for early intervention and preventing future complications.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Protect your long-term health by scheduling an oral glucose tolerance test; it's a preventative step that can reveal underlying issues with your body's sugar metabolism.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Protecting your mental well-being is key, and a psychological evaluation prior to bariatric surgery helps ensure you're emotionally and mentally prepared for the challenges and rewards ahead.
• Rapid Flu Test: Knowing is half the battle; a rapid flu test helps you identify if you have the flu so you can start treatment sooner and reduce the risk of severe illness.
• Cancer Screening: Invest in your well-being with routine cancer screenings; these tests can detect cancerous changes before they become life-threatening.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening helps check your blood cholesterol levels, allowing you to proactively manage your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): A prostate exam helps detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: Proactively safeguard your child's mental well-being with a psychiatric evaluation, identifying potential concerns early and promoting healthy development.
• Geriatric Assessment: Ensure your continued health and independence by scheduling a geriatric assessment. This personalized evaluation assesses your overall health and identifies areas needing attention.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Elena Pernas is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 adopting a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, a family significantly reduced their risk of atherosclerosis, gaining peace of mind knowing they were proactively managing their cardiovascular health.
• By working closely with their family medicine provider to develop a tailored plan, a family proactively addressed potential dysphagia issues, significantly reducing the risk of malnutrition and improving 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Elena Pernas:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Pernas and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for all ages, from newborns to seniors. We focus on the whole person and family, managing health proactively and coordinating all aspects of your care.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Pernas is a key opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. The exam includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Elena Pernas, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline for your medical history. This allows for faster, more personalized care if you become unwell, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain good health.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Elena Pernas's practice will ensure you are up-to-date with the latest vaccination guidelines.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Pernas works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This plan includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Pernas will create a personalized screening schedule for you, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Pernas acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. If a specialist is needed, she will make the referral and coordinate care with the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration of all aspects of your treatment.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Pernas and her team are happy to treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis, and treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

7950 NW 2nd St
Miami FL 33126
Phone: (305) 642-5366

Dr. Elena Pernas, 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): 1003845926

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Elena Pernas 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.