Dr. Erika Lara, MD

Dr. Erika Lara, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Doral, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands that internists are your primary partners in lifelong health. She creates 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 a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your health journey. Please call (786) 466-1170 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Erika Lara, MD is an internist in Doral, FL, affiliated with Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is accepting telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care prioritizes your needs and well-being, ensuring you receive the most effective and personalized treatment plan. Dr. Lara is dedicated to preventive health and is committed to working with you to achieve your health goals. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early detection and management of tobacco use disorder can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol or other lipid problems can seriously harm your heart, but regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Atherosclerosis: Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks are important for early detection of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease if left untreated.
• Anemia: Early detection of anemia through routine checkups is crucial as it helps prevent serious complications like fatigue, weakness, and potential organ damage.
• Hypertension: Even slightly elevated blood pressure increases your risk of developing serious complications, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Joint Pain: Addressing joint pain proactively, whether through physical therapy or medication, is a key part of comprehensive preventive care and improves your quality of life.
• Hypothyroidism: Don't let hypothyroidism steal your energy! Regular checkups and appropriate management can help you stay active and healthy.
• Acute Bronchitis: Catching acute bronchitis early can prevent it from turning into a more serious lung infection, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention and preventive strategies like good hand hygiene.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Managing your risk factors for diverticulitis, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Hypokalemia: Maintaining adequate potassium intake through diet or supplements, as advised by your doctor, can help prevent hypokalemia and its associated health risks.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Preventing GERD complications starts with understanding your risk factors and making lifestyle changes like diet and weight management to avoid frequent heartburn and potential esophageal damage.
• Bronchitis: Managing bronchitis effectively through prompt treatment and lifestyle changes helps reduce the risk of recurrent infections and long-term respiratory issues.

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. Erika Lara 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.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Orthopedic rehabilitation helps you recover from injuries and surgeries, improving mobility and preventing long-term disability.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: By participating in neurological rehabilitation, you'll learn strategies to better manage neurological conditions, enhancing your independence and overall well-being.
• Therapeutic Apheresis: As a proactive step in managing certain conditions, therapeutic apheresis helps filter your blood, removing substances that may contribute to disease progression.
• Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps identify your risk factors for diabetes and provides personalized guidance for prevention and early detection.

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. Erika Lara 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 understanding the risks of tobacco use and developing a personalized cessation plan, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of developing future health problems, gaining a greater sense of well-being.
• By following a personalized plan for managing lipid levels, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease and felt empowered to take control of their health. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By diligently following a proactive health plan, including regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, a patient was able to reduce their risk of atherosclerosis, gaining peace of mind about their heart 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. Erika Lara:

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

An internist, like Dr. Lara, 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 common in adulthood.

How does Dr. Erika Lara manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Lara 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 avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Lara's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan developed in partnership with each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. The goal is to proactively identify and address potential health concerns, minimizing risks and promoting healthy aging.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Lara 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 help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Lara's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key assessments, such as fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews, are integral parts of this care. This proactive approach helps ensure the safety and well-being of older adults.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix (for shingles), and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important to protect against these common but potentially severe conditions.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a crucial opportunity to proactively manage your health. We'll create a personalized prevention plan, review all your medications, assess for potential health risks, and ensure all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

2801 NW 79th Ave
Doral FL 33122
Phone: (786) 466-1170

Dr. Erika Lara, 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): 1407241144

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. Erika Lara 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.