Dr. Helen Waitkevicz, MD

Dr. Helen Waitkevicz, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. 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. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (561) 307-3418 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Helen Waitkevicz, MD is an internist in West Palm Beach, FL, and has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University in 1970 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her practice emphasizes preventive care, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care and the tools to maintain their health proactively. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Helen Waitkevicz provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hangover: Managing alcohol consumption to avoid hangovers is a proactive approach to maintaining overall health and preventing the onset of chronic diseases related to alcohol abuse.
• Vascular Dementia: Vascular dementia can be prevented or its progression slowed by actively managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes through medication and lifestyle changes.
• Burkitt's Lymphoma: Managing underlying health conditions that increase your risk for Burkitt's lymphoma, such as HIV, can help reduce your chances of developing this aggressive cancer.
• Chronic Tubulo Interstitial Nephritis: Early diagnosis of chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, often revealed through routine blood and urine tests, is key to slowing its progression and preserving kidney function.
• Hepatitis E: Understanding your risk for hepatitis E through lifestyle changes and proper sanitation helps you safeguard your liver and prevent future complications of this viral infection.
• Polyps: Understanding your risk factors for polyp development and participating in preventative screenings helps ensure early detection and intervention, improving your health outcome.
• Esophageal Varices: Through regular screenings and careful management of underlying liver conditions, you can reduce your chances of developing esophageal varices and the associated risks of severe bleeding and complications.

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

• Central Line Insertion: A central line insertion is a procedure to place a catheter into a large vein, allowing for easier and safer administration of medications, fluids, and blood products, thus preventing complications from repeated needle sticks.
• Lavage: Lavage is a medical procedure used to cleanse or flush an area of the body, which helps in the detection and removal of foreign substances and aids in better health outcomes.
• Spinal Decompression: As part of your proactive health plan, spinal decompression can help detect early signs of spinal problems, allowing for timely intervention.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: For a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health, a nuclear stress test helps detect potential issues like narrowed arteries, improving early diagnosis and treatment.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitaion: Taking charge of your health journey, post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on restoring function and improving your quality of life following surgery.
• Body Composition Measurement: By measuring your body composition, we can assess your overall health and identify imbalances that might contribute to conditions like diabetes or heart disease, helping you take proactive steps towards better health.
• Health Screening: A health screening is a valuable investment in your long-term health, providing personalized insights and guidance to help you manage potential health risks and improve 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. Helen Waitkevicz 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 their alcohol intake and making mindful choices, a patient significantly reduced their frequency of hangovers, enhancing their overall well-being and preventing potential future health concerns.
• By actively managing blood pressure and blood sugar, a patient significantly reduced their risk of vascular dementia, gaining peace of mind about their future health.
• By proactively managing underlying health conditions, a patient significantly reduced their risk of Burkitt's lymphoma, gaining peace of mind about their health future.

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. Helen Waitkevicz:

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

An internist, like Dr. Waitkevicz, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Helen Waitkevicz manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Waitkevicz excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, carefully managing medications to avoid interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Waitkevicz'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), working in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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 for this age group. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these infections.

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Waitkevicz will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

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

Dr. Waitkevicz and our team focus on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform thorough geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Waitkevicz coordinates overall health management for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, she manages related health aspects like heart, kidney, and bone health, providing comprehensive care.

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

Dr. Waitkevicz's practice emphasizes careful medication management, a process we call polypharmacy management. We regularly review all medications to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.

100 Northpoint Pkwy
West Palm Beach FL 33407
Phone: (561) 307-3418

Dr. Helen Waitkevicz, 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): 1063487403

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. Helen Waitkevicz 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.