Dr. Jeffrey Ritter, MD

Dr. Jeffrey Ritter, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing 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. Dr. Ritter is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 661-2299 to schedule.

Dr. Jeffrey Ritter, MD, a rheumatologist in Miami, FL, brings over 40 years of experience in the medical field to his practice. With extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, he has a deep understanding of the long-term health needs of his patients. He earned his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in 1980 and completed his internship and fellowships at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and Georgetown University Hospital, further specializing in rheumatology. Dr. Ritter is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Doctors Hospital and Fishermen's Community Hospital and is accepting new patients. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is fluent in French and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• Dermatomyositis: Protecting your health from dermatomyositis involves understanding its symptoms like muscle weakness and skin rash, as early detection and treatment significantly reduce long-term complications.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early detection of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is crucial, as managing this condition promptly can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Ignoring joint pain could lead to irreversible damage. Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like arthritis are essential for maintaining quality of life.
• Lupus: Early detection and consistent management of lupus are key to preventing the inflammation and joint damage that can significantly impact your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine, a common type of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent further joint damage and maintain mobility.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can damage joints if left untreated, so early diagnosis and proactive management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early detection of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis through positive blood tests is key to starting treatment promptly and avoiding significant joint damage and disability in the long run.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease; proactive healthcare and regular monitoring are crucial for early intervention and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Polymyositis: By understanding the symptoms of polymyositis, a serious muscle disorder, and seeking prompt medical care, you can reduce your risk of long-term complications like severe muscle weakness and respiratory problems.
• Sarcoid Arthropathy: Sarcoid arthropathy is a type of arthritis that can develop in people with sarcoidosis, and early diagnosis helps prevent long-term joint damage.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a group of conditions causing joint pain and inflammation, and early diagnosis with WePrevent can help manage symptoms and prevent irreversible joint damage.

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. Jeffrey Ritter 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: Protecting your bones from age-related decline, a bone density scan is a vital screening tool for identifying early signs of osteoporosis and facilitating timely treatment.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: This procedure helps determine whether joint pain and swelling are caused by infection, crystals, or an autoimmune disease, guiding your treatment plan.
• Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing your joint pain and swelling, allowing for early and effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Trigger Point Injection: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive step in managing your arthritis, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate involves injections to improve the joint's shock-absorbing capacity, reducing inflammation and improving function.

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. Jeffrey Ritter 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 adhering to a personalized medication and lifestyle plan, a patient effectively managed their polymyalgia rheumatica, reducing inflammation and significantly improving their quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active and fulfilling daily routine.
• By understanding the early warning signs of muscle weakness and skin rash, a patient proactively managed potential dermatomyositis symptoms, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the patient to take control of their health.

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. Jeffrey Ritter:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues, including autoimmune diseases. They work as a long-term partner to help manage chronic conditions, prevent further joint damage, and improve 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. Ritter's role is to accurately diagnose the type of arthritis to ensure the right treatment plan is followed.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy is a safe and effective way to receive medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV. This method allows for precise delivery of advanced biologic medications, ensuring your body gets the full dose needed to control your disease and prevent flares. It is administered in a comfortable, medically supervised setting.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities. We use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

Arthrocentesis is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief and allows lab analysis of the fluid to pinpoint the cause of swelling, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing future problems.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise won't cure arthritis, they're powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

7190 SW 87th Ave Ste 304
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 661-2299

Dr. Jeffrey Ritter, 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): 1891761508

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. Jeffrey Ritter 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.