Dr. Jillian Cepeda, DO

Dr. Jillian Cepeda, DO is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She 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. Cepeda understands that general rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life. She 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 860-6260 to schedule.

Dr. Jillian Cepeda, DO is a rheumatologist in Miami, FL with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Cepeda is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Cepeda offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Polyarteritis nodosa, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications impacting multiple organs; proactive management is vital to preserve your health.
• Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: Early diagnosis of ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis is crucial because proactive management can significantly reduce the risk of severe spinal stiffness and pain later in life.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis weakens your bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures, but early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk and protect your skeletal health.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Early diagnosis of spinal osteoarthritis is key to preventing debilitating pain and disability by allowing for timely interventions like exercise and medication.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Don't let the pain of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) control your life; proactive healthcare and early treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Experiencing pain or stiffness in your ankles and feet? It's important to seek medical attention as early as possible to manage rheumatoid arthritis and prevent its progression.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Hand osteoarthritis can limit your daily activities, but proactive steps like regular exercise and managing risk factors can significantly reduce pain and maintain hand function.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Protecting your skin from sun exposure and seeking medical attention for any unexplained rashes can help prevent the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and its long-term effects.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting your hands can lead to significant joint destruction if not properly managed; focusing on early detection, appropriate medication, and regular check-ups are vital for preventing long-term complications and preserving quality of life.
• Polymyositis: Managing polymyositis effectively requires a close partnership with your rheumatologist to control inflammation, prevent further muscle damage, and maintain your overall quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Don't let rheumatoid arthritis in your shoulder limit your life – proactive management, including regular check-ups and prescribed treatments, can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis is the presence of calcium crystals in your cartilage, which can lead to arthritis if left unmanaged, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage it early.

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. Jillian Cepeda 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: A bone density scan is a quick and painless test that helps measure the strength of your bones, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For individuals with arthritis or autoimmune diseases, a DEXA scan is an important tool to assess bone health and take steps to prevent fractures, a common complication.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• Steroid Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a steroid injection provides a powerful, short-term way to control inflammation, enabling you to participate more fully in daily activities.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: For long-term joint health, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate injections can help restore the natural cushioning in your joints, preventing further damage and improving your quality of life.
• Infusion Therapy: Take control of your autoimmune condition with infusion therapy, a treatment option that can significantly reduce inflammation and help prevent long-term joint 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. Jillian Cepeda 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 diligently adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of serious complications associated with Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa, gaining valuable peace of mind.
• By diligently following a proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future spinal stiffness and pain associated with ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis, allowing them to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.

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 Rheumatologic care with Dr. Jillian Cepeda:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Cepeda and our team are rheumatologists, medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. We work with you to manage your chronic condition, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall well-being over the long term.

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. Cepeda's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment for the specific type of joint disease.

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

A positive ANA can sometimes indicate an autoimmune condition, but it's not definitive. Dr. Cepeda will consider this result along with your other symptoms and test results to determine if you have an autoimmune disease and avoid any unnecessary worry.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves a partnership between medication to lower uric acid and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, thus preventing painful attacks and long-term joint 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 from pressure and allows lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is crucial for preventing future problems.

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, helping us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Cepeda screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are safe when performed by a specialist. They are a powerful tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily activities. They are used judiciously to manage flare-ups.

3659 S Miami Ave Ste 3005
Miami FL 33133
Phone: (305) 860-6260

Dr. Jillian Cepeda, 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): 1154708147

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. Jillian Cepeda 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.