Dr. Karelia Ruiz, MD

Dr. Karelia Ruiz, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Hialeah, 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Ruiz serves adults (18 years and older). Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (305) 828-9100 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Karelia Ruiz, MD is an internist in Hialeah, FL, with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Ruiz earned her medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1996, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at Hospital De Damas, graduating in 2003. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and Palmetto General Hospital. She specializes in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older) and is committed to preventive medicine, advocating for proactive health management. Dr. Karelia Ruiz offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Esophagitis: Early diagnosis of esophagitis is key to preventing long-term damage to your esophagus and reducing the risk of more serious health issues down the line.
• Nausea: Nausea can sometimes signal a serious medical condition; proactive management and prompt medical attention can prevent long-term health issues.
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Early detection of calcium metabolism disorders, through regular blood tests and bone density scans, can help prevent serious health problems.
• Dizziness: Preventing serious health issues starts with addressing symptoms like dizziness. Your internist can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate preventive strategies.
• Acute Sinusitis: Preventative steps, like practicing good hygiene and addressing underlying allergies, can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing acute sinusitis.
• Cough: Catching a cough early and addressing its cause can prevent chronic respiratory problems and improve your overall health. Schedule a check-up with your doctor to discuss your concerns.
• Cold Sore: Preventing the spread of cold sores involves understanding how the virus transmits and practicing good hygiene to protect yourself and others.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Preventive strategies, including identifying and avoiding allergens and irritants, are key to controlling eczema and contact dermatitis and preventing chronic skin problems.
• Ataxia: Regular visits to your internist for comprehensive preventive care can help detect ataxia early, enabling timely treatment to reduce long-term complications and improve overall health and well-being.
• Swine Flu: Preventing swine flu complications starts with early detection and prompt treatment to avoid severe respiratory illness.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Preventing complications from mineral metabolism disorders, such as weak bones and kidney damage, requires awareness of risk factors and regular monitoring of your mineral levels.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition proactively, through balanced eating and regular checkups, can significantly improve the management of chronic diseases and reduce your risk of developing new ones.

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

• Physical Examination: A physical exam is a proactive step to identify potential health concerns early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious illnesses.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management provides ongoing support and monitoring to help you effectively manage existing chronic illnesses and prevent complications.
• 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.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future complications.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Empower yourself and your loved ones with an advance directive to guide your healthcare journey during end-of-life care.
• Obesity Counseling: Take proactive steps towards a healthier weight with personalized guidance and support to improve your overall 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.
• Vaccination: Regular vaccination helps your immune system fight off harmful infections and strengthens your overall health.
• 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.
• Immunization: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses; regular immunizations are a key part of your overall wellness plan.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.

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. Karelia Ruiz 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 risk factors and making dietary changes, a patient successfully prevented the development of esophagitis, ensuring a healthy and comfortable digestive system.
• Recognizing persistent nausea as a potential warning sign, a patient proactively consulted a physician, leading to early diagnosis and a personalized plan for symptom management, significantly reducing the risk of future complications.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan that included regular blood tests and bone density scans, a patient was able to identify and address potential calcium metabolism issues early, significantly reducing their risk of developing serious complications later in life.

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. Karelia Ruiz:

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

An internist, like Dr. Karelia Ruiz, is a primary care doctor specializing in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Karelia Ruiz manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Karelia Ruiz excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Ruiz's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are incorporated, working in partnership with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Ruiz will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Ruiz and our team can help manage your type 2 diabetes. We offer comprehensive care, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

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

Dr. Ruiz and our team focus on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps patients age healthily and comfortably.

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

Dr. Karelia Ruiz plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Ruiz manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

Does Dr. Karelia Ruiz provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Ruiz works closely with our hospitalist team to ensure seamless care for hospitalized patients. She coordinates with the hospitalist team to provide excellent care during your stay and upon discharge. This collaboration guarantees continuity of care throughout your hospital experience.

7600 W 20th Ave Ste 106
Hialeah FL 33016
Phone: (305) 828-9100

Dr. Karelia Ruiz, 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): 1508864356

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. Karelia Ruiz 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.