Dr. Luis Ponce, MD

Dr. Luis Ponce, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He practices at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Dr. Ponce serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to fostering a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He is currently not accepting new patients, but you can call (954) 772-2136 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Luis Ponce, MD is an internist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. He completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center (graduated 2013), followed by fellowship training in cardiovascular disease at Westchester Medical Center (graduated 2018). This comprehensive training has equipped him with the expertise to provide exceptional care. He is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Ponce is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Atherosclerosis: Managing atherosclerosis involves lifestyle changes and sometimes medication to slow or reverse the hardening of your arteries, significantly reducing your risk of serious cardiovascular events.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are a vital sign of good health. Addressing constipation early can prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential long-term digestive issues.
• Hypokalemia: Managing underlying conditions that cause hypokalemia, like kidney disease, is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining overall health.
• Overweight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses; it's a vital aspect of preventive care.
• Allergic Rhinitis: By proactively managing allergic rhinitis, you can reduce the risk of developing sinus infections, ear infections, and asthma, significantly improving your overall respiratory health.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can be a sign of underlying respiratory problems, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent serious complications.
• Thyroid Goiter: Regular checkups and thyroid function tests help in early detection of goiters, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential complications like breathing difficulties or swallowing problems.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Early identification of hip and thigh osteoarthritis allows for timely interventions such as physical therapy and medication, preventing more significant joint damage.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Regular checkups and monitoring of magnesium levels can help your doctor identify and manage any imbalances before they lead to chronic health issues.
• Diabetes Type 2: Preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes involves regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, adherence to a prescribed treatment plan, and proactive lifestyle modifications to minimize the risk of severe complications.
• Fever: A fever, or elevated body temperature, can be a sign of infection and prompt attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Chronic Neck Pain: Proactive management of chronic neck pain through lifestyle changes and medical interventions, guided by your internist, is crucial for preventing further complications and maintaining your overall well-being.

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. Luis Ponce 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): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Take control of your health by getting personalized support and strategies to quit smoking and improve your respiratory health.
• Fall Prevention and Safety Program: Protect yourself from fall-related injuries by participating in our program designed to assess your fall risk and develop a personalized safety plan.
• Dexamethasone Suppression Test: As a proactive step in managing your health, this test can help detect Cushing's syndrome or other hormonal problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term complications.
• Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration: For early detection and diagnosis of concerning masses or lumps, your internist may suggest an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration to obtain a sample for laboratory analysis.

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. Luis Ponce 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 making healthy dietary choices and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of atherosclerosis, gaining peace of mind about their cardiovascular health.
• By incorporating simple dietary changes and regular exercise, a patient experienced a significant improvement in their bowel regularity, leading to increased comfort and a renewed sense of well-being.
• By proactively managing underlying kidney conditions, a patient significantly reduced the risk of hypokalemia complications, fostering confidence in their long-term 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Luis Ponce:

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

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

How does Dr. Luis Ponce manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Ponce excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens to prevent interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Ponce's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors, to promote healthy aging.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes. Internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Ponce excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

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

Dr. Ponce carefully reviews all of a patient's medications, a practice called polypharmacy management. This allows us to check for potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

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

Dr. Ponce's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We conduct thorough 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 maintain their quality of life.

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. Ponce will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their implications for your risk.

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 (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting against complications. Our practice emphasizes these vaccinations as a vital part of preventative care.

4725 N Federal Hwy # 401
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 772-2136

Dr. Luis Ponce, 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): 1144585233

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. Luis Ponce 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.