Dr. Marcie Merson, MD

Dr. Marcie Merson, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Merson is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can call (561) 499-7020 to schedule.

Dr. Merson, a board-certified pain medicine and physical medicine specialist, brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1995, completing her internship at North Shore University Hospital/Cornell University Medical College and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Further, Dr. Merson is Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation by the same board. As head of Palm Beach Pain Institute, she embodies a patient-centric care philosophy, ensuring personalized and compassionate care. Dr. Marcie Merson offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Bursitis: Protecting your joints from overuse and repetitive motions can help prevent bursitis, a painful condition affecting the cushioning sacs around your joints.
• Sciatica: Understanding potential causes of sciatica, like spinal stenosis or herniated discs, allows for preventative measures such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of experiencing this debilitating pain.
• Osteoporosis: Don't let osteoporosis steal your strength – regular bone density screenings and a proactive approach to bone health can help prevent fractures and maintain your independence.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, a common type of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes to protect your joint health and prevent long-term disability.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common joint condition where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and management can help slow its progression and prevent severe disability.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis in your hip and thigh can be a debilitating condition, but proactive lifestyle choices and medical interventions can help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve your mobility and quality of life.
• Osteopenia: Because osteopenia weakens your bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, it's crucial to get regular bone density checks and take steps to improve bone health.
• Fibromyalgia: Understanding fibromyalgia's risk factors and proactively managing stress and sleep can help prevent the worsening of symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Understanding your risk factors for chondrocalcinosis and seeking timely medical care can help prevent or slow the progression of related arthritis, improving your long-term quality of life.

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. Marcie Merson 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: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• Joint Drainage: Taking a proactive step with joint drainage can help diagnose underlying conditions like arthritis and infections causing joint pain and swelling.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Pain Management: Managing your arthritis pain effectively means focusing on tailored strategies to alleviate discomfort and maintain independence.
• 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.
• Biopuncture: To prevent long-term joint problems, consider biopuncture. It's a valuable tool that allows your doctor to more accurately assess the inflammatory response in your affected areas.

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. Marcie Merson 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 understanding the risk factors for bursitis and incorporating preventive measures into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of experiencing painful flare-ups, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.
• Understanding potential causes of sciatica, like spinal stenosis or herniated discs, allowed a patient to proactively address risk factors and maintain a healthy lifestyle, significantly reducing the likelihood of experiencing debilitating pain.

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. Marcie Merson:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They can help manage chronic conditions, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall quality of life by providing long-term support and care.

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. Merson accurately diagnoses the cause of joint pain to ensure the appropriate treatment for the specific condition.

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, allowing for a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

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 by reducing pressure and allows the fluid to be analyzed in a lab to identify the cause of the swelling, which is essential for proper diagnosis and preventing future problems.

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

Gout flares are caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves medication to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, helping to avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly through an IV, in a comfortable and medically supervised setting. This method is highly effective for delivering many advanced biologic medications, ensuring the body receives the full dose needed to control disease and prevent flares.

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.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like dental problems and eye damage.

Palm Beach Pain Institute
5130 Linton Blvd Ste C2
Delray Beach FL 33484
Phone: (561) 499-7020

Dr. Marcie Merson, 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): 1821107384

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. Marcie Merson 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.