Dr. Maria Carpintero, MD

Dr. Maria Carpintero, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. 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. Carpintero is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and a clinical investigator focused on systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (305) 243-5302 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Carpintero earned her medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine, is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and offers consultations in Spanish. Her commitment to research, evident in her participation in multiple clinical trials, is coupled with a deep understanding of patient needs, derived from her roles as Associate Program Director for the rheumatology fellowship, Director for the rheumatology pathway for the Internal Medicine residency program, and Coordinator/faculty mentor for the Tozman Scholar program. This dedicated approach ensures patients receive the most advanced and compassionate care.

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

• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis, a condition involving calcium build-up in joint cartilage, emphasizes the need for proactive healthcare to minimize inflammation and protect your joints from damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Protecting your hand and wrist joints from further damage due to osteoarthritis requires understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage the condition effectively through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Knee: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the knee is a serious condition, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow its progression and prevent lasting joint damage.
• Polymyositis: Protecting your muscle health involves recognizing the signs of polymyositis, an autoimmune condition causing muscle inflammation and weakness, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant disability.
• Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain may signal an autoimmune disease. Regular checkups and prompt treatment can help control inflammation and prevent joint destruction.
• Osteoporosis: Protecting your bone health is crucial as osteoporosis, a disease causing weak bones, can be managed effectively through regular checkups and preventative measures to reduce the chance of painful breaks.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Catching polyarteritis nodosa early through regular health checks can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, like kidney failure or heart problems.
• Spondylitis: Spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent permanent joint damage and disability.
• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis is a joint infection that, if caught early and treated promptly, can prevent permanent joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Managing juvenile chronic arthritis effectively helps protect children from chronic pain, disability, and other serious complications later in life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Protecting your ankle and foot from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition. Early detection and a proactive approach to management are crucial for preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Managing osteoarthritis of the knee proactively, with a focus on pain control and physical therapy, can help you stay active and prevent the need for more intensive treatments later.

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. Maria Carpintero 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: Taking proactive steps for your bone health, a bone density scan can identify weakening bones early on, letting you and your doctor take steps to protect your skeletal system.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Take a proactive step towards bone health with a DEXA scan – it's a simple test that can identify weakening bones, crucial for managing arthritis and preventing future complications.
• Joint Drainage: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• 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.
• Steroid Injection: Steroid injections are sometimes used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in a specific joint, allowing for improved function and preventing long-term damage.
• Synovial Biopsy: For accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment of inflammatory joint conditions, a synovial biopsy helps identify the underlying issue, assisting in preventing worsening symptoms and protecting your quality of life.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronate is a proactive treatment that lubricates and cushions your joints, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility by restoring the joint fluid.

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. Maria Carpintero 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 their risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their chondrocalcinosis, preventing further joint inflammation and maintaining a good quality of life.
• By understanding their risk factors and adopting a proactive exercise plan, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in their hands and wrists, allowing them to maintain a fulfilling and active 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. Maria Carpintero:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They are your long-term partner in managing these chronic conditions, preventing further joint damage, and improving your overall quality of life.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. Dr. Carpintero's role is to accurately diagnose the specific cause to ensure the right treatment is provided.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

What is infusion therapy?

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

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, considered the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. It helps us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

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 is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases that involve inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms can vary widely depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist is critical to prevent damage to vital organs.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition involving joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a risk. Dr. Carpintero's role is to screen for and treat psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
1475 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-5302

Dr. Maria Carpintero, 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): 1134339443

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. Maria Carpintero 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.