Dr. Maria Velasco-Ferrari, MD

Dr. Maria Velasco-Ferrari, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care at her clinic in Sarasota, FL. 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where you can actively participate in your health journey. Please call (941) 917-3500 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Maria Velasco-Ferrari, MD is an internist in Sarasota, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine in 1984 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a dedicated experience to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Blake Hospital and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and she is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Velasco-Ferrari offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Hypogonadism: Managing hypogonadism effectively, often through hormone replacement, helps prevent related complications such as reduced energy levels, depression, and decreased libido.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Don't ignore anal or rectal pain; addressing it promptly can help manage potential risks and improve your overall colorectal health.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Managing mood disorders like dysthymia and cyclothymia is crucial for preventing more serious mental health complications and improving your quality of life.
• Gait Abnormality: Changes in your walking style can be an early sign of underlying health problems, so regular check-ups help identify and address these issues before they worsen.
• Migraine: Managing migraines effectively through early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce their frequency and severity, improving your overall quality of life.
• Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis: Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis are inflammations of a vein that can be prevented through regular exercise, hydration, and avoiding prolonged immobility, reducing your risk of blood clots and serious complications.
• Back Pain: Preventing back pain from interfering with your daily life starts with proactive care, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking professional help when needed.
• Low Back Pain: Early detection of low back pain allows for timely intervention, preventing chronic pain and disability.
• Enteritis: Understanding the risk factors for enteritis, such as foodborne illness or certain infections, empowers you to take proactive steps to prevent it and maintain gut health.
• Polyuria: Polyuria, or excessive urination, can be a sign of underlying health issues like diabetes, so regular checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Early diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis are essential for preventing severe pain, bladder damage, and other potential complications, thereby promoting overall wellness.
• Difficulty With Walking: Changes in your ability to walk may indicate developing problems with your muscles, nerves, or joints. Regular checkups for preventive care can help catch these 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. Maria Velasco-Ferrari offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Protect your family from difficult decisions by establishing clear instructions about your healthcare in an advance directive.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Take control of your complex health journey through integrated care plans that streamline your treatment and improve outcomes.
• Diabetes Counseling: Proactively manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications through personalized diabetes counseling.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test checks for hidden blood in your stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, giving you the chance to take action and protect your health.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

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. Maria Velasco-Ferrari 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 proactively addressing potential hypogonadism concerns with a personalized plan, a patient experienced renewed energy levels and a significantly improved sense of well-being.
• By addressing anal or rectal pain early, a patient was able to identify and manage underlying issues, reducing the risk of more serious colorectal problems and gaining peace of mind about their overall health.
• By proactively addressing potential mood shifts and developing coping mechanisms, a patient experienced reduced anxiety and improved overall well-being, fostering a greater sense of emotional stability.

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. Maria Velasco-Ferrari:

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

An internist, like Dr. Velasco-Ferrari, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the health of adults. While family physicians treat all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the diverse medical issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Maria Velasco-Ferrari manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Velasco-Ferrari excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing the patient's overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive and effective care.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

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

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Velasco-Ferrari's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. A multi-faceted strategy begins with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, and adds medication as needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

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

Dr. Velasco-Ferrari carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Velasco-Ferrari will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

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

Dr. Velasco-Ferrari coordinates your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, while a rheumatologist focuses on the specific autoimmune disease treatment. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive care.

1921 Waldemere St Ste 405
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 917-3500

Dr. Maria Velasco-Ferrari, 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): 1245229699

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. Maria Velasco-Ferrari 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.