Dr. Melanie Helfman, MD

Dr. Melanie Helfman, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at UHealth Kendall in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to preventive health. 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). Currently, Dr. Helfman is not accepting new patients, but you can call (305) 243-4960 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Melanie Helfman, MD is an internist in Miami, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from the University of Florida in 1985 and earned her medical degree from the same institution. Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her extensive experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, makes her a valuable resource in providing exceptional internal medicine care. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Helfman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nausea: Regular check-ups with your internist allow for early detection of conditions causing nausea, enabling timely intervention and improved health outcomes.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Regular checkups with your doctor are important for identifying risk factors and implementing preventative strategies to reduce your risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Regularly discussing headaches with your doctor allows for early detection of serious conditions and proactive management.
• Pharyngitis: Understanding the risk factors for pharyngitis, such as viral infections or allergies, can aid in timely prevention and management strategies.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath may indicate an underlying condition, making regular health screenings vital for early detection and timely management to maintain your overall wellness.
• Diabetes: By participating in regular checkups and following your doctor's recommendations, you can successfully manage your diabetes and avoid its debilitating consequences.
• Urinary Incontinence: Preventing urinary incontinence involves identifying and addressing underlying conditions and risk factors, ultimately helping you maintain independence and improve your well-being.
• Fever: Early detection of fever is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding your overall health.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is crucial for preventing disability and maintaining your overall well-being.
• Constipation: Preventive health measures, including regular hydration and fiber intake, are crucial for preventing and managing constipation, thus avoiding future complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Managing an acute upper respiratory infection effectively minimizes your chances of developing secondary bacterial infections, demonstrating the value of seeking prompt medical care and preventive strategies.

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. Melanie Helfman 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Diabetes Counseling: Proactively manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications through personalized diabetes counseling.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.
• Stroke Prevention: Take proactive steps to reduce your risk of stroke through a comprehensive assessment of your heart health and lifestyle factors.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Take charge of your eye health: a diabetic eye exam allows for early detection of diabetic eye disease, potentially preventing blindness.

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. Melanie Helfman 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 scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns about occasional nausea, a patient identified and addressed an underlying condition early, preventing further discomfort and improving their overall well-being.
• By understanding their individual risk factors and participating in preventative measures, a patient felt empowered to significantly reduce their chances of developing dangerous blood clots. This proactive approach provided them with peace of mind and confidence in their health journey.
• By understanding and practicing good bladder habits, a patient significantly reduced their risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, enjoying a healthier and more comfortable 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Melanie Helfman:

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

An internist, like Dr. Helfman, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. 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. Melanie Helfman manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Helfman 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 prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Helfman's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, focusing on a partnership between patient and physician. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are incorporated, helping minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Helfman can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent further liver damage.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Helfman will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

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

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

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

UHealth Kendall
8932 SW 97th Ave
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 243-4960

Dr. Melanie Helfman, 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): 1669435632

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. Melanie Helfman 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.