Dr. Melissa Blom, MD

Dr. Melissa Blom, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the 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. Dr. Blom serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (239) 320-8140 to schedule.

Fort Myers Primary-Care Provider Melissa Blom, MD, is your primary partner in health and connection to a healthier life. She approaches care with a collaborative and evidence-based approach, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Blom completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital (graduated 2011) and fellowship training at Upmc - Presbyterian (graduated 2015), deepening her expertise in rheumatology. This commitment to a patient-centered approach, combined with her extensive training, assures patients receive the highest quality care. Dr. Melissa Blom provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Scleroderma: Scleroderma's impact on your body can be lessened with diligent medical monitoring and timely treatment, preventing further joint stiffness, organ damage, and debilitating complications.
• Osteomalacia: Osteomalacia weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures, making it vital to manage this condition through dietary changes and vitamin D supplementation to protect bone structure.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis of the hip and thigh is a degenerative joint disease where early diagnosis and proactive management, including exercise and weight management, can significantly slow its progression and prevent severe disability.
• Cryoglobulinemia: Preventing long-term health issues associated with cryoglobulinemia relies on early diagnosis and consistent treatment to control the abnormal proteins that trigger inflammation and potential joint damage.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Experiencing persistent joint pain? Don't delay seeking medical attention; proactive management can significantly reduce inflammation and preserve your joint health.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain; proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medication, can effectively control symptoms and minimize future joint damage.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis silently weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, but proactive steps like diet, exercise, and medication, when needed, can help you maintain strong bones and prevent complications.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Don't let hand osteoarthritis take control of your life. Seeking timely medical care and adopting a preventive lifestyle can help manage symptoms and protect your hand joints from irreversible damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: If you have psoriasis, being aware of the signs of psoriatic arthritis and seeking medical attention promptly helps in preventing its progression and preserving joint health.
• Sarcoid Arthropathy: Sarcoid arthropathy is a type of arthritis that can develop in people with sarcoidosis, and early diagnosis helps prevent long-term joint damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Protecting your spine from the progression of osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and adopting preventive strategies to slow disease advancement and preserve 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. Melissa Blom 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: To prevent future bone problems, a bone density scan helps assess your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-thinning conditions, enabling timely intervention.
• 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: 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: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing your joint pain and swelling, allowing for early and effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Trigger Point Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune condition? Trigger point injections offer targeted pain relief, reducing the strain on your joints.
• Stress Management: Reduce the risk of joint damage and improve your quality of life by actively managing stress through proven relaxation methods.

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. Melissa Blom 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient experienced reduced risk factors for scleroderma progression, maintaining a positive outlook and quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to focus on their well-being and avoid further complications.
• Following a personalized plan, including dietary changes and vitamin D supplementation, a patient proactively managed their osteomalacia, significantly reducing the risk of bone fractures and maintaining a healthy 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. Melissa Blom:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work with you to manage your condition long-term, aiming to prevent further joint damage and improve your overall well-being. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and support.

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. Blom will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. While not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, it's a known risk. Dr. Blom screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

To prevent or slow osteoporosis, focus on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Blom can assess your risk factors, order a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and recommend personalized strategies for early intervention to prevent fractures.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Blom and her team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. A thorough diagnostic process is essential to distinguish this from mechanical back pain and ensure the appropriate treatment is started to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are safe and effective when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities. We use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Blom uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. This allows for precise diagnosis of inflammation in joints and tendons, and accurate guidance for injections, maximizing medication delivery.

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 a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

14171 Metropolis Ave Ste 101
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 320-8140

Dr. Melissa Blom, 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): 1518288406

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. Melissa Blom 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.