Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD

Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Hernandez is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to creating personalized plans that prioritize early detection and proactive management of respiratory conditions. He understands that your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention.

Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD, a pulmonologist in Miami, FL, boasts over 20 years of experience in the medical field, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2003, followed by fellowship training in University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2009, further specializing his expertise in a specific area of patient care. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Mariners Hospital and South Miami Hospital. Dr. Hernandez's care philosophy centers on "The Golden Rule," treating every patient with the respect and professionalism he himself would desire. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (786) 299-5419. He also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Pleural Effusion: Pleural effusions, a collection of fluid around the lungs, often indicate an underlying problem; early diagnosis and treatment through preventative healthcare can help improve outcomes.
• Bronchiolitis: Understanding the risk factors for bronchiolitis, such as premature birth or exposure to respiratory viruses, allows for proactive preventive strategies and early intervention.
• Chronic Bronchiolitis: Managing chronic bronchiolitis effectively involves a proactive approach to preventing further lung damage; this includes following your doctor's recommendations and making lifestyle changes to support your respiratory health.
• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Preventing recurring blood clots in your lungs (chronic pulmonary embolism) involves understanding your risk factors and working with your doctor to manage them, reducing your chances of severe lung damage or even death.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Early identification of RSV infection, especially in high-risk individuals, is crucial for initiating timely treatment and minimizing long-term respiratory issues.
• Severe Asthma: Don't let severe asthma control your life. By actively participating in your care and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can significantly reduce your risk of severe attacks and improve your overall health.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you work with or are exposed to potential triggers, are essential for early detection and management of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, improving your long-term lung health.
• Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis, a common lung infection, highlights the importance of practicing good hygiene and seeking early medical attention to prevent it from worsening into pneumonia or other lung complications.
• Lung Abscess: Early detection of a lung abscess through prompt medical attention for persistent lung symptoms can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent further complications.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, as early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
• Respiratory Failure: Preventing respiratory failure starts with proactive health choices, such as regular check-ups to detect and manage underlying respiratory issues before they worsen.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Managing interstitial lung disease effectively involves working closely with your doctor to slow its progression and minimize the risk of severe complications, significantly improving your long-term respiratory health.

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. Michael Hernandez 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): This test helps ensure your lungs are working efficiently by directly measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, aiding in early diagnosis of lung conditions.
• Bronchial Thermoplasty: To proactively manage severe asthma, bronchial thermoplasty uses heat to modify airway tissue, leading to fewer flare-ups.
• Bronchoscopy: To prevent more serious lung issues, a bronchoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize your airways and take samples for testing, leading to quicker and more effective treatment.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: As a proactive measure for lung health, a bronchoscopy with robotic assist offers a less invasive option for earlier detection of lung cancer and other lung diseases.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a proactive treatment for sleep apnea, helping to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep and promoting better health.
• Minimally Invasive and Navigational Procedure: Early detection of lung problems is key, and this procedure offers a less invasive way to find and address potential problems before they become major health concerns.
• Pulmonary Function Test: Protecting your future lung health starts with a PFT, a non-invasive test which assesses lung function and helps identify conditions like asthma or COPD.
• Respiratory Management: Take charge of your lung health with respiratory management, a proactive approach to identify and address potential breathing problems early.
• Sleep Study: Improve your sleep and potentially prevent serious health complications by undergoing a sleep study; it assesses breathing patterns during sleep, detecting potential respiratory issues.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Quit smoking and improve your lung function with evidence-based cessation counseling, a vital step in preventing future respiratory complications.
• Thoracentesis: To check for infections or cancer, a thoracentesis may be used to safely remove fluid from around your lungs, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Michael Hernandez 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 proactively managing underlying conditions and adhering to a preventative health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing pleural effusion, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their pulmonary health.
• Knowing the risk factors for bronchiolitis, a family proactively implemented preventive measures, significantly reducing their child's vulnerability to respiratory illnesses and fostering a more peaceful home environment.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Pulmonary care with Dr. Michael Hernandez:

What is a Pulmonologist?

Dr. Hernandez and our team of pulmonologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. We have expertise in conditions like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for certain high-risk individuals, typically based on age and smoking history. This is a critical preventive measure for early detection when the cancer is most treatable. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Hernandez to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically has reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

While a lung nodule on a CT scan can be concerning, the vast majority are benign. Dr. Hernandez is an expert in evaluating these, considering factors like size and appearance, and often a course of careful monitoring is appropriate.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look directly inside your airways. This allows Dr. Hernandez to diagnose issues like lung infections, bleeding, or take a biopsy of a suspicious area, such as a lung nodule.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Dr. Hernandez and many pulmonologists are also board-certified in critical care medicine. They are vital members of the ICU team, managing the most critically ill patients, specializing in life-support systems and complex conditions.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus and recurrent infections. Management focuses on preventing infections and clearing mucus from the airways to preserve lung function.

7000 SW 97th Ave Ste 120
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (786) 299-5419

Dr. Michael Hernandez, 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): 1609927862

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Michael Hernandez 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.