Dr. Michael Ross, MD

Dr. Michael Ross, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in West Palm Beach, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Currently, Dr. Ross is not accepting new patients, but you can call (561) 659-4242 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Michael Ross, MD is a rheumatologist in West Palm Beach, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Ross earned his medical degree from Emory University in 1970 and completed an internship at Georgetown University Hospital in 1971. His commitment to specialization is evident in his fellowship training at Santa Monica - Ucla Medical Center in 1976, further deepening his expertise in rheumatology. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional. He is not accepting new patients. Dr. Ross provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition, but consistent treatment and lifestyle modifications can help minimize its impact, keeping your joints healthy and maintaining your mobility.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively means actively participating in its treatment and taking steps to control inflammation, thereby preventing long-term joint destruction and preserving mobility.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A seropositive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis means you have the disease confirmed by blood tests, highlighting the need for a customized treatment plan to manage inflammation and prevent irreversible joint destruction.
• Joint Pain: Experiencing persistent joint pain? Don't delay seeking medical attention; proactive management can significantly reduce inflammation and preserve your joint health.
• Osteopenia: Having osteopenia means your bone density is lower than average, making you more prone to breaks; proactive management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Gout: Understanding your risk factors for gout, such as diet and family history, allows for preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Protecting your hand joints from further damage due to osteoarthritis is crucial; early detection through regular check-ups allows for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Protecting your spine and overall health requires understanding ankylosing spondylitis: early diagnosis allows for effective management and prevention of severe long-term complications like spinal deformity.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscles and skin, making early diagnosis crucial for preventing muscle weakness and skin damage.
• Cryoglobulinemia: Managing cryoglobulinemia effectively involves regular monitoring and treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to blood vessels and joints, safeguarding your overall well-being.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.
• Lupus: Early detection and consistent management of lupus are key to preventing the inflammation and joint damage that can significantly impact your 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. Michael Ross 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: As part of your overall health plan, a bone density scan provides valuable information about your bone health, allowing for proactive measures to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage helps relieve pressure and inflammation, allowing for a more comfortable life and potentially preventing long-term joint damage.
• Joint Fluid Test: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• 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.
• Trigger Point Injection: To actively manage your arthritis pain, trigger point injections can target specific muscle knots, reducing inflammation and improving your range of motion.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To protect your joints from further damage and maintain their health, viscosupplementation using hyaluronate injections can replenish the natural cushioning, easing pain and stiffness.

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. Michael Ross 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 consistently following a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their psoriatic arthritis symptoms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing further joint damage. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain their mobility and enjoy everyday activities without limitations.
• By actively participating in their treatment plan and consistently managing inflammation, a patient successfully reduced the risk of long-term joint damage, maintaining a fulfilling quality of life.

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 Rheumatologic care with Dr. Michael Ross:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work as a long-term partner to help manage chronic conditions, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down over time, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Ross will carefully diagnose the specific cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms to prevent potential complications like dental problems and eye damage.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV, in a comfortable and medically supervised setting. This method is used for many advanced biologic medications, ensuring you receive the full dose needed to effectively control your condition and prevent flares.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Ross and his team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. This is different from mechanical back pain, and a thorough diagnostic process is essential to ensure the correct treatment is started to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

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

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

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint, performed by a specialist, are generally safe and effective for rapidly reducing inflammation and pain. They are used strategically to manage flare-ups, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities.

1515 N Flagler Dr Ste 620
West Palm Beach FL 33401
Phone: (561) 659-4242

Dr. Michael Ross, 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): 1235139403

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. Michael Ross 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.