Dr. Michele Maholtz, MD

Dr. Michele Maholtz, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at her clinic in Vero Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. She is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Please call (772) 567-6602 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michele Maholtz, MD is a pulmonologist in Vero Beach, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University in 1985 and is Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Maholtz is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension, a serious lung condition, can be managed effectively with appropriate treatment if caught early, preventing the development of severe symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Prompt treatment of pneumonitis, which can result from inhaling solids or liquids, is vital to avoid severe complications and improve your overall lung function.
• Partial Lung Collapse: Understanding your risk factors for partial lung collapse, such as smoking or certain lung diseases, is crucial for preventative measures to avoid this potentially serious condition.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries leading to your lungs, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious heart and lung complications.
• Bronchiectasis: Preventative care is key for people with bronchiectasis; by closely monitoring your symptoms and following your doctor's advice, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious lung infections and complications.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a sign of underlying lung issues, making early detection through regular check-ups crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Emphysema: Emphysema, a lung disease causing shortness of breath, is preventable by avoiding smoking and managing existing respiratory conditions to prevent further damage.
• 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.
• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Mycobacterial lung infection, like tuberculosis, is a serious but preventable condition; early detection through regular checkups and screenings is key to preventing widespread lung damage.
• Cough: A persistent cough could be a sign of an underlying respiratory problem, so seeing your doctor for evaluation is crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Benign Lung Neoplasms: Benign lung neoplasms are non-cancerous growths in the lungs that, while not cancerous, can sometimes cause breathing problems or other symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and monitoring for early detection of any lung issues.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Managing risk factors such as prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions helps reduce your chances of developing a pulmonary embolism, a potentially deadly blood clot in your lungs.

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. Michele Maholtz 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): As a step towards preventing serious lung complications, this simple blood test assesses your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, helping your doctor understand your respiratory health.
• Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your lungs to detect and diagnose potential lung problems early, helping you take proactive steps for better respiratory health.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: Taking charge of your respiratory health involves considering a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a precise procedure to identify and address abnormalities in your lungs and breathing passages.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Proactively address sleep apnea with CPAP therapy to improve your daytime energy levels and overall well-being.
• 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: Take control of your respiratory health and significantly reduce your risk of lung disease by receiving personalized guidance and support to quit smoking.
• 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. Michele Maholtz 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 adhering to a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing severe primary pulmonary hypertension, leading to a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By understanding the risks of inhaling solids or liquids and implementing proactive measures, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing pneumonitis, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to confidently manage their lung health.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Michele Maholtz:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. They are experts in a wide range of conditions, from asthma and COPD to 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 high-risk individuals, often based on age and smoking history. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Maholtz to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight study performed in a comfortable sleep lab, monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify any breathing problems.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help patients with chronic lung disease breathe better, increase strength and stamina, and improve their overall quality of life.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

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.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Michele Maholtz is needed to monitor and prevent organ damage.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition where lung tissue thickens and scars over time, making breathing difficult. While the scarring can't be reversed, early diagnosis by Dr. Michele Maholtz is key to starting treatments that can slow the disease's progression.

3770 7th Ter
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 567-6602

Dr. Michele Maholtz, 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): 1205807161

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. Michele Maholtz 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.