Dr. Norman Gaylis, MD

Dr. Norman Gaylis, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), partnering with patients to prevent joint damage and preserve quality of life. 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. Dr. Gaylis is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 932-6676 to schedule.

Dr. Norman Gaylis, MD is a rheumatologist in Miami, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences in 1973, completing an internship at Mt Sinai Medical Center in 1977. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in University Miami Hospital in 1981, 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. Dr. Gaylis is affiliated with HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• 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: Osteoarthritis can be managed effectively to prevent severe joint pain and loss of function; regular checkups with your doctor and proactive treatment can help you maintain mobility and quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Spinal osteoarthritis doesn't have to limit your activity. Preventive measures, including maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical therapy, can significantly impact your comfort and mobility.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a disease where abnormal collections of inflammatory cells form lumps in various organs, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term organ damage.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis where blood tests don't show the typical rheumatoid factor, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation for early diagnosis and proactive management to protect your joints.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, a common type of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes to protect your joint health and prevent long-term disability.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Early detection of chondrocalcinosis, characterized by calcium deposits in your joints, is crucial to prevent the onset of painful arthritis and preserve joint health.
• Polymyositis: Managing polymyositis effectively requires a close partnership with your rheumatologist to control inflammation, prevent further muscle damage, and maintain your overall quality of life.
• Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) cushioning your joints, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can prevent lasting joint damage.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can be a sign of underlying arthritis or autoimmune disease, so early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing long-term joint damage.
• Lupus: Living well with lupus involves regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments to minimize flares and protect your long-term health.
• Arthritis of the Neck: Regular checkups and mindful attention to neck pain can lead to early detection of arthritis, reducing the severity of symptoms and the risk of long-term complications.

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. Norman Gaylis 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: Protecting your bones from age-related decline, a bone density scan is a vital screening tool for identifying early signs of osteoporosis and facilitating timely treatment.
• 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: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• 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: As part of your proactive arthritis care plan, trigger point injections can alleviate pain in the muscles surrounding your joints, supporting a better quality of life.
• 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. Norman Gaylis 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 understanding their family history and dietary triggers, a patient proactively reduced their risk factors for gout, achieving greater peace of mind about their health.
• By following a personalized exercise plan and maintaining regular checkups, a patient successfully managed their osteoarthritis symptoms, preserving their mobility and enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle.

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. Norman Gaylis:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune diseases. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating these conditions, partnering with patients for long-term management, preventing further joint damage, and improving overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. Dr. Gaylis will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

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.

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. Gaylis and his team screen for and treat psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise don't cure arthritis, they are powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Gaylis uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office to safely and precisely image joints and tendons in real time. This allows for accurate diagnosis of inflammation and precise guidance during injections, maximizing medication delivery.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases where the blood vessels become inflamed. Symptoms vary greatly depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent potential damage to vital organs.

21097 NE 27th Ct Ste 200
Miami FL 33180
Phone: (305) 932-6676

Dr. Norman Gaylis, 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): 1255440384

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. Norman Gaylis 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.