Dr. Rafael Palmerola, MD

Dr. Rafael Palmerola, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Conviva Westland in Hialeah, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship based on trust and shared responsibility for optimal health outcomes. Dr. Palmerola is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 508-3369 to schedule.

Dr. Rafael Palmerola, a highly experienced Family Medicine physician, brings extensive knowledge and compassion to his practice. He specializes in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, from newborns to seniors, having completed residencies in internal medicine and family medicine at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. His medical degree from Universidad Central del Este, combined with his extensive experience at various affiliated hospitals and universities, demonstrates his commitment to medical excellence. Dr. Palmerola is a valuable resource for preventive health, offering consultations in Spanish. He leads a team of patient-focused professionals at Conviva Westland, fostering a supportive environment for proactive health management.

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

• Vitamin D Deficiency: Don't let vitamin D deficiency sneak up on you – proactive testing and management can significantly reduce your risk of developing associated health complications.
• Lipid Disorders: Early detection of lipid problems allows for timely intervention, reducing your chances of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiovascular event.
• Hypothyroidism: Regular thyroid screenings are an important part of preventive care, helping to identify and manage hypothyroidism before it causes significant health issues.
• Tremor: Managing tremors effectively through proactive healthcare helps prevent the progression of potential neurological problems and improves your overall quality of life.
• Wheezing: To prevent potentially serious respiratory diseases, be aware of the warning signs, including wheezing, and seek prompt medical advice. Early detection is key to managing respiratory conditions effectively.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease, often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups, can be detected early to minimize future risks and complications.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: To maintain your vaginal health and prevent the development of atrophic vaginitis, which causes dryness and irritation, it's important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and adopt appropriate management strategies.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively through lifestyle changes and medical treatments can reduce the need for more extensive interventions later on.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Regular skin checks as part of your preventive care routine can help identify sebaceous cysts early, minimizing the risk of complications like inflammation or secondary infection.
• Muscle Weakness: Managing muscle weakness effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps prevent falls and injuries, improving your overall quality of life and long-term health.
• Kidney Stone Pain (Renal Colic): Kidney stones, while painful, can often be prevented through lifestyle changes like staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet, reducing the need for potentially serious interventions.
• Acidosis: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes through preventive care is crucial as it significantly reduces your risk of developing acidosis.

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. Rafael Palmerola 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): To ensure your overall health, an arterial blood gas test can provide valuable insights into your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, helping prevent serious complications.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Streamline your healthcare experience with our care coordination service, simplifying the management of complex procedures and improving your overall health.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting your heart starts with an EKG. This painless test helps identify hidden heart problems, allowing for early intervention and preventing future complications.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunization appointments to prevent contracting vaccine-preventable diseases and maintain peak physical condition.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination provides a personalized health snapshot, screening for common issues and helping you understand and manage your risks, promoting healthy aging.
• Allergy Drops: Take charge of your allergies with allergy drops; this treatment can lessen your sensitivity to allergens over time.
• Colectomy: A colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of your colon, sometimes necessary to prevent or treat colon cancer or other serious conditions.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Rafael Palmerola is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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:

• A family proactively addressed potential vitamin D deficiency through regular blood work and dietary adjustments, significantly reducing their risk of future health issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively managing their lipid levels through regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing heart disease, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Rafael Palmerola:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Palmerola and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive, lifelong care for patients of all ages. We focus on treating the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of your care, emphasizing prevention.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Palmerola is a key opportunity to partner with us and review your health history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Rafael Palmerola is a long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your history and can offer faster, more personalized care if needed, and helps you stay on track with preventive care.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized to your specific needs. Common tests might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to screen for conditions like anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Palmerola will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Palmerola and our team routinely perform sports physicals for children and teens. It's more than just a form; it's a comprehensive health evaluation to ensure your child is physically prepared for their chosen activities and to identify any potential concerns.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Palmerola will create a personalized screening schedule for you, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests, like colonoscopies or mammograms, at the right time for early detection.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary depending on factors like age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Palmerola's office will ensure you're up-to-date with the latest recommendations.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Palmerola works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, including regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your well-being.

Conviva Westland
975 W 49th St
Hialeah FL 33012
Phone: (305) 508-3369

Dr. Rafael Palmerola, 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): 1457336877

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Rafael Palmerola 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.