Dr. Raquel Cuchacovich, MD

Dr. Raquel Cuchacovich, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a trusted partner in preventive health, dedicated to helping individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. 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. Please call (813) 974-2201 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Raquel Cuchacovich, MD, a rheumatologist in Tampa, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from International Medical And Technological University School Of Medicine (Vignan) in 1984 and is affiliated with Tampa General Hospital. Her extensive experience, particularly in Osteoporosis & Screening, coupled with her commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Cuchacovich provides consultations primarily in English and is accepting telehealth appointments.

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

• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder from the long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding your risk and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
• Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain may signal an autoimmune disease. Regular checkups and prompt treatment can help control inflammation and prevent joint destruction.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Managing osteoarthritis in your hands and wrists involves a proactive approach to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby preserving your hand function and preventing future limitations.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Hip and thigh osteoarthritis can be effectively managed with early intervention; focusing on pain control and preserving joint function helps you maintain an active lifestyle and prevents further deterioration.
• 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.
• Vasculitis: Protecting your blood vessels from inflammation through early diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis is crucial for preventing long-term health problems.
• 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.
• Cryoglobulinemia: Because cryoglobulinemia can cause joint pain and inflammation, proactive health monitoring and treatment are crucial for preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Elbow: Rheumatoid arthritis in the elbow can cause significant pain and damage, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term joint problems and maintain your ability to use your arm.
• Osteopenia: Having osteopenia means your bone density is lower than average, making you more prone to breaks; proactive management can significantly reduce this risk.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Managing spinal osteoarthritis proactively through regular checkups and appropriate treatment can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage, improving long-term 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. Raquel Cuchacovich 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: Taking proactive steps for your bone health, a bone density scan can identify weakening bones early on, letting you and your doctor take steps to protect your skeletal system.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• Joint Drainage: Taking a proactive step with joint drainage can help diagnose underlying conditions like arthritis and infections causing joint pain and swelling.
• Joint Fluid Test: Taking the proactive step of a joint fluid test can help your doctor identify the underlying cause of your arthritis, leading to a personalized treatment plan and better long-term joint health.
• Steroid Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a steroid injection provides a powerful, short-term way to control inflammation, enabling you to participate more fully in daily activities.
• Biological Therapy: To manage your autoimmune disease effectively, biological therapy offers a powerful option to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms before significant joint damage occurs.
• Aspiration (Removal of Substance from Body): To prevent long-term joint damage, your doctor might use aspiration to identify the cause of your joint pain and inflammation, leading to a personalized treatment plan.

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. Raquel Cuchacovich 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 risk factors and proactively managing potential symptoms, a patient was empowered to take charge of their shoulder health, significantly reducing the likelihood of long-term rheumatoid arthritis complications.
• By attending regular appointments and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient effectively managed persistent joint pain, preventing further damage and maintaining 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. She 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. Raquel Cuchacovich:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work with you to manage chronic conditions, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being. They are your long-term partners in care.

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. Cuchacovich's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

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. Not everyone with psoriasis gets arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Cuchacovich and her team screen for and treat psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

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 sometimes a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

To prevent or slow osteoporosis, focus on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation. A rheumatologist can assess your risk factors, order a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves medication to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, thus preventing painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Cuchacovich uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool to precisely diagnose inflammation in joints and tendons, and to accurately guide injections, ensuring medication is delivered to the precise location for optimal effect.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a powerful tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing you to participate better in physical therapy and daily activities. They are used carefully to manage flare-ups.

13330 Usf Laurel Dr
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 974-2201

Dr. Raquel Cuchacovich, 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): 1598934093

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. Raquel Cuchacovich 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.