Dr. Ricardo Melendez, MD

Dr. Ricardo Melendez, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Aventura, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is committed to evidence-based medicine and collaborative care, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journey.

Dr. Ricardo Melendez, MD is an internist in Aventura, FL, serving adults (18 years and older). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Please call (305) 466-7333 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Melendez provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hypocalcemia: Managing hypocalcemia through regular checkups and lifestyle adjustments helps protect your heart, nerves and bones from long-term damage.
• Latent Tuberculosis: Because latent TB can reactivate later in life, proactive testing and treatment are crucial preventive measures to protect your long-term health.
• Pulled Muscles: Early recognition of muscle pulls, through paying attention to pain and discomfort, helps in timely intervention and prevents them from becoming chronic issues, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• Hairy Cell Leukemia: Managing hairy cell leukemia effectively through ongoing monitoring and treatment prevents disease progression and improves quality of life.
• Venous Thromboembolic Disease: Managing venous thromboembolic disease effectively involves lifestyle changes and medication to prevent further clots and reduce your risk of long-term complications.
• Chronic Infections: Early detection and treatment of chronic infections are crucial for preventing serious damage to your organs and overall well-being.
• Vascular Malformations: Preventing complications associated with vascular malformations involves routine monitoring and intervention when necessary to maintain overall health and well-being.

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. Ricardo Melendez 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 key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Sexual Health Assessment: A sexual health assessment proactively checks for sexually transmitted infections and other health concerns, helping you stay healthy and informed.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments: Invest in your long-term health with a comprehensive geriatric assessment. This holistic evaluation screens for a range of conditions and helps create a personalized plan to maintain your health and independence as you age.
• Somatic Nerve Block: This procedure helps prevent the need for more extensive interventions by directly treating nerve-related pain, reducing overall suffering and the risk of long-term disability.
• Insurance Physical Examination: Protect your future health by scheduling an insurance physical. This routine exam helps identify and manage risk factors for chronic diseases, promoting longevity and improved quality of life.
• Therapeutic Phlebotomy: Therapeutic phlebotomy is a proactive step to help manage excess iron in your blood, reducing the risk of serious organ damage.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Ricardo Melendez 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By proactively managing their hypocalcemia through regular checkups and dietary adjustments, a patient was able to maintain strong bones and prevent potential nerve or heart issues, leading to a more comfortable and healthy life.
• By proactively seeking testing and adhering to a personalized treatment plan, a patient gained peace of mind knowing they were significantly reducing their risk of latent tuberculosis reactivation in the future.
• By recognizing early signs of discomfort and seeking guidance, a patient successfully prevented a pulled muscle from escalating into a chronic issue, allowing for a quicker recovery and avoiding extensive rehabilitation.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Ricardo Melendez:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Melendez, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions common in adults.

How does Dr. Ricardo Melendez manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Melendez excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being. His expertise ensures comprehensive and effective management of your complex needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Melendez's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan developed in partnership with each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive measures.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Melendez can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent further liver problems.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Melendez will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Melendez's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a safe, personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication as needed.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Melendez and our team focus on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform key geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, memory screenings, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

2801 NE 213th St Ste 101
Aventura FL 33180
Phone: (305) 466-7333

Dr. Ricardo Melendez, 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): 1750802211

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Ricardo Melendez 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.