Dr. Ricardo Perez Rivera, MD

Dr. Ricardo Perez Rivera, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, 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 serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment for patients to take an active role in their health journey. Please call (786) 467-2159 to confirm if Dr. Rivera is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ricardo Perez Rivera, MD is an internist in Miami, FL, affiliated with West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Southeast Georgia Health System-Brunswick. He earned his medical degree from Universidad De Ciencias Medicas De Ciego De Avila Facultad De Medicina and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rivera's commitment to preventive care is deeply rooted in his understanding of the importance of proactive health management. He believes in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their well-being, and he strives to create a supportive relationship where patients feel confident and prepared to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Ricardo Rivera provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chest Pain: Managing chest pain effectively, whether through lifestyle changes or medication, is key to preventing severe cardiovascular events and maintaining overall well-being.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Experiencing symptoms like sudden weakness, numbness, or confusion, even if brief, could signal a TIA, emphasizing the need for prompt medical evaluation to reduce your stroke risk.
• Thyroid Goiter: A goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland, can often be prevented through early detection and proper management of underlying thyroid conditions, ensuring overall well-being.
• Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, a condition where your potassium levels are too high, is often preventable with lifestyle changes and medication adjustments, ultimately safeguarding your heart health.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased function could be signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT). Early diagnosis through preventive care visits allows for prompt management and slows disease progression.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Understanding your risk factors for DVT, such as prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions, helps you take preventive measures and protect your health.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your individual risk factors and working with your doctor to manage your iron levels is a vital aspect of comprehensive preventive healthcare.
• Chronic Pain: Managing chronic pain early can prevent disability and improve your overall quality of life.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an allergic reaction in your lungs, highlights the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers to maintain good respiratory health and prevent long-term issues.
• Bladder Infection: Managing bladder infections promptly can help prevent recurrent episodes and preserve your kidney health over time.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids through dietary changes, increased fiber intake, and regular exercise helps prevent future occurrences and minimizes discomfort, enhancing your long-term well-being.
• Heartburn: Regular check-ups with your internist help detect and treat heartburn, preventing its progression into chronic conditions.

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 Rivera offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Taking proactive steps with incision and drainage helps clear infections, preventing further complications and promoting faster healing.
• 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): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Puncture Aspiration: A simple puncture aspiration can help detect early signs of infection or abnormal fluid buildup, enabling timely treatment and preventing serious complications.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Take control of your health by getting personalized support and strategies to quit smoking and improve your respiratory health.
• Calcium Score: Proactively protect your heart health with a calcium score screening; it helps identify early signs of coronary artery disease, even before you experience symptoms.

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 Rivera 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 understanding and addressing potential risk factors, a patient proactively managed their chest pain, reducing their anxiety and improving their overall quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently participate in activities they enjoyed without worry.
• By understanding the early warning signs of a TIA and following a proactive health plan, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, significantly reducing their stroke risk.
• By diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their thyroid condition, significantly reducing the risk of developing a goiter and ensuring long-term well-being. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, empowering them to confidently pursue their health goals.

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 Rivera:

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

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

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

Dr. Rivera excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your care team, coordinating specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Rivera's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that fosters a healthy lifestyle and early detection.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Rivera plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus by coordinating and managing overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Rivera manages the other health aspects impacted by these conditions, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, providing comprehensive care.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Rivera will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Rivera will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), and how they relate to your personal risk.

Does Dr. Ricardo Rivera provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Rivera works closely with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless care during a hospital stay. This collaborative approach guarantees continuity of care upon admission and discharge, providing the best possible patient experience.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Rivera's practice is dedicated to helping manage type 2 diabetes. We offer comprehensive care, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

9555 SW 162nd Ave
Miami FL 33196
Phone: (786) 467-2159

Dr. Ricardo Perez Rivera, 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): 1821474099

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 Rivera 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.