Dr. Richard Chang, MD

Dr. Richard Chang, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Chang is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 270-8083 to schedule.

Dr. Richard Chang, MD, a rheumatologist in Miami, FL, brings over 35 years of experience in the medical field to his practice. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he partners with patients and their families to address their individual needs. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1986 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Chang is affiliated with Homestead Hospital and Mariners Hospital and has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Chang provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Catching polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) early through regular checkups helps prevent significant joint and muscle damage, ensuring you can maintain an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis, a condition involving calcium build-up in joint cartilage, emphasizes the need for proactive healthcare to minimize inflammation and protect your joints from damage.
• Back Pain: Persistent back pain could be a sign of underlying arthritis or an autoimmune condition, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term joint damage.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis weakens your bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures, but early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk and protect your skeletal health.
• Spondylitis: Spondylitis can cause significant pain and stiffness in the spine; proactive management through regular doctor visits and adherence to treatment plans can greatly improve your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Regular check-ups and proactive management of osteoarthritis in your shoulder can help control inflammation, slow the progression of joint damage, and maintain your mobility and quality of life.
• Chondromalacia: Chondromalacia's impact on your quality of life can be minimized with proactive management, reducing pain and maintaining mobility for years to come.
• Lupus: Protecting your joints and overall health from the effects of lupus starts with understanding the condition and working closely with your doctor for proactive management.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, is key to preventing further deterioration and disability associated with arthritis.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a group of conditions causing joint pain and inflammation, and early diagnosis with WePrevent can help manage symptoms and prevent irreversible joint damage.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Catching juvenile chronic arthritis early allows for proactive management, minimizing inflammation and reducing the risk of long-term joint problems.

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

• 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.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronate is a proactive treatment that lubricates and cushions your joints, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility by restoring the joint fluid.
• Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection: To proactively manage your knee pain and potential arthritis, a joint aspiration and injection allows your doctor to identify the cause of the problem and begin treatment promptly.
• Immune Suppressant Therapy: For lasting relief from the symptoms of arthritis and autoimmune conditions, consider immune suppressant therapy as a proactive step to control inflammation and improve your overall well-being.
• Arthrocentesis: Arthrocentesis is a simple procedure that involves extracting fluid from your joint to identify the source of inflammation or infection, facilitating timely treatment and minimizing potential joint damage.
• Orthovisc Injection: As a proactive step in managing osteoarthritis, Orthovisc injections can help restore joint health by supplementing the natural lubrication in your knee.
• Synovial Biopsy: A synovial biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from your joint lining to help doctors diagnose and manage arthritis or other joint conditions early, potentially preventing long-term 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 Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Richard Chang 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed potential PMR symptoms, allowing them to maintain a fulfilling and active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured that any possible issues were caught early, minimizing the risk of significant joint and muscle damage.
• By proactively managing their health with regular check-ups and screenings, a patient was able to identify potential sarcoidosis indicators early, significantly reducing their risk of long-term organ damage.

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. Richard Chang:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Chang is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which include musculoskeletal issues and systemic autoimmune conditions. He can help diagnose and treat these conditions, and work with you to manage them long-term, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall quality of life.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Chang's role is to accurately diagnose the cause, so the right treatment can be started.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV. This is a comfortable, medically supervised process used for many advanced biologic medications. It's a highly effective way to ensure your body receives the full dose of medicine needed to control your condition and prevent flares.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for osteoporosis screening, helping us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily causing dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like dental problems and eye damage.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

If your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatologist like Dr. Chang is the appropriate specialist. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process. This is crucial to ensure the right treatment is started, preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint, when performed by a specialist like Dr. Chang, are generally safe and effective. They rapidly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily activities. They are used judiciously to manage flare-ups.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Preventing or slowing osteoporosis involves adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation. Dr. Chang can assess your risk factors, perform a DEXA scan, and create a personalized plan to prevent bone loss and potential fractures.

10820 SW 113th Pl
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 270-8083

Dr. Richard Chang, 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): 1427104686

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. Richard Chang 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.