Dr. Tara Pascuzzo, MD

Dr. Tara Pascuzzo, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the vital role internists play in preventative health. 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. She serves adults (18 years and older). Currently, Dr. Pascuzzo is not accepting new patients, but you can call (954) 276-1252 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Tara Pascuzzo, MD is an internist in Pembroke Pines, FL, affiliated with Memorial Hospital Pembroke and Memorial Hospital West. She earned her medical degree from St. Georges University School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to creating a partnership between patient and physician, working together to achieve optimal health outcomes. Dr. Pascuzzo provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cellulitis: Regular self-exams and prompt medical attention for any skin redness, swelling, or pain can significantly reduce the severity and complications of cellulitis.
• Cachexia: Cachexia, characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, can significantly impact your quality of life; proactive lifestyle changes and medical care are essential in mitigating its effects.
• Swine Flu: Understanding your risk factors for swine flu and taking preventive steps like vaccination can help you avoid this potentially serious illness.
• Mononucleosis: Mononucleosis, often spread through saliva, highlights the significance of preventive measures such as good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
• Muscle Spasm: Understanding the causes of muscle spasms, like dehydration or overuse, enables proactive preventive strategies to minimize future occurrences.
• Herpes Zoster Without Complication: Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful rash that can be prevented with the shingles vaccine, protecting you from future complications and discomfort.
• Muscle Cramping: Persistent muscle cramping could signal an underlying health issue, so addressing it promptly through preventive care can help avoid more serious problems.
• Throat Pain: Regular check-ups with your doctor, including mentioning any throat discomfort, allow for early detection and management of potential health issues.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Regular monitoring and proactive treatment for sickle cell disease are crucial for preventing painful crises and long-term organ damage.
• Atherosclerosis: By adopting preventive measures like a balanced diet and regular physical activity, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis and its life-threatening complications.
• Chronic Pain: Don't let chronic pain control your life. Preventative strategies can help you manage your pain and maintain an active lifestyle.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular checkups and staying hydrated can help detect and manage UTIs, preventing them from becoming chronic or recurring 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. Tara Pascuzzo offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• STD Screening: Schedule an STD screening today to take a proactive step towards identifying and managing any sexually transmitted infections, protecting your health and the health of your partners.
• Syphilis Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a syphilis screening; early detection through this test helps prevent the serious consequences associated with untreated syphilis.
• Gonorrhea Screening: A gonorrhea screening is a simple test that helps detect this sexually transmitted infection early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing serious long-term health problems.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with proactive screenings. A chlamydia test helps identify this often asymptomatic infection, enabling early intervention and minimizing potential complications.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Routine STI testing is an important part of comprehensive healthcare; it helps identify and treat infections, allowing you to maintain optimal sexual health.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Bacteriuria Screening: A bacteriuria screening is a simple test that checks your urine for bacteria, helping us detect and treat urinary tract infections early before they cause more serious problems.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Secure your peace of mind by creating an advance directive, which outlines your healthcare wishes at the end of life.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Early detection of trichomoniasis through screening is crucial, as it can significantly reduce your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
• HCG Diet: While sometimes promoted for weight loss, the HCG diet is not a medically-recommended approach and lacks evidence to support its long-term benefits or safety.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: A simple blood test, Hepatitis B screening helps detect the virus early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing serious liver damage.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Taking a proactive step with herpes simplex screening can help identify the virus and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

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. Tara Pascuzzo 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 regularly checking for skin changes and seeking prompt medical attention for any unusual redness or swelling, a patient significantly reduced the risk of cellulitis complications and maintained a healthy lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and engaging in a personalized care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cachexia, gaining valuable peace of mind and a renewed sense of well-being.
• Knowing their risk factors for swine flu and getting vaccinated, a family felt empowered to proactively protect themselves, ensuring peace of mind during flu season.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Tara Pascuzzo:

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

An internist, like Dr. Pascuzzo, 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 many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Tara Pascuzzo manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Pascuzzo excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Pascuzzo and her team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, 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 fits your lifestyle and goals.

Does Dr. Tara Pascuzzo provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Pascuzzo coordinates care for patients admitted to the hospital, working closely with our dedicated hospitalist team to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care during your stay. She is committed to providing comprehensive and seamless care from admission through discharge.

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

Dr. Pascuzzo coordinates your overall health, managing aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Pascuzzo ensures comprehensive care by addressing the broader health impacts of autoimmune diseases.

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 inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Pascuzzo will order the test and thoroughly explain the results, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, to determine your personal risk.

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

Dr. Pascuzzo's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key components include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. We work collaboratively with patients and their families to develop personalized plans for healthy aging.

17786 SW 2nd St
Pembroke Pines FL 33029
Phone: (954) 276-1252

Dr. Tara Pascuzzo, 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): 1326490806

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. Tara Pascuzzo 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.