Dr. Teresa Alfonso, MD

Dr. Teresa Alfonso, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. 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) and is committed to collaborating with patients to achieve their health goals. Please call (305) 207-4443 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Teresa Alfonso, MD is an internist in Miami, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Superior Institute Of The Sciences Of The Saint in 1987 and is affiliated with medical facilities Keralty Hospital Miami and Larkin Community Hospital. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Alfonso is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting telehealth appointments and offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Confusion: Addressing confusion promptly through medical evaluation can help identify and manage potential causes, preventing further cognitive decline or functional limitations.
• Hyperkalemia: Regular blood tests are crucial for early detection of hyperkalemia, which allows for timely intervention to prevent potentially fatal heart complications.
• Itchy Skin: Persistent itchy skin can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early helps prevent potential complications and promotes overall well-being.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Swollen limbs from excess fluid can signal underlying health problems, so regular check-ups help detect and manage these issues early to prevent serious complications.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia effectively involves adopting heart-healthy habits and, when needed, taking medications to keep your cholesterol under control.
• Influenza (Flu): Managing the flu effectively, through rest and medication if necessary, can reduce the risk of developing secondary bacterial infections.
• Hives: Hives, or urticaria, are itchy welts on the skin that can be a sign of an underlying allergy or other condition, making early detection crucial for preventing further complications.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your lactose tolerance helps you make informed food choices, reducing bloating, gas, and diarrhea, ultimately improving your quality of life.
• Low Back Pain: Addressing low back pain promptly with your doctor helps you avoid the development of more severe issues like nerve damage or spinal stenosis.
• All Types of Food Poisoning: Managing food poisoning symptoms effectively minimizes the duration of illness and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
• Animal Allergies: Early identification of animal allergies can prevent the development of more severe respiratory issues like asthma through proactive management strategies.
• Diabetes Type 2: Preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes involves regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, adherence to a prescribed treatment plan, and proactive lifestyle modifications to minimize the risk of severe complications.

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. Teresa Alfonso 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Chronic Care Management: Chronic Care Management provides ongoing support and monitoring to help you effectively manage existing chronic illnesses and prevent complications.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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. Teresa Alfonso 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 addressing concerns about occasional confusion with a comprehensive medical evaluation, a patient gained valuable insights into potential contributing factors and implemented strategies to maintain cognitive health. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and a plan for continued well-being.
• By scheduling regular blood tests and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their hyperkalemia, significantly reducing their risk of future heart problems and gaining peace of mind.
• By addressing persistent itchy skin early, a patient identified and managed an underlying health condition, leading to a significant improvement in their overall well-being. This proactive approach prevented potential complications and fostered a sense of calm and control over their health.

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. Teresa Alfonso:

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

An internist, like Dr. Alfonso, 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 that affect adults.

How does Dr. Teresa Alfonso manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

Does Dr. Teresa Alfonso provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Alfonso provides comprehensive care for patients admitted to the hospital, coordinating with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care throughout their stay. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive the best possible medical attention during their hospital visit.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are crucial for protecting this vulnerable population. These vaccines help reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Alfonso and our team carefully review all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This allows us to identify and address potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Alfonso 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.

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

Dr. Alfonso'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. This comprehensive approach helps optimize well-being and quality of life.

1695 SW 107th Ave
Miami FL 33165
Phone: (305) 207-4443

Dr. Teresa Alfonso, 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): 1326072448

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. Teresa Alfonso 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.