Dr. Vani Mekala, MD

Dr. Vani Mekala, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Riviera Beach, FL. He is committed 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). 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 patients should call (561) 422-8262 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Vani Mekala, MD is an internist in Riviera Beach, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from University Of Health Sciences, Guntur Medical College in 1973. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 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. Vani Mekala provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Shortness of Breath: Preventing future health problems often starts with recognizing symptoms like shortness of breath; schedule a check-up to identify any potential causes and receive appropriate care.
• Pleural Effusion: Regular health screenings can help detect a pleural effusion early, allowing for timely treatment and reducing the risk of long-term lung damage.
• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways become damaged, making it harder to clear mucus and increasing the risk of infections; early detection and ongoing management are key to preventing serious complications.
• Sleep Apnea: Improving your sleep quality and managing sleep apnea is a key component of comprehensive preventive care, helping you maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of developing chronic illnesses.
• Lung Cancer: Early detection of lung cancer through screenings and monitoring can lead to timely interventions, preventing the disease from progressing and spreading.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Regular checkups and lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the progression of chronic pulmonary heart diseases, keeping you healthier for longer.
• Asthma: By actively participating in your asthma care, including regular monitoring and medication adherence, you can significantly reduce your risk of needing emergency care and improve your long-term health.
• Whooping Cough: Early diagnosis of whooping cough is crucial, as prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications, especially in infants and adults with weakened immune systems.
• Viral Infection: Preventing viral infections starts with practicing good hygiene and getting recommended vaccinations to avoid serious complications.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Early detection of interstitial lung disease through preventive health screenings and prompt medical attention is vital to minimize the risk of irreversible lung damage and improve your long-term health.
• Bronchitis: Preventive measures, such as vaccination against influenza and avoiding respiratory irritants, can significantly reduce your risk of developing bronchitis.
• Cough: Catching a cough early and addressing its cause can prevent chronic respiratory problems and improve your overall health. Schedule a check-up with your doctor to discuss your concerns.

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. Vani Mekala 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy is a proactive step to improve sleep quality and reduce the long-term health risks associated with sleep apnea.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Live-Donor Liver Transplant: A live-donor liver transplant is a proactive step to replace a failing liver with a healthy one from a living donor, improving your quality of life and extending your lifespan.
• Herbal Medicine: Proactively manage your health by discussing the use of herbal remedies with your physician, ensuring they don't interfere with your prescribed medications or underlying conditions.
• Abdominal Paracentesis: To ensure your overall well-being, an abdominal paracentesis may be recommended to assess the fluid in your abdominal cavity and detect any infections or abnormalities.

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. Vani Mekala 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:

• Recognizing persistent shortness of breath prompted a proactive visit, leading to early diagnosis and a personalized plan to manage the underlying condition, restoring the patient's confidence and quality of life.
• By attending regular health screenings, a patient detected a pleural effusion early, allowing for prompt treatment and minimizing the risk of long-term lung damage. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their health future.
• By diligently following a personalized care plan, a patient successfully managed their bronchiectasis, minimizing the risk of serious lung infections and improving their overall quality of life. A proactive approach to health allowed them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and peace of mind.

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. Vani Mekala:

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

An internist, or internal medicine physician like Dr. Mekala, 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 wide range of medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Vani Mekala manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Mekala excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

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

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Mekala's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We offer regular A1c monitoring, personalized medication plans (oral or insulin), and expert counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications like eye, kidney, and nerve damage.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Mekala 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.

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

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

Does Dr. Vani Mekala provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Mekala and our team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and coordination with our hospitalist team for seamless transitions of care. We ensure continuity of care during your hospital stay, from admission to discharge.

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 particularly important to protect against serious complications.

7305 N Military Trl
Riviera Beach FL 33410
Phone: (561) 422-8262

Dr. Vani Mekala, 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): 1831144369

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. Vani Mekala 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.