Dr. Alejandro Pla, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65+) and seniors. He practices at his clinic in Hialeah, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His expertise lies in managing complex kidney conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances, common in this patient population. General Nephrologists provide specialized expertise in these areas, working closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible care, including dialysis and post-transplant management. He is committed to serving this population with a deep understanding of their unique needs. Currently, Dr. Pla is not accepting new patients, but you can call (754) 263-2306 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Alejandro Pla, MD is a nephrologist in Hialeah, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the Institute of Superior Medical Science of Havana in 1995 and is affiliated with Palmetto General Hospital. His extensive background includes an internship in Internal Medicine, followed by a dedicated residency in Nephrology, both at Internal Medicine Residency University, where he graduated in 2007. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Nephrological care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Pla understands the importance of tailored care for seniors and is committed to providing individualized plans for optimal health outcomes. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Alejandro Pla is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Alejandro Pla is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive nephrological care with a focus on understanding individual needs. He expertly manages complex kidney conditions, including Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize comfort and well-being, including dialysis and post-transplant management.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alejandro Pla can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Alejandro Pla provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is a build-up of urine in the kidney, causing it to enlarge. Treatment focuses on relieving this blockage to prevent further kidney damage and maintain your overall health.
- Congenital Cystic Kidney Disease: Careful monitoring and proactive treatment of potential issues are key to managing congenital cystic kidney disease, helping seniors maintain their health and well-being for many years.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV: Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV means your kidneys are significantly damaged and not filtering waste effectively, but with proper medical management, including diet and medication, you can maintain a good quality of life.
- Amyloidosis: Amyloidosis is a rare condition where abnormal proteins build up in your organs, including your kidneys, potentially affecting their function and requiring careful monitoring and management to maintain your health.
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage II: Chronic Kidney Disease Stage II means your kidneys are showing some signs of reduced function, but they're still working, and with careful management, you can help maintain their health and prevent further decline.
- Hyperparathyroidism: If you're diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, working closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan can help you stay active, strong, and maintain your quality of life.
- Kidney Failure: When kidneys fail, they can't remove waste products efficiently, leading to health problems, however, various treatments including dialysis or a transplant help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Acute Kidney Failure: A sudden decrease in kidney function, called acute kidney failure, might require temporary dialysis to help until your kidneys recover; with appropriate medical care, many people regain normal kidney function and maintain their quality of life.
- Traumatic Acute Kidney Injury: Severe injuries can sometimes lead to acute kidney injury that needs medical attention; the good news is, with timely care focusing on supporting your kidneys, we can often prevent lasting damage and help you maintain your well-being.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): If you see blood in your urine, it's crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause, which could be something easily managed with medication or lifestyle changes.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome affects your kidneys' ability to filter waste and protein, causing swelling and other issues; working with your doctor on a treatment plan will help manage these symptoms and improve your overall health.
- Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often has no noticeable symptoms, but it's crucial to manage it to protect your heart and kidneys. Regular check-ups and medication, when prescribed, help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, improving your overall well-being.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Alejandro Pla offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dialysis: As part of your comprehensive kidney care plan, dialysis helps manage symptoms of kidney failure, allowing you to maintain a better quality of life.
- Dialysis Catheter Placement: This procedure allows doctors to safely deliver dialysis fluids to cleanse the blood, managing waste buildup and supporting overall health in seniors with advanced kidney disease.
- End-Stage Renal Disease Related Services: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) related services encompass the specialized medical care needed when your kidneys are no longer functioning well enough to sustain life, offering vital support and treatment options.
- Hemodialysis: If your kidneys aren't working properly, hemodialysis acts as an artificial kidney, removing toxins and excess fluids to help prevent serious health complications.
- Kidney Stones Treatment: Kidney stone treatment helps improve quality of life for seniors by addressing pain and discomfort associated with these stones, and reducing the risk of future episodes.
- Diabetic Evaluation: A diabetic evaluation helps identify how well your blood sugar is controlled, which is crucial for preventing or managing kidney damage.
- Chronic Care Management: For seniors with complex health needs, chronic care management offers a team-based approach to coordinate their medical care, manage medications, and prevent hospitalizations, particularly useful for those with kidney issues or hypertension.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Nephrology in Florida.
Dr. Alejandro Pla is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With the kidney blockage relieved, a senior couple found renewed energy to enjoy their daily walks in the park, a cherished activity they had been unable to do for months.
- With careful monitoring and proactive treatment, a senior with congenital cystic kidney disease felt more secure at home, knowing potential issues were addressed promptly. The family appreciated the peace of mind, allowing them to enjoy their golden years more fully.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Nephrology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Nephrological care with Dr. Alejandro Pla:
- What is a Nephrologist?
- Dr. Pla is a medical doctor specializing in kidney health and diseases. He is an expert in managing conditions affecting the kidneys, like chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure. His role is vital in preserving kidney function and overall health for seniors.
- What are the most common causes of kidney disease in older adults?
- The two leading causes of kidney disease in older adults are high blood pressure and diabetes. Over time, these conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Dr. Pla specializes in managing these conditions to protect the kidneys.
- Can kidney disease be cured or reversed?
- While damage from chronic kidney disease is usually not reversible, its progression can often be slowed significantly. Dr. Pla's goal is to preserve the kidney function you have and manage symptoms to maintain a good quality of life. Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline, can sometimes be reversed.
- What is a kidney biopsy?
- A kidney biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. It's often the best way to get a precise diagnosis for certain kidney problems. The procedure is performed with local anesthetic and sedation for your comfort.
- What are electrolyte disorders?
- Electrolyte disorders occur when the body has too much or too little of essential minerals like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for nerve and muscle function. Since the kidneys are key in regulating these minerals, Dr. Pla is an expert at diagnosing and correcting these imbalances.
- What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
- Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine at a dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood, often at home. Dr. Pla can discuss which option might be best for you based on your health and lifestyle.
- What is dialysis and when is it needed?
- Dialysis is a treatment that does the job of the kidneys when they can no longer function on their own, filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It is typically needed in the last stage of kidney failure, and Dr. Pla carefully monitors kidney function to determine if and when dialysis is the right next step.
- How does high blood pressure affect my kidneys?
- High blood pressure is like having too much pressure in your plumbing system. Over time, this constant high pressure damages the delicate filtering units in your kidneys. Working with Dr. Pla to control your blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is one of the most important ways to protect your kidney health.
218 E 49th St
Hialeah FL 33013
Phone: (754) 263-2306
Dr. Alejandro Pla, 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): 1780649376
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Nephrology like Dr. Alejandro Pla are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.