Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca, MD is an Endocrinology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive endocrine care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL, and is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general endocrinologist, he provides specialized expertise in managing complex hormonal conditions common in seniors, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. He serves older adults (65+) and those managing age-related endocrine conditions. He is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (954) 743-5484 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Pembroke Pines, FL, with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having extensively managed osteoporosis & screening and thyroid disorders. He earned his medical degree from Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine in 2008 and completed an internship at Cleveland Clinic Florida in 2009, followed by fellowship training in the University of South Florida in 2013, further specializing his expertise. Dr. Villafranca is Board Certified in Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is affiliated with Memorial Hospital West. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Villafranca offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Villafranca is a compassionate partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive endocrine care. He specializes in managing complex hormonal conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders with a focus on collaboration. His approach prioritizes understanding individual needs, coordinating care with your primary care physician and other specialists, and creating a personalized plan to maintain well-being and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
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- FL Medical Providers
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Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca 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:
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a complication that can arise from other medical conditions, causing elevated calcium levels; treatment focuses on addressing the root cause and managing calcium levels to prevent bone loss and potential complications, ensuring a better quality of life.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where your adrenal glands don't produce enough vital hormones, leading to fatigue and other symptoms, but with proper hormone replacement therapy, you can significantly improve your energy levels and overall well-being.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can be a serious concern for older adults, but with proper management, such as regular blood sugar checks and a well-planned diet, it's possible to maintain a healthy and active life.
- Pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor in the adrenal gland that causes it to release too much adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to high blood pressure and other health problems, but with proper medical management, you can significantly reduce these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Pituitary Gland Cancer: Pituitary gland cancer involves the growth of abnormal cells in the pituitary gland, impacting hormone production; doctors work to control the cancer and manage any hormonal changes with medication, surgery, or radiation, improving overall well-being and preventing complications.
- Goiter: If you have a goiter, a swelling in your neck related to your thyroid, know that effective treatments are available to manage its size and associated symptoms, promoting better health and independence.
- Adrenal Incidentaloma: An adrenal incidentaloma is an adrenal gland mass discovered accidentally during imaging tests for another reason, and often doesn't cause any symptoms or require treatment.
- Thyroid Cyst: A thyroid cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the thyroid gland, often causing no symptoms and requiring no treatment.
- Hypogonadism: If you're experiencing symptoms like reduced sex drive, muscle weakness, or changes in mood, it's important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of hypogonadism. Treatment with hormone therapy can often alleviate these symptoms, improving your overall health and independence.
- Secondary Diabetes Mellitus: Secondary diabetes develops when another health problem or medication causes your body's inability to manage blood sugar effectively, often requiring lifestyle changes and/or medication to improve blood sugar control and overall well-being.
- Pituitary Tumor: A pituitary tumor is a growth on the pituitary gland, a small but important gland in your brain that controls many bodily functions, and treatment focuses on managing its effects and preserving your health.
- Renal Hyperparathyroidism: Renal hyperparathyroidism is a complication of kidney disease where too much parathyroid hormone is produced, affecting your calcium levels. Managing this condition usually involves medication and/or dialysis to protect your bones and prevent fractures, allowing you to remain active and independent.
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. Arnaldo Villafranca offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Diabetes Screening: Diabetes screening is a vital step in creating a comprehensive care plan, enabling doctors to tailor treatment to your specific needs.
- Thyroid Biopsy: For seniors with thyroid issues, a biopsy offers valuable information about the nature of a nodule, helping doctors to create the best care plan for long-term health.
- Thyroid Scan: To better understand and manage your thyroid condition, a thyroid scan provides crucial visual information, leading to a more effective and personalized treatment plan.
- Water Deprivation Test: A water deprivation test helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are concentrating urine, which is important for managing conditions like diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder affecting hormone regulation.
- ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This simple test measures your body's response to a hormone, helping doctors diagnose conditions affecting your adrenal glands and guiding treatment decisions.
- Thyroid Screening: As you age, thyroid problems become more common; screening helps identify these issues early so you can receive appropriate care and maintain your well-being.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: The oral glucose tolerance test is a key tool in identifying prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, allowing for early intervention and preventing serious complications.
- Dexamethasone Suppression Test: To manage potential hormonal imbalances and ensure your overall well-being, your doctor might use the dexamethasone suppression test to uncover underlying causes of symptoms.
- Dynamic Endocrine Function Test: This test measures hormone fluctuations throughout the day, providing valuable insights for managing conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or adrenal problems.
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement: As part of a senior's comprehensive care plan, thyroid hormone replacement ensures their body receives the necessary hormones for proper metabolism and overall health.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: For seniors with diabetes, CGM offers a less stressful way to track blood sugar, improving management and reducing the need for frequent finger-prick tests.
- Thyroid Nodule Evaluation: By evaluating thyroid nodules, healthcare professionals can differentiate between benign and cancerous growths, providing peace of mind and appropriate medical interventions.
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 Endocrinology in Florida.
Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca 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 careful management of her secondary hyperparathyroidism, a woman regained her strength and stamina, allowing her to enjoy daily walks with her beloved dog, a cherished activity.
- With the guidance of a knowledgeable specialist, a senior was able to manage their adrenal insufficiency symptoms, restoring their energy levels and allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of hiking in the mountains.
- With regular blood sugar checks and a tailored meal plan, a senior felt much more secure at home, no longer experiencing the unsettling symptoms of low blood sugar.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Endocrine care with Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca:
- What is an Endocrinologist?
- Dr. Villafranca is a medical doctor specializing in the endocrine system, which includes glands and hormones. He is an expert in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and osteoporosis to help maintain health and prevent complications in older adults.
- My primary care doctor manages my diabetes. Why would I need to see an endocrinologist?
- Your primary care doctor does an excellent job managing your diabetes. However, an endocrinologist can be a valuable partner in achieving optimal blood sugar control, especially if your diabetes is challenging to manage, complications arise, or advanced treatments like insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors are being considered.
- My doctor found a lump or 'nodule' on my thyroid. Is it cancer?
- Thyroid nodules are very common, and the overwhelming majority are benign. Dr. Villafranca will likely perform an ultrasound to evaluate the nodule, and if needed, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
- What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
- In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, much more common in seniors, is when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. Dr. Villafranca is an expert in creating personalized management plans for both types.
- What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause?
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve common menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It involves taking medication containing female hormones to replace those the body no longer produces. Dr. Villafranca can discuss the potential benefits and risks of HRT based on your individual health profile.
- What are the common symptoms of a thyroid problem?
- Common thyroid problems can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation (hypothyroidism) or weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety (hyperthyroidism). These symptoms may be subtle in older adults, but a simple blood test can accurately assess thyroid function. Dr. Villafranca can help determine if your thyroid is functioning properly.
- What can be done to treat osteoporosis?
- Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on preventing fractures. This includes ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention strategies. Dr. Villafranca can prescribe medications for those at higher risk to slow bone loss or build new bone.
- What is osteoporosis and how is it diagnosed?
- Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. It's often called a "silent disease" because there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Dr. Villafranca can order and interpret a safe and painless bone density scan (DEXA scan) to diagnose it.
680 N University Dr
Pembroke Pines FL 33024
Phone: (954) 743-5484
Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca, 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): 1497074967
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 provider named. Endocrinology like Dr. Arnaldo Villafranca 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.