Dr. Ira Pardo, MD is a Rheumatology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Delray Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal care. Dr. Pardo's commitment to his patients extends beyond diagnosis and treatment; he strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Ira Pardo, MD is a rheumatologist in Delray Beach, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from State University Of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College Of Medicine in 1975, followed by an internship at Kings County Hospital Center in 1976. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Hospital Of Penn, graduating in 1980. Dr. Pardo is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Boca Raton Regional Hospital and offers consultations in Spanish. He is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (561) 368-5611 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Ira Pardo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pardo is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive rheumatologic care. He meticulously diagnoses and manages complex rheumatic conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and personalized approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes comfort and maintaining independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ira Pardo can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ira Pardo 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:
- Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is the wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility; but don't worry, a combination of strategies like managing weight, physical therapy, and possibly medication can significantly lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can be frustrating, but it's important to know that many conditions causing this can be effectively managed with a combination of therapies tailored to your specific needs.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Experiencing pain and swelling in your feet? It could be osteoarthritis, a common age-related joint condition affecting the cartilage in your foot, which can often be successfully managed with the right care.
- Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Hand and wrist osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility, but treatments like physical therapy and medication can help you manage pain and stay independent.
- Arthritis: Arthritis encompasses various diseases that affect your joints, leading to discomfort and reduced movement; however, with proper treatment, you can manage your symptoms and preserve your quality of life.
- Spondylitis: Spondylitis is a spinal inflammatory condition that can make movement difficult; however, with a tailored treatment plan, combining medication and specialized exercises, you can greatly reduce pain and maintain your independence.
- Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and pain, which can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments to maintain a good quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis of Spine: With spinal osteoarthritis, the cushioning between your spinal bones wears down, causing aches and limited movement; however, treatments like physical therapy and pain relief can help you stay active and independent.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis skin disease, often leading to joint pain and stiffness, but effective treatments can help you stay active and independent.
- Vasculitis: If you have vasculitis, it means your blood vessels are inflamed, sometimes causing symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain; working closely with your doctor on medication and lifestyle adjustments can significantly ease symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis of the hip and thigh is a common type of arthritis causing cartilage breakdown in these joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, but thankfully, treatment options like physical therapy and medication can help manage symptoms and improve your comfort.
- Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: In seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, specific antibodies are present in your blood, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease; however, effective medications can help control inflammation and prevent long-term joint damage.
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. Ira Pardo offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Density Scan: A bone density scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure the strength of your bones, which is important for preventing fractures and managing conditions like osteoporosis.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a painless test using X-rays to measure bone density, helping your doctor assess your risk of osteoporosis and fractures, common concerns for seniors.
- Joint Drainage: Joint drainage, or arthrocentesis, helps doctors diagnose joint problems like infection or inflammation by removing fluid for analysis.
- Joint Fluid Test: To ensure your treatment plan is as effective as possible, a joint fluid test aids in distinguishing between various joint diseases, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Musculoskeletal Function Test: By evaluating your physical abilities, a musculoskeletal function test helps your doctor determine the best approach to improve your mobility and daily function.
- Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, trigger point injections can specifically target muscle knots and reduce discomfort associated with various rheumatic conditions.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: A peripheral nerve block is a procedure that can help pinpoint the source of your pain by temporarily numbing specific nerves.
- Steroid Injection: Incorporating steroid injections into a senior's care plan can offer a short-term solution to manage severe joint pain, allowing time for other therapies to take effect.
- Trigger Point Injection: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, trigger point injections can help seniors pinpoint the source of their muscle discomfort and provide targeted treatment.
- Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical option to alleviate osteoarthritis pain and improve joint health, offering a supportive step in your overall care plan.
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 Rheumatology in Florida.
Dr. Ira Pardo 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 a tailored treatment plan, a senior was able to resume her beloved daily walks in the park, a cherished activity now possible without debilitating knee pain.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior was able to regain the strength to garden again, a cherished activity. The family felt a sense of relief and security, knowing the muscle weakness was being effectively managed.
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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Ira Pardo:
- What is a Rheumatologist?
- Dr. Pardo is a rheumatologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. They are experts in managing complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
- What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
- Osteoarthritis is a "wear and tear" condition where cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation. Dr. Pardo is an expert in diagnosing and treating both.
- I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
- Dr. Pardo, a rheumatologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other joint conditions, often using medications and non-surgical therapies. Orthopedic surgeons focus on surgical procedures like joint replacements. While they may collaborate, a rheumatologist is typically the best initial point of contact for evaluating unexplained joint pain.
- Can you help with fibromyalgia?
- Yes, we can help with fibromyalgia. It's a complex chronic pain condition, but rheumatologists are key specialists in managing its symptoms. Treatment focuses on a multi-faceted approach, including gentle exercise, stress management techniques, and specific medications to reduce pain and improve sleep.
- What is vasculitis?
- Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the vessel walls to thicken, weaken, or narrow, restricting blood flow and potentially damaging organs. It's a rare group of diseases, requiring expert evaluation and treatment by Dr. Pardo.
- What is a joint injection and does it hurt?
- A joint injection is a procedure where medication, often a powerful anti-inflammatory, is placed directly into the painful joint space. It's used to quickly relieve pain and swelling. The area is numbed beforehand, and while there might be a moment of pressure, the procedure is generally quick and well-tolerated.
- What is gout and how is it treated?
- Gout is a very painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, most commonly the big toe. Treatment has two goals: treating the immediate, painful flare-up with anti-inflammatory medications, and preventing future attacks with long-term medications that lower uric acid levels in the body.
- What are biologic medications or 'infusion therapy' for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Biologic medications are a newer, advanced class of drugs very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike general anti-inflammatories, they target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation. Some of these medications are given as an infusion in a clinic or infusion center.
5162 Linton Blvd Ste 101
Delray Beach FL 33484
Phone: (561) 368-5611
Dr. Ira Pardo, 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): 1659474443
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. Rheumatology like Dr. Ira Pardo 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.