Dr. Karelia Ruiz, MD is an Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Hialeah, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your internist serves as your primary healthcare partner, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive as you age. She primarily serves older adults (65 and older), but also includes younger adults with complex medical needs. Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (305) 828-9100 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Karelia Ruiz, MD is an internist in Hialeah, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a deep understanding of the specific needs of older adults. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1996 and completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Hospital De Damas in 2003, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65 and older), but also including younger adults with complex medical needs. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and Palmetto General Hospital. Dr. Ruiz offers consultations in Spanish. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. While she is not currently accepting new patients, her dedication to senior health remains steadfast.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Karelia Ruiz is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Karelia Ruiz is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior health journey. As your internist, she provides comprehensive internal medicine care, meticulously coordinating complex medical needs and managing chronic conditions to ensure your overall well-being and independence. Her approach prioritizes understanding your personal goals and creating a personalized plan to help you thrive as you age, fostering a strong partnership between patient and physician.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Karelia Ruiz can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II (POS II)
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO (HMO)
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN (HPN)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO (PPO)
- BlueCare HMO (HMO)
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO (PPO)
- Choice Care PPO (PPO)
- Choice Large Group POS (POS)
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS (POS)
- Choice Plus POS II (POS II)
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO (HMO)
- Cigna PPO (PPO)
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO (EPO)
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO (HMO)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS (POS)
- National POS (POS)
- Navigate HMO (HMO)
- Navigate Plus POS (POS)
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO (PPO)
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO (HMO)
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO (HMO)
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Karelia Ruiz 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:
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach, often causing discomfort and difficulty swallowing, but treatable with medication and lifestyle changes to improve your daily life.
- Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis involves monitoring your liver health and following your doctor's recommendations, leading to a better quality of life and avoiding serious complications.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Itchy, red, and watery eyes might be a sign of allergic conjunctivitis, a common allergy affecting the surface of the eye, but simple treatments like cool compresses and eye drops can significantly alleviate discomfort and maintain your daily routines.
- Strep Throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, often causing a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing, but treatable with antibiotics to ease symptoms and prevent complications.
- Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Treatment for magnesium disorders can help reduce symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and weakness, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Constipation: Treatment for constipation can include simple lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and over-the-counter medications, improving bowel regularity and overall well-being.
- Pneumonia: Experiencing coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing might indicate pneumonia; early diagnosis and treatment with medication and supportive care is key to preventing complications and ensuring you can continue living your life fully.
- Viral Infection: Viral infections, like colds or the flu, are common illnesses caused by viruses that can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, but they usually clear up on their own with rest and supportive care.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT, or a blood clot in a deep vein, can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, but it's treatable; by working closely with your doctor and following their recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce your risk of serious issues and improve your quality of life.
- Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis involves damage to the tubes in your lungs, causing a persistent cough with phlegm and potential recurring infections; however, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, improving your overall well-being.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Think of a TIA as a warning sign from your brain; it's a temporary blockage of blood flow that can lead to symptoms like weakness or numbness, but with prompt medical care, you can reduce your risk of a full-blown stroke and maintain your independence.
- Shortness of Breath: If you're experiencing shortness of breath, don't hesitate to seek medical attention; with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can maintain your independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
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. Karelia Ruiz offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Advance Directive End of Life Planning: By creating an advance directive, you actively participate in shaping your healthcare decisions and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test provides valuable information about your body's oxygenation and helps your doctor make informed decisions about your medication and treatment.
- Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Care coordination creates a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of a senior's health, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
- Chronic Care Management: By focusing on prevention and early intervention, Chronic Care Management helps seniors with chronic conditions avoid hospitalizations and maintain their independence.
- Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling helps you understand your diabetes diagnosis and create a personalized plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): As part of your routine checkup, an EKG can help identify early signs of heart disease, allowing for proactive management of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
- Immunization: Immunizations are a simple yet effective way to boost your immune system, reducing the severity and frequency of common infections often seen in older adults.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage the risk of serious illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, common among older adults, thereby improving their overall well-being.
- Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps seniors understand their weight and develop a personalized plan to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improving overall health.
- Physical Examination: Your doctor uses a physical exam to assess your current health and risk factors, guiding decisions about preventive care and lifestyle adjustments.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: This counseling helps manage the physical and psychological challenges of quitting smoking, empowering seniors to live healthier, longer lives.
- Vaccination: Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure that helps protect seniors from serious illnesses like influenza and pneumonia, reducing the risk of hospitalization and improving overall health.
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 Internal Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Karelia Ruiz 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 medication and dietary adjustments, a senior woman found relief from the painful symptoms of esophagitis, allowing her to enjoy her favorite meals and conversations with family without discomfort.
- With careful monitoring and a personalized treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, a source of joy and connection. This newfound freedom and reduced symptoms brought significant relief to the family.
- With itchy, red eyes no longer a constant concern, a senior couple was able to enjoy their weekly bridge club meetings without discomfort, savoring the social interaction and camaraderie.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Internal Medicine care with Dr. Karelia Ruiz:
- What is an internist, and how are they different from a family doctor?
- Dr. Karelia Ruiz and her team are internists, a type of primary care doctor who specializes in the health of adults. They are experts in the many health issues that can arise with age, such as managing chronic conditions and coordinating care with other specialists. This makes them uniquely qualified to care for your loved one's specific needs.
- Does Dr. Karelia Ruiz have experience treating older adults or seniors?
- Dr. Karelia Ruiz and other internists are specifically trained in adult medicine, and have extensive experience managing the health needs of older adults, including conditions common in later life.
- Are family members or caregivers able to participate in appointments and care planning?
- Dr. Ruiz's practice strongly believes in a team approach to care. We welcome family members and caregivers to participate in appointments and care planning, with the patient's permission. Their involvement is invaluable in ensuring clear communication and support for the best possible outcome.
- What should I bring to my first appointment with Dr. Karelia Ruiz?
- To prepare for your appointment with Dr. Karelia Ruiz, please bring a list of all your current medications (including doses and over-the-counter supplements), a summary of your medical history, your insurance information, and any specific questions or concerns you have written down.
- How do I request a prescription refill?
- To request a prescription refill, please use our patient portal or contact your pharmacy directly. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- Does the practice accept Medicare?
- Our practice accepts Medicare. To ensure we are in-network with your particular plan, please call the number on your insurance card or contact our billing office for assistance.
- How does your practice support patients with multiple chronic conditions?
- Dr. Ruiz's practice prioritizes a coordinated approach to care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. We work as a central hub, coordinating with specialists, carefully managing medications, and developing a unified care plan to prevent conflicting treatments and simplify your healthcare experience.
- What is your approach to medication management, especially for patients taking many prescriptions (polypharmacy)?
- Dr. Ruiz's practice prioritizes medication management, especially for patients on multiple medications. We conduct regular reviews to assess for drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the overall medication plan is safe and effective for each patient.
7600 W 20th Ave Ste 106
Hialeah FL 33016
Phone: (305) 828-9100
Dr. Karelia Ruiz, 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): 1508864356
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. Internal Medicine like Dr. Karelia Ruiz 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.