Dr. Rama Balaraman, MD is a hematology oncologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults at her clinic in Ocala, FL. As a trusted partner in their senior health journey, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She specializes in providing expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with their primary care physicians and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. This includes common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. Dr. Balaraman is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (352) 496-9752 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Balaraman, a hematology doctor who practices in Ocala, FL, is a highly experienced and compassionate oncologist. She is 48 years old and affiliated with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital?, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and Munroe Regional Medical Center. After earning her medical degree from Thanjavar Medical College in India, she completed residency training in Oncology at St. Mary's Health Center in St. Louis, MO, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. Furthering her expertise, she pursued fellowship training at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, MO. Dr. Balaraman is Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She understands the unique needs of her patient population and strives to provide the highest quality care within a supportive and caring environment.
Florida Cancer Affiliates, where Dr. Balaraman practices, is committed to delivering state-of-the-art cancer care in a caring, patient-focused, cost-effective, and community-based setting. Her team of oncologists and clinical staff are part of a national and local network, providing access to the latest treatments, technology, and research. Dr. Balaraman offers consultations in Spanish, ensuring accessibility and clear communication with her patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Rama Balaraman is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Balaraman is a compassionate and dedicated partner in navigating the complexities of senior health, especially concerning cancers prevalent in older adults. She provides comprehensive oncological care, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and specialists to create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs and goals of each patient. Her approach prioritizes comfort, independence, and a holistic understanding of the individual's overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rama Balaraman can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Curative
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rama Balaraman 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:
- Follicular Lymphoma Grade 2: This specific type of lymphoma, called follicular lymphoma grade 2, is a slow-growing cancer of the immune system, often manageable with treatments that allow for a relatively normal lifestyle for seniors.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, like surgery or radiation, is often tailored to the individual to minimize disruption to your life and help you continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, but with modern treatments, many seniors can manage it effectively and maintain a good quality of life.
- Myeloproliferative Disorders: Myeloproliferative disorders are blood cancers impacting bone marrow cell production. While they may cause symptoms like fatigue, fullness in the abdomen, or joint pain, many treatment approaches exist to help manage symptoms, allowing seniors to live comfortably and actively.
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Peripheral T-cell lymphoma is a cancer affecting a specific type of white blood cell; with proper treatment including radiation or medication, many individuals can experience long periods of remission and maintain a good quality of life.
- Mature T and NK-Cell Cancer: Mature T and NK-cell cancers are rare blood cancers affecting immune cells, often treated with targeted therapies or chemotherapy to improve symptoms and extend life.
- Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: While NLPHL involves abnormal white blood cells accumulating in lymph nodes, treatments like radiation or chemotherapy can often effectively control the disease and minimize disruptions to your life.
- Pleural Cancer: Pleural cancer is a type of lung cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs, and treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and extend life.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood cells, and while it might sound serious, many seniors live with it for years with minimal symptoms and only need occasional check-ups to monitor its progress.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive skin cancer that's more common in older adults, and treatment, often involving surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy, aims to remove the cancer and improve your quality of life.
- Duodenal Cancer: Duodenal cancer, a less common type of cancer, affects the beginning of the small intestine and may require surgery or other therapies to control the growth and reduce symptoms to ensure you remain as comfortable and mobile as possible.
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A rare cancer called primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) begins in the brain or spinal cord, but with appropriate medical care, many individuals can experience a good 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. Rama Balaraman offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to determine if cancer cells are present, helping doctors tailor your cancer treatment and monitor its effectiveness.
- Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis is a procedure that helps remove harmful substances from your blood, improving your comfort and possibly helping manage certain cancer-related complications.
- Splenectomy and Splenorrhaphy: Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, sometimes necessary to manage certain blood disorders or cancers that affect the spleen.
- Stem Cell Transplant: As part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan for older adults with blood cancers, a stem cell transplant can help restore the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells, which may improve overall health.
- Excision of Submandibular Gland: For seniors diagnosed with specific head and neck cancers, the excision of the submandibular gland may play a crucial role in removing the tumor and improving the quality of life.
- Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy: An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses ultrasound imaging to precisely guide a needle to collect a small tissue sample from a suspicious breast area, helping doctors determine if it's cancerous.
- NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy: For seniors facing certain types of cancer, NK cell therapy offers a targeted approach to bolster the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancerous cells.
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 Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Rama Balaraman 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 support of a personalized treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of painting, finding renewed joy and purpose in their life. The family felt a significant sense of relief knowing their loved one was managing the condition and living more comfortably.
- After careful treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, a senior was able to resume their cherished hobby of gardening, enjoying the vibrant colors of their flowers once more. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was healing well and could continue to enjoy their life at home.
- After undergoing treatment for breast cancer, a senior felt empowered to resume her beloved watercolor painting, a cherished hobby that had been sidelined by the disease. Her improved energy levels and reduced side effects allowed her to fully immerse herself in the creative process, bringing joy and purpose back into her life.
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 (Hematology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Rama Balaraman:
- What is an Oncologist?
- An oncologist is a doctor specializing in cancer. Medical oncologists, like Dr. Rama Balaraman, use medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play vital roles, often working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Balaraman will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Balaraman will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, marking the first step in a partnership.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is considered, Dr. Balaraman's practice prioritizes a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals when determining the best cancer treatment. Personalized plans are created to be as effective as possible while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment, to avoid side effects if the cancer is unlikely to cause problems.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, depending on the cancer type and overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are generally well-tolerated. Dr. Balaraman works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care at Dr. Balaraman's practice focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illnesses like cancer, and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care provided when curative treatment is no longer desired.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the work. It's often a well-tolerated approach to cancer care.
3130 SW 32nd Ave
Ocala FL 34474
Phone: (352) 496-9752
Dr. Rama Balaraman, 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): 1396709424
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. Oncology like Dr. Rama Balaraman 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.