Dr. Rebecca Pirela, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Orlando, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. She serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (407) 480-5515 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rebecca Pirela, MD is a family medicine physician in Orlando, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida in 1995. Dr. Pirela is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is accepting new patients.
Dr. Rebecca Pirela provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rebecca Pirela is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rebecca Pirela is a compassionate partner in navigating the health journeys of seniors. She provides comprehensive family medicine care, focusing on the whole person, not just the illness. Her approach prioritizes coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and empowering seniors to maintain their independence and well-being. Dr. Pirela works closely with families to ensure a supportive and personalized plan for each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rebecca Pirela can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rebecca Pirela 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:
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, but with the right treatment plan, including medication and breathing exercises, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy a more active life.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can lead to various symptoms, including slow metabolism and cognitive changes, however, regular check-ups and medication can help manage these symptoms effectively, letting you enjoy your life more.
- Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough oxygen, which can make you feel weak and short of breath, but treatment with oxygen therapy can significantly improve your energy levels and daily activities.
- Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Experiencing limb swelling from fluid retention? Don't worry, this is often manageable with simple steps guided by your doctor, leading to increased comfort and ease of movement.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can make everyday activities harder, but understanding its cause and getting the right treatment can help you breathe easier and stay active.
- Wheezing: Wheezing sounds like a whistling noise when you breathe and might be a symptom of a respiratory condition. Seeking medical attention can lead to a diagnosis and a plan to manage your breathing effectively, promoting a better quality of life.
- Tobacco Withdrawal: Support groups and medications can ease the transition for older adults quitting tobacco by managing the cravings and irritability associated with withdrawal.
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. Rebecca Pirela offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: As part of your comprehensive health assessment, a hepatitis C screening can identify this often silent infection, enabling you to proactively manage your liver health.
- Pregnancy Test: As part of a complete health assessment, a pregnancy test can help identify and manage potential health concerns related to pregnancy.
- Syphilis Screening: Syphilis screening is a simple test that helps detect this sexually transmitted infection early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing long-term health problems.
- Skin Screenings: Through careful examination during a skin screening, your doctor can monitor changes in your skin and address any concerns promptly.
- Patch Testing: Patch testing plays a key role in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, aiding your physician in developing a comprehensive management plan to reduce discomfort and prevent future flare-ups.
- Gonorrhea Screening: To maintain your sexual health, routine gonorrhea screening is a proactive measure that can help prevent serious complications associated with this STI.
- Vaccination: Vaccines are a key component of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, helping to manage and prevent infectious diseases.
- Strep Test: As part of your routine care, a strep test can rule out a bacterial infection, ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment for your sore throat.
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To ensure your heart and lungs are working efficiently as you get older, an ABG test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, helping your doctor fine-tune your treatment plan.
- Cardiovascular Stress Test: As part of your ongoing care, a cardiovascular stress test can help identify and manage potential heart risks, improving your overall well-being in your senior years.
- Dipstick Urinalysis: As part of your regular check-up, a dipstick urinalysis provides valuable information about your urinary tract health, enabling your doctor to prevent or manage potential problems.
- Skin Testing and Screening: Regular skin screenings are a vital part of preventive care for seniors, allowing for early detection and treatment of skin cancer.
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 Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Rebecca Pirela 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 including medication and breathing exercises, a senior felt a significant reduction in COPD symptoms, allowing them to once again enjoy walks in the park with their grandchildren.
- With regular check-ups and medication, a senior felt a noticeable improvement in their energy levels, allowing them to once again enjoy their favorite hobby of knitting.
- After starting oxygen therapy, a senior felt a noticeable increase in energy, allowing her to return to her beloved hobby of knitting, a daily routine she had struggled to maintain due to shortness of breath.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Rebecca Pirela:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Pirela and her team are uniquely suited to care for seniors because they often care for patients over their entire lifespan, providing a deep understanding of their health history. They are trusted primary care partners, expert in managing chronic conditions, and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Pirela, we'll review your medications, conduct a physical exam, and assess your memory and mobility. We'll also discuss personalized preventive screenings, like bone density or cancer screenings, tailored to your specific health needs. This visit is a key opportunity to partner with Dr. Pirela on achieving your health goals.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Pirela, please write down your top health questions, bring a complete list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how seemingly minor.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- Do you perform minor skin procedures, like removing a skin tag or mole?
- Yes, Dr. Pirela's office can perform many minor skin procedures, such as removing skin tags or suspicious moles for biopsy, or freezing pre-cancerous spots (actinic keratosis). This often avoids the need for a separate appointment or trip to a specialist, making it convenient for seniors.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come to Dr. Pirela's office for urgent issues like falls, bad colds, or UTIs. Seeing your primary care physician is ideal because we know your health history and medications, and we can treat common ailments, helping you avoid extra trips to urgent care.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. Pirela and her team can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Pirela is your quarterback for healthcare. She'll refer you to specialists like cardiologists or orthopedists, and then coordinate your care to make sure everything works together smoothly. This ensures a seamless transition and keeps your treatment plan on track.
1417 N Semoran Blvd Ste 101
Orlando FL 32807
Phone: (407) 480-5515
Dr. Rebecca Pirela, 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): 1912085556
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. Family Medicine like Dr. Rebecca Pirela 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.