Dr. Neeharika Makani, MD

About Dr. Neeharika Makani, MD

Dr. Neeharika Makani, MD is a Hematology-Oncology physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at her clinic in Largo, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancers and blood disorders, employing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other advanced therapies while prioritizing patient well-being and managing treatment side effects. She is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 344-6569 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Makani brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in Hemato-oncologic care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Boston University in 2008 and completed her internship at the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by fellowship training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-Harvard Medical School and the University of California at Los Angeles, further specializing in Hematology-Oncology. She is Board Certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Makani actively participates in clinical research and enrolls patients in nationally run clinical trials, reflecting her commitment to providing holistic care encompassing physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. She offers consultations in Hindi.

Dr. Neeharika Makani's commitment to excellence extends beyond her clinical practice. She is a member of several prestigious medical societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, the American College of Physicians and the Polk County Medical Association. Recently board-certified in Hematology from the American Board of Internal Medicine, she is a highly qualified specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Her expertise is further demonstrated through speaking engagements, educational contributions, and published works. Dr. Makani's dedication to collaborative care, coupled with her extensive training and experience, ensures the highest standard of care for her patients at Watson Clinic's Cancer & Research Center (CRC).

Hemato-Oncologic Conditions Addressed

Dr. Neeharika Makani addresses a wide range of Hemato-oncologic health concerns, including:

• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
• Vertigo: Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea and imbalance.
• Refractory Anemia without Sideroblasts: Your red blood cell count is low, and despite treatment, it hasn't responded positively, and certain abnormal red blood cells are absent.
• Hypercoagulable State: Having a hypercoagulable state means your blood is more prone to forming clots, which can be dangerous.
• Throat Cancer (Oropharyngeal): This cancer affects the area at the back of your mouth and upper throat, a region called the oropharynx.
• Metastatic Respiratory System Cancer: Cancer that has spread from the lungs or airways to other parts of the body.
• Melanoma: Melanoma treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: An acute upper respiratory infection is a common illness affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses.
• Duodenal Cancer: Duodenal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, which can be serious if not treated.
• Peritoneal Cancer: This type of cancer originates in the peritoneum, a protective layer surrounding many organs in the belly.
• Dermatitis Due to Drugs: Skin irritation or rash can be a side effect of some medications.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Neeharika Makani addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Hematology-Oncology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Hemato-Oncologic Services Provided

Dr. Neeharika Makani offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This service helps identify and treat anemia and iron deficiency.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of bone marrow is removed for examination under a microscope.
• Bone Marrow Evaluation: Doctors use bone marrow evaluation to detect problems like anemia, infections, or abnormal blood cell counts.
• Cancer Screening: Cancer screenings aim to reduce cancer deaths by finding cancers early, when treatment is most effective.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart.
• Erythropoietin Test: This test measures the amount of erythropoietin in your blood, helping doctors understand your red blood cell production.
• Leukemia Diagnostic Evaluations: A range of assessments, from blood counts to genetic profiling, are used in leukemia diagnostic evaluations to guide treatment.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a procedure to collect a small tissue sample from your liver for examination by a doctor.
• Lymphoma Evaluation: This appointment focuses on figuring out if you have lymphoma and planning the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
• Oral Cancer Screening: This service provides screenings to detect oral cancer early.
• Plasmapheresis: This procedure involves removing plasma (the liquid part of your blood) to treat various health issues by reducing harmful substances present in your blood.
• Skin Screenings: This service provides comprehensive skin checks to detect skin cancers and other skin conditions.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Neeharika Makani. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Hematology-Oncology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Hematology-Oncology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Neeharika Makani:

What is a Hematologist/Oncologist?

A hematologist/oncologist is a doctor specializing in both hematology (blood and blood disorders) and oncology (cancer). They are trained to diagnose and treat various blood cancers, solid tumors, and non-cancerous blood disorders.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Neeharika Makani?

Your first visit with Dr. Makani will be a comprehensive consultation, including a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and a discussion of possible diagnoses and treatment options. Please bring all prior medical records, imaging reports, and pathology slides to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Neeharika Makani accept my insurance?

Dr. Makani's practice accepts many insurance plans. However, cancer and hematology care can be complex. Please contact our financial counselors or your insurance provider directly to verify your specific coverage.

I have a history of blood clots. How is that managed during cancer treatment?

Cancer and its treatments can increase the risk of blood clots. Dr. Makani is highly experienced in managing this risk, often with anticoagulant medications and close monitoring.

What is Dr. Neeharika Makani's role in treating breast cancer?

As a medical oncologist, Dr. Makani manages the systemic treatment for breast cancer, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies. These treatments are often used in combination with surgery and radiation to treat the whole body.

What is chemotherapy and how is it given?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. It can be given intravenously (through a vein) at an infusion center, or sometimes as oral pills. Different types of chemotherapy are given in various ways depending on the specific cancer and the patient's condition.

Do you treat blood disorders that are not cancer?

Dr. Makani is a hematologist, so she diagnoses and treats a wide range of non-cancerous blood conditions, including iron-deficiency anemia, sickle cell disease, and bleeding or clotting disorders like ITP or hemophilia.

What is a bone marrow biopsy and why do I need one?

A bone marrow biopsy is a crucial diagnostic procedure where a small sample of bone marrow, usually from the back of the hip bone, is taken. This allows the cells to be examined under a microscope, helping to diagnose conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders.