Dr. Rita Garulli Chidiac, MD

About Dr. Rita Garulli Chidiac, MD

Dr. Rita Garulli Chidiac, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at her Lighthouse Point, FL clinic. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to providing comprehensive, continuous healthcare for individuals and families of all ages, addressing a wide range of health concerns. She welcomes new patients and encourages them to call (954) 782-9771 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Chidiac is a family medicine physician in Lighthouse Point, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine in 1976 and completed an internship at Montreal General Hospital in 1977, gaining foundational clinical experience. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital and currently accepting new patients. Dr. Chidiac is fluent in French and also offers consultations in Italian, further enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of her practice. Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and a supportive, reassuring environment for all patients.

Family Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Rita Chidiac addresses a wide range of Family Medicine health concerns, including:

• Symptomatic Menopause: Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood changes, can be managed with various options.
• Hip Pointer: A direct hit to your hip can cause a hip pointer, characterized by pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Elbow arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the elbow joint.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Not consuming enough B vitamins through diet or supplements can lead to a deficiency, which may manifest with a range of symptoms depending on the specific vitamin lacking.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis is a condition where the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach becomes inflamed and sore.
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and can cause pain, swelling, and redness.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is a loss of coordination that can affect movement, balance, and speech.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Diabetes with kidney problems is a condition where high blood sugar affects the kidneys.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition causing widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body.
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Peripheral nerve disorders are conditions that affect the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord and brain, impacting sensation, movement, and function in the arms, legs, and other body areas.
• Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells, potentially causing fatigue and weakness.
• Wheezing: If you're experiencing wheezing, it means air is struggling to pass through your airways, often due to inflammation or narrowing.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Rita Chidiac addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Medicine 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.

Family Medicine Services Provided

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

• Prostate Cancer Screening: A prostate cancer screening helps detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: To make sure you're mentally prepared for bariatric surgery and its effects, you'll have a meeting with a mental health professional.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This blood test helps determine whether you have been exposed to and possibly infected with the hepatitis C virus.
• Thyroid Screening: This screening helps identify thyroid disorders like an underactive or overactive thyroid, often through a simple blood test.
• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: An incision and drainage procedure helps treat infections by removing accumulated pus or fluid.
• Hepatitis Screening: During a hepatitis screening, your doctor will check for antibodies or antigens indicating a current or past infection.
• Pap Smear: Regular Pap smears can significantly lower your risk of developing cervical cancer.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): The prostate cancer screening exam includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the size and texture of your prostate.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: If you have concerns about your child's learning, an independent educational evaluation can provide an unbiased assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.
• Joint Fluid Test: This test involves removing a small amount of fluid from your joint for examination in a lab.
• Syphilis Screening: Getting screened for syphilis protects you and your partners from the potential long-term effects of this infection.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Let's talk about your mood, memory, and thinking skills to screen for dementia and depression.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Rita Chidiac. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Family Medicine 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 Family Medicine 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. Rita Chidiac:

What is a Family Medicine doctor?

A Family Medicine doctor, like Dr. Chidiac, is a primary care physician who provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They manage a broad range of health concerns, focusing on wellness, prevention, and coordinating care for the entire family.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rita Chidiac?

Your first visit with Dr. Chidiac will involve a comprehensive review of your personal and family medical history, a thorough physical exam, and a discussion of your health goals. Please bring a list of all current medications, including supplements, and any relevant past medical records.

Does Dr. Rita Chidiac accept my insurance?

Insurance acceptance can vary. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage before your appointment.

What kind of preventive care and screenings does Dr. Rita Chidiac offer?

Dr. Chidiac and our team prioritize preventive care, offering a range of services to help you stay healthy. Annual physicals, age-appropriate cancer screenings, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and vaccinations are just some of the ways we support your well-being. We work with you to develop a personalized plan for maintaining your health.

Does Dr. Rita Chidiac have experience with geriatric patients?

Dr. Chidiac has extensive experience and a dedicated approach to caring for geriatric patients, including comprehensive management of multiple chronic conditions, medication reviews, and addressing mobility and memory concerns. Her focus is on maintaining the highest possible quality of life for her older patients.

Does Dr. Rita Chidiac perform joint injections for pain?

Yes, Dr. Chidiac and our team offer therapeutic joint injections, such as corticosteroid shots, to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis and bursitis in various joints. This can be a helpful treatment option for many patients.

How does Dr. Rita Chidiac handle mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Chidiac understands that mental health is essential to overall well-being. She addresses concerns like anxiety and depression by providing diagnosis, lifestyle counseling, and medication management, and by referring patients to specialists when necessary.

How does Dr. Rita Chidiac help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Chidiac and our team proactively manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure through regular check-ups, medication management, and personalized lifestyle counseling. We also coordinate care with specialists as needed to ensure comprehensive and effective treatment plans, helping patients maintain optimal health.