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X-Ray

x-rays

X-RAY EXAMS

X-rays are electromagnetic radiation that deferentially penetrates structures within the body and creates images of these structures on photographic film or a fluorescent screen. These images are called diagnostic X-rays.

X-ray exams are used for many purposes, including determining if a bone is broken, seeing whether an internal organ is infected, and looking for cancer. There are many different types of X-rays currently used to detect cancer. For example, the barium enema (a series of bowel X-rays with contrast medium), are routine procedures sometimes used for cancer screening in adults of certain age groups.

To check for tumors in precise cross-sections of the body, an X-ray can be used. Even without using specialized techniques, uncomplicated, routine X-rays often can show abnormal shadows or silhouettes that might be cancerous tumors.

FIXED PLATE X-RAY EXAMS

No special preparation is needed for fixed plate X-rays unless contrast material is used. When X-rays are scheduled that involve the use of contrast material, the physician will give specific instructions for preparation. For example, in a lower GI series, the individual may have to fast and use special laxatives to cleanse the bowel before swallowing the contrast material. Parents can prepare children for X-rays by explaining what will happen and that these tests are short and painless.

As a patient, you will probably be asked to remove your clothing over the part of your body to be X-rayed as well as any jewelry worn on the day of the X-ray. Patients will be given a hospital gown. For certain X-ray procedures, patients also will be given a flexible lead apron or another type of protective drape to shield portions of your body from unnecessary X-ray exposure. Patients will be asked to either stand on the floor or lie/sit on a table in an X-ray room, and a technician will position your body in a way that gives the best X-ray view.

The technician will position the X-ray machine near your body so that the machine’s X-ray tube (where the X-rays come out) is pointing at the correct body area. After going behind a protective panel, the technician will press a button to take the X-ray picture. For a more specialized series of X-rays, (such as mammography, a barium enema, or a CT scan) the procedure is slightly more complicated.

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Gerardo C. Perez, D.O​

Doctor

Born in Cuba, Dr. Perez immigrated to the United States as a young boy, settling in New Jersey with his family. He attended Long Island University and earned a Bachelor of Science, while majoring in both Biology and Chemistry. In 1984, Dr. Perez graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his family practice residency at Southeastern Medical Center in Miami and received his board certification in Family Medicine. Shortly after starting his private practice in 1987, Dr. Perez qualified and passed his Geriatric Board exam, an area of medicine that had always interested him and one that he felt was under-represented in the community. His interest in treating the older patient population stems from the extensive size of his family and the many experiences he had as a young man with his older relatives. 

For the past 30 years, Dr. Perez has proudly served the Hialeah-Miami Lakes community with the best quality and personal care available. His approach remains the same, “Keep it simple, and don’t over medicate.” He is a strong believer in preventative care and feels that nutrition and exercise are the best forms of medication. He tries to set an example for his patients in the way he cares for his own health.

Dr. Perez has been married to his wife Madeline for 27 years and has three sons, whom he credits for keeping him young and on his toes. Dr. Perez has coached travel baseball for many years, loves to landscape and is a culinarian. His latest interest, and one that he says stimulates him both physically and mentally, is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Mayra Chanza

Administrator

Mayra has spent the last 12 years working alongside Dr. Perez and his team. As the office Administrator she oversees all day-to-day operations of the practice. From handling the coding and even being able to draw blood, Mayra ensures that proper patient care is met daily by all her staff.

When Mayra is not in the office, she loves being with her three children. They enjoy watching movies and TV shows together, as well as spending time at the beach. Her oldest daughter works as a Vet tech where they get to spend time with rescued animals at the clinic. Her youngest daughter is attending college and is studying to be a nurse. Her son is pursuing his passion of MMA fighting.

Yolanda Martinez

Patient Care Coordinator

Yolanda has spent the last seven years working with Dr. Perez and his team, but has over 11 years of experience in healthcare and the medical office setting. As a Patient Care Coordinator, Yolanda is the first person the patients see when they arrive to the office. In addition to dealing with patients in person and being the one to call all patients via phone, she serves as the liaison between her office and the hospitals and specialists. She is responsible for processing their insurance information, obtaining medical records when needed and making sure their medications are requested and filled.

Yolanda has been happily married for 35 years to the love of her life, Armando, and has two sons. She has a passion for cooking and gardening and loves to spend time with her family and their dog, Bella.

Jenniffer Farinas

Medical Assistant

Jenniffer is new to the team, but brings over 20 years medical experience to Dr. Perez and his office. As the Medical Assistant, she assists Dr. Perez with their patient’s vitals, handles all EKG’s and X-rays, but more importantly, she has mastered the art of phlebotomy, aka drawing blood, and is able to administer other doctor approved injections. Jenniffer is also responsible for contacting her patients with their lab and radiology appointments, as well as entering and maintaining up-to-date data on all patient demographics in the office’s medical records system. She also maintains all the office supplies and equipment that is needed to for patient care.

Jenniffer has been married for over 14 years. She has three children and one grandbaby. When she is not in the office, Jenniffer says running is her favorite daily cardio. She absolutely loves the ocean and enjoys boating and traveling to different islands.