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Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Paulina Cruz Bravo, MD)

(8 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon Faculty of Medicine (2009)

Professional interests include: high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), diabetes, parathyroid disease, and more.

1 Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza
Saint Louis, MO 63110

(314) 362-3500

Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD is an endocrinologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon Faculty of Medicine in 2009 and has 16 years of experience. Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD is affiliated with Washington University Physicians, WashU Medicine, BJC HealthCare, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Office Locations

Address:

1 Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza
Saint Louis, MO 63110

Address:

1 Village Square Shop Center Suite 1
Hazelwood, MO 63042

Some issues Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD can help you with:

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

hospital care	222
inpatient care	222

**Gender**
Male	104
Female	102

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	142
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	80
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	102

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	61
Depression	52
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	24
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	50
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	75
Dementia	11
Cancer	0

hospital care	431
inpatient care	431

**Gender**
Male	122
Female	115

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	182
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	72
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	118

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	63
Depression	48
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	38
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	50
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	34
Diabetes	75
Dementia	17
Cancer	12

hospital care	493
inpatient care	493

**Gender**
Male	136
Female	122

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	186
Black	60
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	91
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	128

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	57
Depression	52
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	45
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	26
Diabetes	75
Dementia	19
Cancer	12

hospital care	357
inpatient care	357

**Gender**
Male	91
Female	81

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	138
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	79
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	68

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	14
Ischemic Heart Disease	70
Depression	53
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	27
Heart Failure	55
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	38
Diabetes	75
Dementia	22
Cancer	15

hospital care	126
inpatient care	126

**Gender**
Male	42
Female	37

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	51
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	28
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	32

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	16
Ischemic Heart Disease	65
Depression	48
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	30
Heart Failure	61
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	38
Diabetes	75
Dementia	30
Cancer	15

hospital care	460
inpatient care	460

**Gender**
Male	110
Female	86

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	140
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	79
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	79

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	61
Depression	48
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	53
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	33
Diabetes	75
Dementia	20
Cancer	18

hospital care	592
inpatient care	592

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2015 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis, MO were hospital care and inpatient care.

hospital care	383
inpatient care	383

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2015 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD.

**Gender**
Female	54
Male	60

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	6
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	83
Hispanic	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	0
Less than 65	52
65 to 74	42

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD From 2015 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD treated were chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

Hypertension	45
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	10
Osteoporosis	3
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	45
Atrial Fibrillation	12
Dementia	11
Cancer	7

Education & Training

Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD graduated from Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon Faculty of Medicine in 2009. She completed residency at Mayo Clinic. She is certified by the Internal Medicine and has a state license in Missouri.

Medical School: Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon Faculty of Medicine (2009)

Residency: Mayo Clinic

Board Certification: Internal Medicine

Licensed In: Missouri

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Washington University Physicians

WashU Medicine

BJC HealthCare

Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna US Access, Aetna National Advantage Program, Aetna Elect Choice, Aetna Open Choice PPO, United Healthcare, Aetna Open Access HMO, Aetna, MHBP, Aetna Choice POS II, Humana, Aetna Select, Aetna Elect Choice EPO, Coventry, Cigna, Blue California, Aetna Open Access PPO, Aetna Medicare HMO and Aetna Medicare PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Aetna US Access

Aetna National Advantage Program

Aetna Elect Choice

Aetna Open Choice PPO

United Healthcare

Aetna Open Access HMO

Aetna

MHBP

Aetna Choice POS II

Humana

Aetna Select

Aetna Elect Choice EPO

Coventry

Cigna

Blue California

Aetna Open Access PPO

Aetna Medicare HMO

Aetna Medicare PPO

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.69 out of 5 stars based on 8 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Louis, MO.

4.69

Overall Rating

(8 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Paulina Bravo, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.	$375 Minimed 670G System $125	$250
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation	$296 JANUVIA $115	GARDASIL9 $10	$170
Dexcom, Inc.	$143 DEXCOM G7 GSS (161) $143
Novo Nordisk Inc	$130 Ozempic $13	$116
Corcept Therapeutics	$125 Korlym $125
Other	$168 AFREZZA $119	LYRICA $19	Mavyret $18	BOOSTRIX $11

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$868
Consulting Fee	$250
Gift	$119

Biography

Dr. Paulina Bravo's specialty is adult endocrinology. In addition to English, she speaks Spanish. Clinical interests for Dr. Bravo include diabetes, thyroid problems, and pituitary disorders. Dr. Bravo's hospital/clinic affiliations include Washington University Physicians, WashU Medicine, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She attended Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon Faculty of Medicine and then went on to complete her residency at Mayo Clinic. Patients rated Dr. Bravo highly, giving her an average of 4.5 stars (out of 5). She can take Aetna EPO, Blue California, Coventry, and more. She welcomes new patients at her office inHazelwood, MO as reported by BJC HealthCare.