Barbara Finney, APRN

Barbara Finney, APRN is a Gastroenterology Family Nurse Practitioner practicing at Lakeland Regional Health Pablo Campus in Lakeland, FL. She is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. As your gastroenterologist, she is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (863) 284-5000 to schedule.

Dr. Barbara APRN's commitment extends beyond diagnosing and treating conditions; she actively listens to her patients' stories and creates a personalized approach to care. With extensive Internal Medicine experience, specialty training in Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Addiction Medicine, and a strong foundation in nursing from Murray State University and Paducah Community College/University of Kentucky, Dr. Barbara APRN is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care. She enjoys getting to know her patients and tailoring her approach to meet their individual needs. Dr. Barbara APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Barbara APRN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Barbara APRN can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Barbara APRN provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Lower Esophageal Ulcer: Regular health screenings and awareness of symptoms can allow for early diagnosis of a lower esophageal ulcer, leading to timely treatment and improved outcomes.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your body's response to lactose allows for proactive management, reducing symptoms and preventing complications down the line.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Regular testing for Hepatitis B antibodies helps determine the strength of your immune response and allows for early intervention if needed, protecting your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Proctitis: Managing proctitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent potential complications such as chronic inflammation, bleeding, or infections.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Managing your weight and avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure are key preventative measures against developing or worsening a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, safeguarding your digestive health.
• Mesenteric Artery Ischemia: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and heart disease can significantly reduce your risk of developing mesenteric artery ischemia and protect your digestive system.
• Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer: Pancreatic islet cell cancer, a rare type of pancreatic cancer, is best addressed through early detection via regular health screenings, potentially reducing severity and improving outcomes.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Barbara APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Excision of Anal Tags: Taking proactive steps to remove anal tags can improve comfort and prevent further complications like irritation or infection.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Balloon Assisted Deep Enteroscopy: As a preventative measure, balloon-assisted deep enteroscopy helps detect problems in the small intestine that may otherwise go unnoticed, contributing to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.
• Foreign Body Removal: Don't let a swallowed item compromise your digestive well-being. Foreign body removal is a critical intervention for early resolution, preventing serious complications.
• Liver Procedure: Protecting your liver health starts with a liver procedure that screens for underlying diseases, allowing for early diagnosis and preventing further damage.
• Intestinal Biopsy: As a preventative measure for digestive health, an intestinal biopsy helps doctors identify and treat issues like infection or inflammation in your intestines early on.
• Endoscopic Pseudocyst Drainage: This minimally invasive procedure helps drain problematic cysts in your abdomen, reducing the risk of serious complications and improving your quality of life.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Barbara APRN is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By attending regular checkups and understanding potential symptoms, a patient proactively managed their digestive health, reducing the risk of a lower esophageal ulcer and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.
• By understanding their body's response to lactose and making dietary adjustments, a patient minimized digestive discomfort and enjoyed a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By scheduling regular Hepatitis B antibody screenings, a patient proactively monitored their immune response, ensuring early intervention if needed and maintaining a healthy digestive system. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, allowing them to confidently enjoy a long, healthy life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Barbara APRN:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Barbara APRN and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Barbara APRN will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Barbara APRN can help diagnose this issue.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows us to see areas not easily reached with traditional scopes.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical damage.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be a concern, but modern prep solutions are much more comfortable than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and identifying and removing polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Barbara APRN for a thorough evaluation.

Lakeland Regional Health Pablo Campus
130 Pablo St
Lakeland FL 33803
Phone: (863) 284-5000

Barbara Finney, APRN 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): 1184672586

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Barbara APRN are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.