Dr. Barry Mills, MD

Dr. Barry Mills, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Tavernier, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond simply treating existing conditions; your gastroenterologist 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. He serves all ages. Currently, Dr. Mills is not accepting new patients, but you can call (305) 852-9400 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Barry Mills, MD is a gastroenterologist in Tavernier, FL, affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami and Lower Keys Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO. This extensive training, encompassing comprehensive medical care for all ages, culminated in his Board Certification in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Mills' approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing personalized care and comprehensive digestive health solutions. Dr. Barry Mills provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Barry Mills 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. Barry Mills 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. Barry Mills 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:

• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Achalasia and cardiospasm can be managed with appropriate treatment, helping you prevent weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and potentially life-threatening complications arising from swallowing difficulties.
• Colorectal Polyp: Managing colorectal polyps effectively involves regular screenings and, if necessary, polyp removal procedures, preventing potential complications like colorectal cancer.
• Lactose Intolerance: By recognizing and managing lactose intolerance, you can prevent potential nutritional deficiencies and improve your quality of life.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Early detection of a bile duct obstruction is crucial; prompt diagnosis and treatment can often prevent severe complications like jaundice, liver damage, and even infections.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Regular health monitoring, especially if you drink heavily, can help identify alcoholic gastritis early, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the chance of severe issues.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue, so addressing it early through preventative check-ups helps avoid more serious complications.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Protecting your upper digestive system involves understanding your risk for cancer and taking proactive steps, such as following a healthy lifestyle, which will help you prevent future issues.
• Hemorrhoids: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common yet often preventable anorectal condition.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.

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. Barry Mills offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.

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. Barry Mills 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 understanding and addressing potential triggers like frequent vomiting, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing esophagitis, gaining confidence in their digestive health.
• By following a proactive treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm, preventing potential nutritional deficiencies and ensuring a better quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy weight and avoid serious complications.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient significantly reduced their risk of colorectal polyps, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Barry Mills:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Mills and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and we also perform 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Mills will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Mills can help you identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, identifying and removing polyps. This one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

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. Barry Mills can help diagnose this issue.

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

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

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result still requires a colonoscopy for thorough evaluation and removal of any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

91550 Overseas Hwy Ste 205
Tavernier FL 33070
Phone: (305) 852-9400

Dr. Barry Mills, MD 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): 1285617662

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. Barry Mills 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.