Dr. Francisco Ruiz, MD

Dr. Francisco Ruiz, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring the highest standards of care. 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 752-1630 to schedule.

Dr. Francisco Ruiz, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine in 1992 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Ruiz has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders. He is affiliated with Melbourne Regional Medical Center and Sebastian River Medical Center, and is accepting new patients. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Francisco Ruiz provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Anomaly Esophagus: Congenital esophageal anomalies are birth defects affecting the esophagus, and early diagnosis through prenatal screening or newborn examinations is crucial for timely intervention and preventing life-threatening complications.
• Hemochromatosis: Early diagnosis of hemochromatosis through genetic testing and bloodwork is crucial for preventing long-term organ damage and improving overall health outcomes.
• Intestinal Fistula: An intestinal fistula is an abnormal connection between parts of your intestine, and preventing complications like infection and malnutrition requires prompt medical attention and appropriate management.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Regular health screenings and responsible alcohol consumption are crucial steps in preventing alcoholic fatty liver disease and maintaining the health of your entire digestive system.
• Nausea: Preventative strategies for digestive health include recognizing that recurrent nausea can signal a serious condition and seeking timely medical evaluation.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition early on can help your body better absorb nutrients, reducing your risk of digestive problems and boosting your immune response.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that can form in your esophagus, and while often harmless, early detection through regular checkups helps prevent complications like infection or difficulty swallowing.
• Mesenteric Panniculitis: Regular abdominal imaging, particularly if you experience persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, can help detect mesenteric panniculitis early, allowing for timely intervention and potentially preventing long-term health issues.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Diffuse esophageal spasm is a condition causing painful chest pain and difficulty swallowing, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Acute Gastritis: Early detection and management of acute gastritis are vital because it can lead to more serious digestive problems if left untreated; prompt medical attention and lifestyle changes are key.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome highlights the importance of proactive liver health; regular monitoring and treatment can help avoid this severe complication.
• Congenital Achalasia: Since congenital achalasia affects the esophageal muscle's ability to relax, proactively identifying this condition in infants allows for early treatment, reducing the likelihood of severe health complications down the line.

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

• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Taking proactive steps to remove fecal impaction helps maintain a healthy digestive system and avoids potential long-term health problems.

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. Francisco Ruiz 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early newborn screenings identified a congenital esophageal anomaly, allowing for prompt intervention and minimizing potential complications. This proactive approach ensured a positive outcome and peace of mind for the family.
• By proactively undergoing genetic testing and regular bloodwork, a patient identified potential hemochromatosis early, significantly reducing their risk of future organ damage and ensuring a healthier future.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced the chances of developing an intestinal fistula, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health management.

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. Francisco Ruiz:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Ruiz and our team are gastroenterologists, specializing 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 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. Ruiz will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much gentler than before. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, which is key for finding and removing polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Ruiz can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small pill-sized camera, which takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

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 visible inflammation or damage.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to find issues like heartburn, ulcers, or trouble swallowing.

240 N Wickham Rd Ste 309
Melbourne FL 32935
Phone: (321) 752-1630

Dr. Francisco Ruiz, 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): 1861430134

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. Francisco Ruiz 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.