Dr. Gabriella Raffa, MD

Dr. Gabriella Raffa, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL. She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves all ages and patients should call (305) 243-8644 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Gabriella Raffa, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities Jackson Memorial Hospital and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She earned her medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Raffa provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: Regular health screenings and conscious alcohol consumption are vital strategies to prevent alcoholic hepatic failure, a serious and potentially fatal consequence of excessive drinking.
• 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.
• Ascites: Ascites, or fluid buildup in your abdomen, can be a serious sign of underlying liver disease, so regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall digestive health.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be prevented through a healthy diet high in fiber and regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Gastritis: Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, can be prevented by managing stress, avoiding excessive alcohol, and making healthy food choices to protect your digestive system's lining.
• Gallstones: Early detection of gallstones is crucial as they can lead to severe pain and even require surgery; proactive lifestyle choices can significantly minimize your risk.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Managing IBD effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent debilitating symptoms and potential complications like colon cancer, underscoring the importance of proactive care.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Esophageal Varices: Early diagnosis of esophageal varices is vital for preventing potentially fatal bleeding episodes. By addressing the underlying liver disease and following your doctor's recommendations, you can reduce the risk of complications.

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

• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• 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.
• Upper GI Series: Taking charge of your digestive health starts with an upper GI series, a simple X-ray procedure that screens for blockages, ulcers, and other abnormalities in your upper digestive tract.
• Jejunostomy Tube Placement: As a proactive approach to managing complex digestive issues, a jejunostomy tube placement provides a reliable way to receive nourishment and treatment, bypassing potential obstructions.

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. Gabriella Raffa 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 prioritizing regular health screenings and moderating alcohol intake, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing alcoholic hepatic failure, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding and managing potential risk factors for Hepatitis C, a patient proactively reduced their chances of infection, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and a balanced diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ascites, gaining 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. 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. Gabriella Raffa:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Raffa is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. She is also an expert in preventive screenings, such as 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. Raffa will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a problem like GERD. This condition, if left untreated, could lead to more serious issues. Dr. Raffa can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

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

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. Dr. Raffa can help diagnose this issue.

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 diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet is a cornerstone of IBS management. Dr. Raffa can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

1475 NW 12th Ave Ste 1201
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-8644

Dr. Gabriella Raffa, 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): 1114458767

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. Gabriella Raffa 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.