Dr. Javier Parra, MD

Dr. Javier Parra, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at Gastro Health in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Parra is committed to helping you maintain optimal digestive health throughout your life. 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 embark on this proactive health journey. Call (786) 596-1960 to schedule.

Dr. Javier Parra, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL, with extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami and South Miami Hospital, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Parra earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional De Colom??, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Albert Einstein College Of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Parra's approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and patient-centered, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Javier Parra provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: Preventing complications from a hiatal hernia, where your stomach pushes into your chest and blocks food, requires proactive healthcare; regular checkups can help detect this condition early and prevent further issues.
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be prevented through vaccination, protecting you from long-term liver damage and cancer.
• Peptic Ulcer: Managing a peptic ulcer effectively means reducing its impact on your overall digestive health and avoiding potentially life-threatening complications through appropriate treatment and monitoring.
• Proctoptosis: Proctoptosis, or rectal prolapse, is a condition where part of the rectum protrudes from the anus, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent complications like infections and bowel dysfunction.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis, caused by reduced blood supply to the colon, underscores the need for proactive health management to prevent severe intestinal complications and maintain overall digestive well-being.
• Lactose Intolerance: Prevent uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas by identifying and addressing your lactose intolerance, improving your digestive comfort.
• Rectal Ulcer: Preventing rectal ulcers involves maintaining good bowel habits and addressing any underlying conditions promptly, as early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications like infection or chronic pain.
• Ulcer: Preventing ulcers, and the serious health problems they can cause, relies on a combination of healthy habits and medical intervention when needed, emphasizing the role of preventive care in safeguarding your digestive well-being.
• Vomiting Disorders: Understanding and addressing vomiting can prevent serious dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, keeping your entire digestive system healthy.
• Hepatitis C: Regular testing for Hepatitis C can help identify the virus early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious liver complications down the line.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive health.
• Mesenteric Panniculitis: Though the exact cause isn't known, managing underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, both risk factors for mesenteric panniculitis, can be key in preventing its development or reducing its severity.

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

• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Fecal impaction removal ensures proper bowel function and may prevent future issues like bowel obstruction.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Gastroenterology procedures encompass a range of tests and treatments that help detect digestive problems early, allowing for prompt intervention and better health outcomes.
• Endoscopic Billiary Stone Removal: Endoscopic biliary stone removal is a procedure that proactively addresses gallstones lodged in the bile ducts, preventing serious complications like infections and liver damage.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your 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. Javier Parra 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 following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully mitigated the risk of complications from a hiatal hernia, ensuring continued comfort and well-being.
• By proactively getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, a patient ensured their long-term liver health and reduced their risk of serious complications.
• By following a personalized plan for managing their digestive health, a patient significantly reduced the risk of peptic ulcer complications, achieving peace of mind and improved overall well-being.

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. Javier Parra:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Parra is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Parra will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Javier Parra for a thorough evaluation.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive procedure used to examine the small intestine. A small camera, about the size of a pill, is swallowed, and it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows us to view the small intestine, an area that is difficult to reach with traditional scopes.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

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

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Parra 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.

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.

Gastro Health
8900 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 596-1960

Dr. Javier Parra, 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): 1194764399

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. Javier Parra 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.