Dr. Laura Herrero, MD

Dr. Laura Herrero, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Miami Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to helping you maintain optimal digestive health. 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) 674-2240 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Laura Herrero, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami Beach, FL with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. She is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center and is a highly qualified specialist. Dr. Herrero 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, demonstrating her commitment to evidence-based care and a rigorous standard of practice. She approaches patient care with a collaborative, patient-centered philosophy, empowering you to be an active participant in your long-term health journey. Dr. Laura Herrero provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system involves being aware of gastrojejunal ulcers; lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent their formation and reduce the risk of severe complications.
• Malnutrition: Early detection of malnutrition can prevent serious complications like weakened immunity and digestive issues, ensuring better long-term health.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Don't let gastrointestinal malabsorption impact your health negatively; by understanding its potential causes and being attentive to symptoms, you can engage in preventive measures to protect your digestive system and overall wellbeing.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD's persistent acid reflux can lead to serious complications if left untreated; preventive measures are key to maintaining a healthy esophagus and stomach.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Managing risk factors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and unhealthy diets can significantly reduce your chances of developing upper digestive tract cancers, promoting long-term digestive health.
• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and understanding its risk factors and seeking early treatment can prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Ileus: Early detection of ileus, through awareness of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, is crucial to prevent serious complications like infection or bowel damage.
• Gastric Ulcer: Protecting your stomach health involves early detection of gastric ulcers, which can be achieved through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that, while not preventable, can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and early intervention to minimize its impact on your daily life.
• Colorectal Polyp: Managing colorectal polyps effectively involves regular screenings and, if necessary, polyp removal procedures, preventing potential complications like colorectal cancer.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Protecting your liver involves understanding conditions like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC); early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Preventing gastrointestinal bleeding involves managing risk factors like NSAID use and promptly addressing conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• 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.
• 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: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• 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.

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. Laura Herrero 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 their risk factors and following a proactive care plan, a patient felt empowered to prevent gastrojejunal ulcer formation, reducing the chance of future digestive issues. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind and allowed them to focus on their overall well-being.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a personalized dietary plan, a patient proactively managed their nutritional needs, preventing potential complications and ensuring a healthier future.
• By understanding the potential triggers of gastrointestinal malabsorption and proactively managing their diet, a patient significantly reduced symptoms and improved their overall digestive health. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

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. Laura Herrero:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in preventive screenings like colonoscopies and provide comprehensive care for digestive health.

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. Herrero will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 requires a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, noncancerous growths in the colon. Some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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 characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without the same physical inflammation or damage.

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

Some 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. Laura Herrero for a thorough evaluation.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. The images are then reviewed to diagnose any potential issues.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

4300 Alton Rd Ste 2522
Miami Beach FL 33140
Phone: (305) 674-2240

Dr. Laura Herrero, 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): 1205255783

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. Laura Herrero 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.