Dr. Mari Rivera, MD

Dr. Mari Rivera, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Winter Park, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to providing personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and actively managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. 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.

Dr. Rivera, a board-certified gastroenterologist, serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, and subsequently completed her internship and residency at the University of Miami, demonstrating a dedication to excellence in medical training. Dr. Rivera's commitment to patient-centered care, combined with her extensive experience, ensures a supportive and comprehensive approach to your digestive health needs. She believes in the importance of open communication and collaboration, empowering you to take an active role in your well-being. Dr. Mari Rivera offers consultations in Spanish. Call (754) 255-6465 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Bowel Strangulation: Early detection of conditions that can lead to bowel strangulation, such as hernias, is crucial for preventing serious health risks.
• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can help prevent gallstone formation, thus protecting your gallbladder and liver from potential damage.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Early detection of liver disease is crucial in preventing hepatorenal syndrome, a life-threatening condition affecting both the liver and kidneys.
• Ischemic Colitis: Early detection of ischemic colitis is crucial as it can lead to serious complications; regular check-ups and addressing underlying vascular issues are key preventative steps.
• Hepatitis C: Managing Hepatitis C effectively minimizes the risk of transmission to others and prevents the progression of this chronic liver disease, ensuring better long-term health.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Early detection of a pancreatic pseudocyst, often through regular check-ups if you have risk factors, is crucial for managing potential complications like infection or rupture.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may help reduce your risk of developing gallstones, a common cause of bile duct obstruction, and keep your digestive system functioning properly.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Protecting your stomach from the damaging effects of alcohol is crucial; reducing alcohol intake significantly lowers your risk of developing alcoholic gastritis.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Intestinal malabsorption of carbohydrates means your body isn't properly absorbing sugars from food, which can lead to long-term health problems if left unmanaged, so early detection is crucial.
• Stomach Stenosis: Regular checkups and addressing digestive issues promptly can help prevent the development of stomach stenosis, ensuring the health of your entire digestive system.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, or acid reflux, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication to prevent serious complications like esophageal damage and cancer.

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

• 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: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): To proactively safeguard your liver and pancreas, an ERCP can help diagnose and treat issues within your bile ducts and pancreatic duct system, preventing more significant health problems down the line.
• 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.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.

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. Mari Rivera 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 proactively addressing potential hernia risks through regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced the chances of bowel strangulation, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health.
• By making conscious choices about diet and alcohol intake, a patient proactively managed their cirrhosis, significantly reducing the risk of developing ascites and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered them to live a healthier life.
• By focusing on a healthy diet and weight management, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstones, achieving peace of mind about their gallbladder 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. Mari Rivera:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Rivera 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. They are experts 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. Rivera will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, which Dr. Rivera can help diagnose.

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 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 within the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive system.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity may cause similar symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before making dietary changes. A gluten-free diet should only be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to detect and prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

2005 Mizell Ave Ste 201
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (754) 255-6465

Dr. Mari Rivera, 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): 1154550051

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. Mari Rivera 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.