Dr. Maria Hernandez, MD

Dr. Maria Hernandez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's committed to helping all ages achieve 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (305) 913-0666 to schedule.

Dr. Maria Hernandez, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Liver Disease. Affiliated with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Dr. Hernandez completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, and further specialized through fellowship training in the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine (2009), deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hernandez is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

Taking a proactive approach to your health journey is essential, and Dr. Hernandez is here to guide you. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, making it easier than ever to partner with her in maintaining your well-being. Schedule a consultation today and begin building a healthier future together.

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

• Indigestion: Understanding your indigestion triggers and adopting preventive strategies, like mindful eating, is key to preventing recurrent discomfort and protecting your digestive system's wellbeing.
• Ileus: Preventing ileus involves proactive measures to avoid potential triggers, including managing opioid use and addressing any underlying digestive problems promptly.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or H. pylori infection is crucial in preventing intestinal ulcers and ensuring a healthy digestive system.
• Esophageal Ulcer: An esophageal ulcer is a sore on the lining of your esophagus that can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and avoiding harmful substances.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Preventative care plays a key role in managing esophageal motility disorders, as early diagnosis and treatment can minimize discomfort and prevent severe complications such as esophageal rupture.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Protecting your liver from alcohol-related damage starts with understanding your risk and making informed choices about alcohol intake to maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Rectal Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist allow for the early detection of rectal ulcers, enabling timely treatment to prevent long-term problems and improve your overall digestive health.
• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in your liver, often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like cirrhosis.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Early recognition and management of symptoms associated with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, such as vomiting blood, are crucial to preventing severe bleeding and further complications, showcasing the value of prompt medical attention.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: While not cancerous, a benign neoplasm in your digestive tract can sometimes interfere with normal function; early detection enables appropriate treatment to minimize disruption.
• Gastroparesis: By proactively addressing gastroparesis symptoms and seeking medical advice, you can help prevent further damage to your digestive system and promote better long-term health.

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

• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Protecting your gut health, a proctosigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer and other potentially serious conditions in your rectum and lower colon.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• 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: This procedure relieves discomfort and complications associated with severe constipation, promoting better gut health.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.

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. Maria Hernandez 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 her indigestion triggers and practicing mindful eating, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of discomfort, achieving lasting digestive health and peace of mind.
• By proactively managing opioid use and addressing digestive issues, a patient reduced their risk of ileus, gaining peace of mind and improved digestive health.
• By actively managing underlying conditions and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of intestinal ulcers, gaining confidence in their digestive 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. Maria Hernandez:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Hernandez and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to care for the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and 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. Hernandez will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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. Maria Hernandez for a thorough evaluation.

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 optimize quality of life.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. These tests may detect potential issues, but a colonoscopy is necessary to confirm findings, remove any polyps, and thoroughly examine the entire colon.

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), in contrast, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the gut.

What is Celiac Disease?

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

9408 SW 87th Ave
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 913-0666

Dr. Maria Hernandez, 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): 1144471608

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. Maria Hernandez 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.