Dr. Nelson Garcia, MD

Dr. Nelson Garcia, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 596-9966 to schedule.

Dr. Nelson Garcia, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Garcia has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1996, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Georgetown University (1999) and fellowship training in Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (2003), further specializing his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Garcia provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Understanding and addressing risk factors such as bulimia or chronic alcoholism can significantly reduce your chances of developing Mallory-Weiss syndrome, demonstrating the critical role of preventive healthcare in digestive health.
• Constipation: Addressing constipation promptly can prevent discomfort and potentially reduce your risk of other digestive issues.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Having Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia means your esophagus cells have abnormal changes, making you more prone to cancer; proactive management through regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce this risk.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.
• Intestinal Ulcer: An intestinal ulcer is a sore on the lining of your intestines, and while often treatable, preventing them through healthy lifestyle choices like balanced nutrition and stress management is key to avoiding complications.
• Helicobacter Pylori Gastrointestinal Tract Infection: Preventative healthcare includes testing for Helicobacter pylori, as its presence increases the risk of peptic ulcers and even stomach cancer; early intervention safeguards your digestive health.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Early detection of upper digestive tract cancers through endoscopy and other screenings allows for prompt treatment, minimizing the likelihood of complications and improving the chances of successful outcomes.
• Gastroparesis: Early diagnosis of gastroparesis is key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining a good quality of life by allowing for proactive management strategies.
• Megacolon: Megacolon, a condition where the colon becomes abnormally enlarged, can lead to serious complications if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and screenings for early detection and preventive management.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious liver disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver, making early detection crucial for preventing long-term liver damage.
• 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.
• Proctoptosis: Managing underlying conditions like chronic constipation can help prevent proctoptosis by supporting the health of the rectum and reducing the strain on the muscles and tissues.

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

• 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.
• Biliary Drainage: Protecting your liver and preventing complications from bile duct issues begins with understanding and monitoring your biliary drainage.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): For individuals facing difficulty eating or swallowing, a PEG tube proactively helps maintain their nutritional status and overall well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• Small Bowel Enteroscopy: Ensure the health of your entire digestive system by undergoing small bowel enteroscopy; this advanced procedure can identify hidden problems in your small intestine, leading to timely intervention and better outcomes.
• 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.
• Esophageal Manometry: For a comprehensive evaluation of your esophageal health, esophageal manometry helps assess the muscle function of your esophagus, helping to prevent or manage conditions such as achalasia.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into 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. Nelson Garcia 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 and addressing potential risk factors like alcohol use, a patient proactively reduced their likelihood of developing Mallory-Weiss syndrome, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By understanding their unique digestive needs and adopting helpful lifestyle changes, a patient successfully prevented uncomfortable constipation, gaining greater peace of mind in their daily life.
• By adhering to a proactive screening and lifestyle plan, a patient successfully managed Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia, significantly reducing their risk of developing cancer and gaining peace of mind.

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. Nelson Garcia:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Nelson Garcia and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to care for the health of your entire digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat digestive 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Nelson Garcia will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Nelson Garcia can help you 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 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. This allows Dr. Garcia to identify potential issues that may be missed by other methods.

What is Celiac Disease?

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

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 critical for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

8950 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 596-9966

Dr. Nelson Garcia, 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): 1598734055

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. Nelson Garcia 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.