Dr. Patricia Garcia, MD

Dr. Patricia Garcia, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Hollywood, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to helping you 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 serves all ages and welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Please call (954) 451-5932 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Patricia Garcia, MD is a gastroenterologist in Hollywood, FL, affiliated with Memorial Hospital West. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School Of Medicine and 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. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is deeply committed to preventive care and proactive management of digestive health conditions, ensuring you receive the best possible care throughout your journey. Dr. Patricia Garcia provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Alcohol-related liver damage can be serious, but by adopting a preventative approach that includes lifestyle modifications and screenings, you can minimize the risks and protect your liver and digestive well-being.
• Sarcoidosis: Managing sarcoidosis effectively, especially if it involves the liver or digestive tract, helps protect against further complications and maintain overall digestive health.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Gallstones: Understanding your family history and risk factors for gallstones allows for proactive lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring, significantly decreasing your chances of developing this condition.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Regular liver function tests and discussions with your healthcare provider are critical steps in preventing alcoholic cirrhosis and managing its progression if diagnosed.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• Ileus: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage risk factors for ileus, thus preventing future health issues.
• Gastritis: Managing gastritis effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps prevent chronic inflammation and potential long-term damage to your stomach.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome highlights the importance of proactive liver health; regular monitoring and treatment can help avoid this severe complication.

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

• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• Interventional Endoscopy: Interventional endoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize and treat problems in your digestive system, helping prevent complications and ensuring better health outcomes.
• Anorectal Procedure: An anorectal procedure can help detect and treat problems in your rectum and anus early, preventing more serious complications down the line.

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. Patricia 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 attending regular checkups and following a tailored prevention plan, a patient proactively managed potential hemorrhoid issues, reducing the risk of discomfort and future complications. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.
• By adopting a high-fiber diet and following a personalized preventative plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of intestinal diverticulosis complications, achieving peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By attending regular screenings and modifying their alcohol consumption, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing alcohol-related liver damage, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Patricia Garcia:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Garcia 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 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. Patricia Garcia will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

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

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, combined with nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. This is a long-term commitment, and we work closely with you to manage your condition effectively.

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, and Dr. Patricia Garcia can help diagnose this issue.

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

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows for a detailed view of the small intestine, an area hard to reach with traditional scopes.

7369 Sheridan St Ste 300
Hollywood FL 33024
Phone: (954) 451-5932

Dr. Patricia 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): 1912361155

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. Patricia 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.