Dr. Rafael Cortes, MD

Dr. Rafael Cortes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Saint Augustine, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. 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 (904) 829-9557 to schedule.

Dr. Cortes, a board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine specialist, brings over 10 years of dedicated experience to his practice. Rafael A. Cortés, MD has a deep understanding of gastrointestinal illnesses and how to help patients cope with them. His passion for the treatment of liver diseases is evident, as he completed additional fellowship training in hepatology. He is fluent in English, Italian and Spanish. His education includes a medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine, an internship at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and residency and fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and the University of Miami, respectively. At Borland-Groover Clinic, you can be assured of receiving the highest quality digestive health care delivered in a caring environment, specializing in gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Cortes is fluent in Italian and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Gastroptosis: Preventive measures like regular exercise and a balanced diet may help strengthen abdominal muscles, potentially reducing the likelihood or severity of gastroptosis and associated symptoms.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: Experiencing difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn could be signs of a hiatal hernia with obstruction, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to prevent severe digestive problems.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your body's response to lactose allows for proactive management, reducing symptoms and preventing complications down the line.
• 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.
• 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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for IBS and adopting proactive strategies, such as dietary adjustments and stress management, can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Stomach and Small Intestine Cancer: Protecting your stomach and small intestine from cancer starts with regular checkups and understanding your risk factors, enabling early detection and treatment.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer often presents with subtle symptoms initially. Regular checkups and screenings enable early diagnosis, allowing for less invasive treatments and improved chances of a full recovery.
• Cholecystitis and Gallstones: Regular checkups and awareness of risk factors like obesity and high cholesterol can help detect gallstones and cholecystitis early, preventing serious complications like infections or surgery.
• Cachexia: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing underlying health conditions promptly can reduce your risk of developing cachexia, a serious condition that weakens the body and can be prevented through diligent health management.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Non-neonatal jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, can signal underlying liver or gallbladder issues, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.

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

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Excision of Stomach Tumor: As a proactive measure for digestive health, the excision of a stomach tumor is a critical procedure for identifying and treating stomach abnormalities.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test can help detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.

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. Rafael Cortes 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 following a personalized plan of regular exercise and a balanced diet, a patient strengthened their abdominal muscles, significantly reducing the risk of gastroptosis and its related discomfort. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By understanding the early warning signs of hiatal hernia with obstruction and following a proactive management plan, a patient was able to effectively prevent more serious digestive issues and maintain a comfortable quality of life.
• By understanding their body's response to lactose and making dietary adjustments, a family experienced fewer digestive issues and enjoyed more enjoyable meals without the discomfort of lactose intolerance.

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. Rafael Cortes:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is highly trained in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Cortes will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity shares some symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet. Dr. Cortes can accurately diagnose and guide you through the process.

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 disease or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for 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.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

40 Groover Loop Ste 200
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 829-9557

Dr. Rafael Cortes, 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): 1770729816

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. Rafael Cortes 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.