Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio, MD

Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Hialeah, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he understands that your OB/GYN is your primary partner in preventive health, collaborating with you to create a long-term wellness plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage your overall health, ensuring you thrive for years to come. He serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

Dr. Garcia-Ocasio is an obstetrician gynecologist in Hialeah, FL affiliated with HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and Memorial Hospital West. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Garcia-Ocasio is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Please call (305) 512-4858 to schedule your consultation. Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chlamydia Infections: Protecting your reproductive health starts with awareness; getting tested for chlamydia helps identify and manage this infection before it causes infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ovarian Cancer: Taking proactive steps to understand and manage your risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as genetic testing, empowers you to make informed choices and improve your long-term health.
• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Managing your blood sugar levels before conception significantly lowers your risk of pregnancy-related complications associated with pre-gestational diabetes.
• Perimenopause: Managing perimenopausal symptoms effectively, such as through lifestyle changes or hormone therapy, can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent potential long-term health complications.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Understanding your risk factors for genitourinary infections during pregnancy empowers you to take proactive steps for a healthier pregnancy.
• Yeast Infections: Early detection of yeast infections is key to preventing recurrent infections and ensuring quick relief from symptoms, keeping you comfortable and healthy.
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the baby is smaller than expected for their gestational age, and proactive management helps reduce potential long-term health issues for the child.
• Pelvic Abscess: A pelvic abscess is a serious infection that can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, addressing infections quickly, and attending regular wellness visits with your OB/GYN.
• Ovarian Cysts: Taking a proactive approach to your reproductive health, which includes discussing any concerning symptoms with your doctor, is key in preventing cyst-related complications.
• Hemorrhage from Placenta Previa: Regular prenatal checkups help detect placenta previa early, allowing for careful management and reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Protecting yourself from STDs through safe sex practices and regular screenings can safeguard your reproductive health.
• Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis, a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscle layer, can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment, preventing severe pain and improving quality of life, emphasizing the need for proactive healthcare.

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

• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Prevent complications associated with menopause by undergoing a thorough evaluation, which helps to uncover potential risks and manage them effectively.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Breast cancer screenings are a vital tool for early detection, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• STD Screening: STD screenings are a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your sexual and overall health. Early diagnosis through testing allows for effective treatment and helps prevent the spread of infection.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: An obstetric ultrasound is a crucial tool in ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby, offering valuable insights into your baby's health and development from the earliest stages.
• C-Section: While aiming for a vaginal delivery, knowing about C-sections as a safe alternative ensures you're equipped to navigate unexpected challenges during labor.
• Myomectomy: A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids from your uterus, helping to alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain, and potentially preserving your fertility.
• Salpingectomy: A salpingectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your fallopian tubes, a proactive step to significantly reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy and certain types of ovarian cancer.
• Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect abnormal cervical cells, allowing for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.
• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): A preventative measure, this procedure targets and removes areas of abnormal cells on your cervix to avoid future health complications.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: Proactively manage your family planning by choosing IUD placement, a convenient and reliable form of contraception that can last for years.
• Tubal Ligation: Taking control of your family planning journey, tubal ligation is a surgical procedure to permanently block the fallopian tubes.
• Endocervical Curettage: As part of your preventive health plan, an endocervical curettage may be recommended to help your doctor accurately diagnose and treat any abnormalities found on your cervix.

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 Obstetrics and Gynecology in Florida.

Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio is dedicated to partnering with women and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Woman's life:

• By proactively getting tested for chlamydia, a patient identified the infection early, avoiding potential complications like infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease and gaining peace of mind about their reproductive health.
• By undergoing genetic testing and discussing proactive strategies with their healthcare provider, a patient gained a clearer understanding of their ovarian cancer risk factors, leading to peace of mind and empowered decision-making.

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 Obstetrics and Gynecology care with Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio?

Your first visit with Dr. Garcia-Ocasio will be a collaborative partnership-building session. We will review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a personalized plan for future screenings. This is a safe and confidential space to ask any questions you may have.

How often do I need a Pap smear and HPV test?

Guidelines for Pap smears and HPV tests vary based on age and risk factors. Dr. Garcia-Ocasio follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized schedule for you to ensure early detection of any potential cervical changes.

What kind of topics should I bring up during my annual wellness exam?

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss any concerns you have, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. No question is off-limits; we are here to help you feel informed and empowered.

I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. What does that mean for me?

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is important. It might mean you need to start screenings earlier or consider genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Garcia-Ocasio can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

I'm experiencing leakage of urine when I cough or exercise. Is this normal?

Experiencing urine leakage with coughing or exercise is very common, especially after childbirth, and is called stress incontinence. It's not something you have to live with; Dr. Garcia-Ocasio can offer many effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Garcia-Ocasio offers a variety of safe and effective birth control options, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, and non-hormonal choices. The best method is a personal decision, and we will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the ideal fit for you.

How do I perform a breast self-exam, and how often should I do it?

The goal of a breast self-exam is to become familiar with your breasts and what's normal for you. Perform a self-exam monthly to notice any changes, such as new lumps or skin changes. This is an important supplement to clinical exams by Dr. Garcia-Ocasio and mammograms.

What are uterine fibroids and should I be concerned?

Uterine fibroids are very common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They are often asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause heavy bleeding or pain. Dr. Garcia-Ocasio can help monitor them and discuss treatment options if they become problematic.

2300 W 84th St Ste 500
Hialeah FL 33016
Phone: (305) 512-4858

Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio, 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): 1356775530

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. Obstetrics and Gynecology like Dr. Rafael Garcia-Ocasio 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 obstetrics and gynecology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.