Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD

Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Naples, 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.

Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL. He has extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Pancreatic Disease, and Esophageal Disorders, and is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Urbina completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions and further specialized through fellowship training in Veteran Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Urbina is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He offers consultations in Spanish. Call (239) 649-1186 to schedule.

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

• Heartburn: Preventing frequent heartburn is key to protecting your esophagus and overall digestive health; lifestyle changes and early medical attention can significantly reduce your risk of complications.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Managing your alcohol consumption is crucial in preventing alcoholic hepatitis, a condition that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia can be a warning sign of various esophageal or other digestive disorders. Regular screenings and awareness can help detect the condition early, leading to better health outcomes and preventing severe consequences.
• Hepatitis C: Early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C are crucial preventive measures to protect your liver from cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other severe health problems.
• Lactose Intolerance: Prevent uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas by identifying and addressing your lactose intolerance, improving your digestive comfort.
• Ischemic Colitis: Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential in preventing ischemic colitis, as adequate blood flow to your intestines is vital for their proper function and to avoid this condition.
• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis and by addressing any dietary factors that might contribute.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Regular health checkups and screenings can help identify gastrointestinal bleeding early, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Preventing serious complications of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) starts with recognizing its symptoms early; prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage inflammation and improve your quality of life.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Intestinal diverticulitis is a painful condition where pouches in your intestines become inflamed, and preventing it often involves maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated to promote healthy bowel movements.

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

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Anal Cauterization: As a proactive measure to manage hemorrhoids, anal cauterization can seal off small blood vessels, reducing bleeding and pain.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Anoscopy: As part of your routine healthcare, an anoscopy offers a direct visual assessment of your anal canal and rectum, facilitating the early detection and management of any concerning changes.
• Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT): As part of your preventative healthcare routine, consider a hydrogen breath test – a non-invasive way to identify and address potential sources of digestive discomfort and improve overall gut health.
• Biliary Drainage: Supporting healthy biliary drainage helps your liver function properly and prevents issues like gallstones and jaundice.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.

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 Urbina 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 making dietary adjustments and incorporating stress-reducing techniques, a patient significantly reduced their heartburn frequency and improved their overall digestive comfort. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy meals without discomfort and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By consistently reducing alcohol intake and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis, gaining peace of mind about their liver health.
• By attending regular screenings and following a personalized plan, a patient gained valuable insight into their digestive health, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and achieving 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. Rafael Urbina:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Urbina and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and we 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Urbina 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.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Urbina can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly lessen symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

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

What is Celiac Disease?

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

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

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

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

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

1064 Goodlette Rd
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 649-1186

Dr. Rafael Urbina, 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): 1902119845

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 Urbina 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.