Dr. Ramon Colina, MD

Dr. Ramon Colina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, 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 (321) 549-0573 to schedule.

Dr. Ramon Colina, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His extensive experience includes Esophageal Disorders. He earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 1990 and completed an internship at San Juan Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Va Hospital in 1991. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. Dr. Colina is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Holmes Regional Medical Center and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Colina offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Esophageal Cancer: Managing symptoms like persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing can help identify esophageal problems early, potentially preventing cancer development.
• Rectal Ulcer: Managing risk factors such as constipation, inflammation, or radiation exposure can help prevent the formation of rectal ulcers and maintain the health of your lower digestive tract.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system involves being aware of gastrojejunal ulcers; lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent their formation and reduce the risk of severe complications.
• Hiatal Hernia: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn can help prevent or lessen the severity of hiatal hernias and related complications like esophageal damage.
• Acute Gastritis: Early detection and management of acute gastritis are vital because it can lead to more serious digestive problems if left untreated; prompt medical attention and lifestyle changes are key.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis is often silent, but managing risk factors like low fiber intake can help prevent future pain and discomfort, making preventive care essential for long-term digestive health.
• Gastritis: Managing gastritis effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps prevent chronic inflammation and potential long-term damage to your stomach.
• Stomach Stenosis: Early diagnosis and treatment of stomach problems can prevent the development of stomach stenosis and its debilitating consequences, highlighting the importance of 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. Ramon Colina 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Taking proactive steps with gastroenterology procedures can help prevent serious digestive issues by identifying and addressing problems like colon cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease before they worsen.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal 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. Ramon Colina 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 managing potential risk factors, a patient felt empowered to proactively prevent Hepatitis C, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By diligently following a personalized care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cirrhosis, gaining peace of mind and proactive control over their health. This approach allowed them to confidently navigate the future with a healthier lifestyle.
• By addressing persistent heartburn and swallowing difficulties, a patient proactively managed potential esophageal issues, significantly reducing their risk of developing cancer. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their health.

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. Ramon Colina:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is 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 performing 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. Colina will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of 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 through a combination of advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring. This long-term approach helps prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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 within the digestive tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that produces symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same degree of inflammation or structural damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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. Dr. Colina can help diagnose this issue.

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

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramon Colina for a thorough evaluation.

1223 Gateway Dr Ste 2B
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 549-0573

Dr. Ramon Colina, 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): 1871511386

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. Ramon Colina 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.