Dr. Richard Hardin, MD

Dr. Richard Hardin, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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 patients should call (904) 389-9294 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Hardin, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Medical University Of South Carolina in 1977. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He 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. Dr. Hardin's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Understanding the risk factors associated with diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, such as smoking and pregnancy, allows for proactive steps to minimize your chances of developing this condition and its associated complications.
• IBS Associated With Giardiasis: Early detection and treatment of Giardia infection can help prevent the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Gallbladder Cancer: Regular health checkups, including abdominal imaging when indicated, can facilitate early detection of gallbladder cancer, enabling prompt treatment and increasing the chances of successful recovery.
• Umbilical Hernia with Gangrene: An umbilical hernia with gangrene is a serious complication where a weakened area in the abdominal wall allows intestines to protrude, becoming infected and dying due to lack of blood supply; early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent severe health consequences.
• Pyloric Stenosis: While often diagnosed in newborns, understanding the risk factors for pyloric stenosis can help ensure early intervention and minimize the need for extensive surgical treatment.
• Esophageal Atresia: While esophageal atresia can't be prevented, early detection through appropriate prenatal care is vital for timely surgical correction and minimizing the potential for long-term respiratory or feeding problems.
• Colon Ulcer: Protecting your colon health is crucial; colon ulcers, while sometimes minor, can be a sign of underlying issues, highlighting the need for preventive screenings and a healthy lifestyle.

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

• Intestinal Biopsy: Taking proactive steps towards digestive health, an intestinal biopsy allows for early diagnosis of abnormalities in your intestinal lining.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Esophagoscopy: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, consider an esophagoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that screens for potential esophageal problems and allows for early intervention.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Anorectal Manometry: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; anorectal manometry is a valuable tool to assess your anorectal function and detect any abnormalities early, potentially avoiding more invasive treatments.
• Gastric Tube Insertion: A gastric tube insertion is a procedure that may be used to help obtain samples for diagnosis of digestive issues, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
• Celiac Plexus Block: For individuals experiencing unrelenting abdominal pain, a celiac plexus block offers targeted pain relief by interrupting nerve signals in your abdomen, improving your quality of life.

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. Richard Hardin 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 the risk factors associated with diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, a patient proactively adjusted their lifestyle, significantly reducing their chances of developing the condition and its potential complications. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their health.
• By addressing a Giardia infection early, a patient reduced their risk of developing IBS, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their digestive health.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular abdominal imaging, a patient was able to detect gallbladder cancer early, enabling prompt treatment and a positive outcome. This early detection significantly improved the patient's long-term health prospects.

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. Richard Hardin:

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. Hardin will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result from these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further investigation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to detect and prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to identify issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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. Hardin can help diagnose this issue.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. In its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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 focuses on preventing flare-ups and improving overall quality of life.

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.

2822 Cherokee Ave
Jacksonville FL 32210
Phone: (904) 389-9294

Dr. Richard Hardin, 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): 1477801884

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. Richard Hardin 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.