Dr. Richard Hernandez, MD

Dr. Richard Hernandez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Miami, FL. 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 (305) 274-0808 to schedule.

Dr. Richard Hernandez, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a comprehensive understanding of Gastrointestinal health to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Ross University School Of Medicine in 1980, followed by an internship at Charity Hospital in 1981, and residency training in Gastroenterology at Charity Hospital in 1983. Further specializing his practice, he pursued fellowship training in Charity Hosp/Tulane in 1987. 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. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Doctors Hospital and HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Hernandez provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Viral Enteritis: Protecting your digestive system from viral enteritis involves diligent handwashing and safe food preparation, preventing unpleasant symptoms and potential complications.
• Viral Hepatitis: Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles significantly reduces your risk of contracting viral hepatitis, safeguarding your digestive system's overall health.
• Esophageal Diseases: Taking steps to prevent esophageal diseases, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive alcohol, contributes to a healthier digestive system overall.
• Proctoptosis: Preventing complications from proctoptosis involves maintaining good bowel habits and seeking medical attention if you experience rectal prolapse symptoms, reducing the risk of severe issues and the need for surgery.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively is crucial for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, both essential for overall digestive health and preventing future problems.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.
• Peptic Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system includes being aware of peptic ulcers, which can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medication if needed, reducing the risk of severe health problems.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Intestinal malabsorption of carbohydrates means your body isn't properly absorbing sugars from food, which can lead to long-term health problems if left unmanaged, so early detection is crucial.
• Duodenal Cancer: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco, may reduce your risk of developing duodenal cancer, a cancer that affects the first part of the small intestine, making early detection all the more crucial.
• Vascular Insufficiency of Intestines: Protecting your intestinal health includes addressing vascular insufficiency, a condition where your intestines don't receive enough blood; early detection through regular check-ups is key to mitigating its impact.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Managing risk factors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and unhealthy diets can significantly reduce your chances of developing upper digestive tract cancers, promoting long-term digestive health.
• Dysentery: Managing dysentery effectively involves practicing good hygiene and seeking medical care immediately, minimizing its impact on your overall digestive health.

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

• 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.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• 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.

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 Hernandez 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 diligently practicing hand hygiene and safe food handling, a family successfully prevented the unpleasant symptoms of viral enteritis, enjoying a worry-free summer vacation.
• By practicing safe sex and avoiding shared needles, a patient significantly reduced their risk of viral hepatitis, ensuring a healthier digestive system. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to maintain optimal health.
• By making mindful dietary choices and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient proactively reduced their risk factors for esophageal diseases, leading to greater peace of mind about their digestive 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. Richard Hernandez:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Hernandez is a gastroenterologist, 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 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Hernandez will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a more serious condition like GERD. Dr. Hernandez can diagnose the cause and create a tailored treatment plan.

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. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, as it's a serious condition requiring medical diagnosis. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

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.

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

Some 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 contact Dr. Richard Hernandez for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

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 conditions such as heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

7765 SW 87th Ave Ste 105
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 274-0808

Dr. Richard Hernandez, 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): 1235104167

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 Hernandez 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.