Dr. Roberto Fernandez, MD

Dr. Roberto Fernandez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Hialeah, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Fernandez's expertise extends to personalized plans for prevention, 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. 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.

Dr. Roberto Fernandez, MD is a gastroenterologist in Hialeah, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University Catolica Madre y Maestra, Santiago in 1981, completing an internship at Wayne State University Affil Hosps (1982) and subsequent residency training in Gastroenterology at the same institution (1984). He further specialized with fellowship training in Yale University Affil Prog (1986). With over 40 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. He serves All ages. While Dr. Fernandez is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (305) 822-1590 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. He offers consultations in French.

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

• Gastroparesis: Early diagnosis of gastroparesis is key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining a good quality of life by allowing for proactive management strategies.
• Acute Gastritis: Preventative care for acute gastritis focuses on identifying and addressing potential causes such as frequent use of pain relievers or unhealthy dietary habits, ensuring swift treatment and preventing recurrence.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices, such as managing stress and avoiding NSAIDs, are crucial for preventing duodenal ulcers and maintaining digestive health.
• Enteritis: Early detection of enteritis through recognizing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain allows for prompt treatment, preventing severe dehydration and complications.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis – early detection and management can prevent serious complications and improve your long-term well-being.
• Abdominal Pain: Managing abdominal pain effectively prevents it from becoming a chronic problem that impacts your overall health and well-being.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Understanding your family history and lifestyle factors can help identify your risk for developing benign digestive neoplasms and allow for proactive health management.
• Colorectal Polyp: Early detection of colorectal polyps through colonoscopies allows for their removal before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis, caused by reduced blood supply to the colon, underscores the need for proactive health management to prevent severe intestinal complications and maintain overall digestive well-being.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are vital for digestive well-being; preventing constipation proactively safeguards your overall 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. Roberto Fernandez offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing 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.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• 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. Roberto Fernandez 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 their gastroparesis risk factors and working with a specialist, a patient proactively managed their symptoms, preventing long-term complications and maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.
• By identifying and modifying dietary habits that contributed to their gastritis, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future flare-ups, gaining confidence in managing their digestive health proactively.
• By following a proactive health plan, including stress management and NSAID avoidance, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a duodenal ulcer, ensuring a healthier future.

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. Roberto Fernandez:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Fernandez 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, 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. Roberto Fernandez will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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 it is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps, preventing the development of cancer.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and optimize 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.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients find the preparation for a colonoscopy a bit challenging, modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough examination, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day prep is a small investment for long-term peace of mind.

135 W 49th St
Hialeah FL 33012
Phone: (305) 822-1590

Dr. Roberto Fernandez, 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): 1275597692

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. Roberto Fernandez 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.