Dr. Stefania Vernace, MD

Dr. Stefania Vernace, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her Miami, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. She 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. She serves all ages. Dr. Vernace is currently not accepting new patients, but you can call (305) 666-1333 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. I am currently not seeing patients. I have no open appointments. When I do return the appointments will initially be by telemedicine only. My return to work date is unknown at this time. I do not see patients for second opinions. My main focus is now Irritable Bowel Syndrome and internal hemorrhoids.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Vernace brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai in 1998, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital (2001), and fellowship training in New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center (2004), further specializing her expertise. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Vernace is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stefania Vernace provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Practicing good hand hygiene and being mindful of food safety significantly reduces your risk of infectious diarrhea, maintaining the overall health of your digestive tract.
• Stomach Cancer: Regular screenings and proactive health management can aid in the early detection of stomach cancer, enabling timely intervention and potentially life-saving treatment.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or H. pylori infection is crucial in preventing intestinal ulcers and ensuring a healthy digestive system.
• Cholecystitis and Gallstones: Regular checkups and awareness of risk factors like obesity and high cholesterol can help detect gallstones and cholecystitis early, preventing serious complications like infections or surgery.
• Gastritis: Managing gastritis effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps prevent chronic inflammation and potential long-term damage to your stomach.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a dropped stomach, can sometimes lead to digestive issues, so maintaining a healthy weight and strong core muscles through preventive measures can help reduce your risk and prevent complications.
• Colon Disorders: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial steps in preventing the development of many colon disorders and improving digestive health
• Viral Enteritis: Protecting your digestive system from viral enteritis involves diligent handwashing and safe food preparation, preventing unpleasant symptoms and potential complications.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as constipation or pregnancy, allows for proactive measures to prevent their occurrence or manage existing symptoms.
• Constipation: Addressing constipation promptly can prevent discomfort and potentially reduce your risk of other digestive issues.
• Rectal Ulcer: A rectal ulcer is a sore in the rectum that, if left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection, highlighting the importance of regular colorectal screenings for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Diverticulosis: Diverticulosis, small pouches that can form in your digestive tract, is often preventable through a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, helping you avoid painful complications later.

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

• Endoscopic Polypectomy: Taking charge of your digestive health, endoscopic polypectomy allows for the early detection and removal of abnormal growths in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy: As part of your commitment to preventative health, consider capsule endoscopy: a convenient, non-invasive procedure to visualize your small bowel, potentially identifying and treating problems before they escalate.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: Taking charge of your colon health, a colonoscopy with polypectomy allows for the early detection and removal of polyps, reducing your risk of developing 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. Stefania Vernace 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 consistently practicing meticulous handwashing and prioritizing safe food handling, a family significantly reduced their risk of experiencing infectious diarrhea, enjoying a much healthier digestive system.
• By diligently following a personalized screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of stomach cancer, gaining peace of mind and proactive control over their health.
• By addressing underlying conditions like H. pylori infection, a patient proactively reduced their risk of intestinal ulcers, gaining 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. She 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. Stefania Vernace:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Vernace and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Vernace will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and this one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Vernace can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Vernace can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms such as 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. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

7500 SW 87th Ave Ste 200
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 666-1333

Dr. Stefania Vernace, 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): 1962487843

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. Stefania Vernace 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.