Dr. Alicia Alvarez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at her clinic in Miami, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Alvarez understands the unique needs and challenges that can arise with age-related digestive conditions. A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care.
Dr. Alicia Alvarez, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL. Dr. Alvarez has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders and is affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami and South Miami Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and her deep commitment to senior care is evident in her extensive training. She earned her medical degree from Autonomous University Of Metropolitana and completed her residency training in Gastroenterology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School Of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65 and over). Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training at Beth Israel Deaceness Medical Center, and Beth Israel Deaceness Medical Center|Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Cleveland Clinic Florida, deepening her expertise. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Alvarez is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She offers consultations in Spanish and can be reached by calling (305) 913-0666 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Alicia Alvarez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Alicia Alvarez is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. She excels at managing complex digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, and liver issues, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach. Dr. Alvarez prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, creating a supportive environment that promotes comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alicia Alvarez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Alicia Alvarez provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Ulcerative Colitis: With ulcerative colitis, the lining of your large intestine becomes inflamed, resulting in bowel issues; however, treatment plans, including medication and dietary changes, aim to control symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance is a common condition, especially in older adults, where the body doesn't produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest dairy. Managing it often involves reducing dairy intake or using lactase enzyme supplements to improve digestion.
- Pylorospasm: Experiencing stomach pain or vomiting? Pylorospasm, a tightening of the stomach's lower muscle, might be the cause, and thankfully, treatment can often ease these symptoms.
- Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Infectious diarrhea is a temporary illness caused by bacteria or viruses, resulting in frequent bowel movements and possible discomfort. Getting the right fluids and possibly medical treatment helps prevent complications and aids a speedy recovery.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Sometimes, the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder is interrupted, causing a bile duct obstruction. This can be uncomfortable but can often be treated with procedures to clear the blockage or bypass the obstruction, allowing you to maintain your daily routines.
- Intestinal Prolapse: Intestinal prolapse happens when part of your intestine slips out of its normal place, sometimes causing discomfort or bowel problems, but with treatment, you can often manage symptoms and maintain your daily activities.
- Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome is a life-threatening complication of advanced liver disease that impacts kidney function. Treatment focuses on supporting kidney function, improving fluid balance and can help manage symptoms, supporting comfort and independence.
- Duodenal Ulcer: A duodenal ulcer is a painful sore in your small intestine, but with your doctor's help and a tailored treatment plan, you can experience relief from symptoms and regain a better quality of life.
- Pouchitis: Experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, or urgency after colon surgery with a pouch? It could be pouchitis, a treatable condition that can be managed with your doctor's help to allow you to enjoy a more comfortable life.
- Dysphagia: Experiencing trouble swallowing? Dysphagia is a condition affecting the ability to move food from your mouth to your stomach, and working with a healthcare professional can help improve your comfort and nutritional intake.
- Stomach Stenosis: If you have stomach stenosis, your stomach opening is narrowed, hindering the passage of food into the small intestine; however, appropriate medical management can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life by ensuring better nutrient absorption.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around the anus and rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding, but thankfully, many treatments can ease discomfort and improve your daily life.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Alicia Alvarez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: Instrumental diagnostic evaluation for dysphagia uses special tests to pinpoint the cause of swallowing difficulties, helping seniors receive targeted treatment and improve their quality of life.
- pH Probe: This small device measures the acidity in your stomach, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues like heartburn and GERD.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Regular colorectal cancer screenings are a vital part of a senior's comprehensive healthcare plan, allowing for early detection and management of potential problems.
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: To ensure your digestive health is in good shape, a proctosigmoidoscopy provides a valuable screening tool for detecting polyps or abnormalities in the rectum and lower colon, contributing to a comprehensive care plan.
- Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure where a tiny sample of liver tissue is taken to help doctors diagnose and manage liver diseases.
- Biliary Drainage: For seniors with gallbladder or liver issues, biliary drainage can help manage symptoms like jaundice and pain by restoring normal bile flow.
- Esophagogastric Fundoplasty: This surgical procedure helps seniors manage severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reshaping the stomach to improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, offering long-term relief from symptoms.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to visualize the digestive tract, helping doctors diagnose and manage conditions like colon cancer or GERD.
- Colon Cancer Screening: As part of your comprehensive senior care, colon cancer screening provides valuable insights into your digestive health, helping to prevent or manage serious conditions.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): This advanced procedure helps seniors with concerns about their gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas by allowing doctors to both diagnose and address underlying issues.
- Gallbladder Scan: If you're experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or indigestion, a gallbladder scan can aid your doctor in creating a comprehensive care plan by identifying the underlying cause in your gallbladder.
- Anoscopy: If you're experiencing rectal symptoms, anoscopy can help pinpoint the cause, supporting better management of your condition and ensuring a more comfortable life.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.
Dr. Alicia Alvarez is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior experienced significant symptom reduction, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of gardening and enjoy meals with family without discomfort.
- After following a personalized dietary plan, a senior couple found that enjoying their favorite ice cream treats was no longer a source of discomfort or digestive distress.
- After experiencing persistent stomach pain, a senior was able to resume enjoying meals with their family, a cherished aspect of their daily life, thanks to the guidance of a gastroenterologist.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Alicia Alvarez:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Alvarez is a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, specializing in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. She diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent digestive diseases to improve comfort and health in older adults.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is crucial for older adults because it's the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is common in seniors. Dr. Alvarez can find and remove small growths called polyps during the procedure, preventing them from developing into cancer. This is a vital proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Alicia Alvarez?
- Your first visit with Dr. Alvarez will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We will review your symptoms, diet, medications, and health history. This thorough evaluation is the first step toward creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's for heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has built up in your liver. In its early stages, it can often be managed or even reversed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Alvarez can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it is not a serious disease. It does not damage the intestine or increase the risk of cancer. Dr. Alvarez can help identify triggers and develop a personalized management plan to significantly reduce your symptoms.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Alvarez can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other conditions of the esophagus. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be managed effectively with dietary changes and at-home care. Dr. Alvarez offers minimally invasive, in-office procedures like banding for persistent problems, which are quick, effective, and require minimal downtime.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Alvarez works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
7500 SW 87th Ave
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 913-0666
Dr. Alicia Alvarez, 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): 1588983159
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Alicia Alvarez are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.