Dr. Enrique Molina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Hollywood, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Molina is currently welcoming new patients and they can schedule an appointment by calling (954) 961-8400.
Dr. Enrique Molina, MD is a gastroenterologist in Hollywood, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Molina has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders, and has a special focus on the unique needs of older adults (65 and over). He earned his medical degree from the University of Zulia / School of Medicine in 2004, completing an internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2007, and followed by a residency in Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2009. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2013. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is affiliated with Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Hospital West and is fluent in French and offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Molina's care philosophy prioritizes truthfulness, effective treatment, and cost-effective diagnostics, ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Enrique Molina is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Molina is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care with a focus on the individual. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. His dedication extends beyond medical expertise, encompassing a deep understanding of the patient's needs and goals, ensuring the best possible quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Enrique Molina can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Coventry Health Care
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Enrique Molina 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:
- Gastroptosis: While a dropped stomach (gastroptosis) may sound serious, for most people it causes minimal issues and often doesn't need treatment, maintaining your everyday life without disruption.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: If you're diagnosed with NAFLD, it simply means there's excess fat in your liver, not caused by alcohol, and with proper care including dietary adjustments and regular checkups, you can help prevent or reduce serious complications, improving your quality of life.
- Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Imagine the tissue in your belly hardening that's sclerosing mesenteritis. While it can cause some pain or digestive issues, many seniors live with it comfortably by working closely with their doctor on a suitable management plan.
- Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Benign neoplasms in the digestive system are growths that are not cancerous and may not cause symptoms, but your doctor may recommend regular monitoring to prevent problems later on.
- Intestinal Obstruction: An intestinal blockage can significantly affect your daily life, causing pain and making it difficult to eat; but appropriate treatment, including changes in diet or procedures, can help restore your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your independence.
- Intestinal Ulcer: An intestinal ulcer is a painful sore in your intestines, but with the right medical care, including medication and possibly dietary modifications, you can find relief and live a more comfortable life.
- Megacolon: In megacolon, the large intestine stretches and weakens, leading to constipation and discomfort; treatment focuses on improving bowel function and preventing dangerous complications.
- Biliary Atresia: Though biliary atresia is diagnosed in infancy, it's vital to understand its long-term effects on the liver, ensuring regular check-ups and a proactive approach to managing potential complications as the individual ages.
- Vitamin_Deficiency: A lack of essential vitamins can significantly affect seniors' health, causing symptoms like anemia, bone pain, or nerve damage; however, working with a doctor to identify the deficiency and create a tailored plan often helps restore nutritional balance and improve quality of life.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis: If you have PBC, it means the small tubes carrying bile from your liver are inflamed and may be scarred; regular check-ups and medication prescribed by your doctor can prevent further liver damage and improve your quality of life.
- Congenital Anomaly Esophagus: Some people are born with an esophagus that isn't fully formed or is in the wrong place; this can make eating and drinking difficult, but various treatment options exist to support healthy nutrition and prevent complications.
- Diarrhea: If you are experiencing diarrhea, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. Many effective treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and restore regular bowel function, reducing any discomfort.
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. Enrique Molina offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): For seniors with swallowing problems or those recovering from surgery, a PEG tube provides a safe and effective way to receive nourishment directly into their stomach.
- Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: For seniors experiencing symptoms like jaundice or abdominal pain due to bile duct stones, endoscopic removal offers a minimally invasive way to restore bile flow and alleviate discomfort.
- Sigmoidoscopy: To help manage potential colorectal issues, a sigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to directly visualize the lower part of your large intestine, enabling early detection of problems like polyps or inflammation.
- Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: For seniors, a colonoscopy with polypectomy offers a valuable screening and treatment method in one; it allows for the detection and removal of precancerous polyps, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy helps find and remove polyps or other abnormalities in the large intestine, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring overall digestive health.
- Screening Colonoscopy: For seniors, a screening colonoscopy is a powerful tool to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, giving you peace of mind and contributing to a longer, healthier life.
- 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.
- Endoscopy: To monitor your liver health and detect any issues, endoscopy may be used to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: As part of your regular health checks, a flexible sigmoidoscopy can help your doctor assess the health of your lower colon and rectum, allowing for early detection and management of potential problems.
- Capsule Endoscopy: This procedure uses a tiny camera pill to visualize the small bowel, aiding in the early detection of potential problems like tumors or inflammatory conditions in seniors who have concerning symptoms.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a less invasive screening tool than colonoscopy, yet it's still effective in detecting precancerous polyps and other abnormalities in the lower part of your large intestine.
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. Enrique Molina 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 the gastroenterologist's guidance, a senior couple found relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of gastroptosis, allowing them to enjoy their favorite evening walks together without distress.
- With dietary changes and regular checkups, a senior felt more energy and was able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening, a cherished activity that had been impacted by their NAFLD.
- After working closely with a gastroenterologist on a tailored management plan, a senior couple regained their enjoyment of weekend dinners with family, a cherished activity that had been challenging due to digestive discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Gastroenterology)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Enrique Molina:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Molina and our practice specialize in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of digestive diseases to help seniors maintain comfort and health.
- 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, a common concern in this age group. Dr. Molina can use this procedure to find and remove small growths called polyps, which could otherwise develop into cancer. This proactive step is vital for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Enrique Molina?
- Your first visit with Dr. Molina will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We'll 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.
- 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 that damages the intestine or increases the risk of cancer. Dr. Molina can help you identify triggers and create a personalized management plan to significantly reduce your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and, if needed, medication.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune response to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar symptoms without the autoimmune attack or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the appropriate management plan.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, means extra fat has accumulated in your liver. Fortunately, in early stages, it's often manageable with healthy eating and exercise. Dr. Molina can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- We understand your concern about constant heartburn. While frequent heartburn is often related to GERD, it's essential to determine the exact cause. Dr. Molina can evaluate your situation, recommend appropriate treatments, and help prevent potential long-term issues.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Molina can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other esophageal conditions. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
4700 Sheridan St Ste F
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 961-8400
Dr. Enrique Molina, 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): 1659513166
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. Enrique Molina 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.