Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Naples, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care. As a partner in senior health, Dr. Urbina understands the unique needs of this population and meticulously manages complex digestive conditions, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, with a focus on collaboration. He works closely with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible coordinated care. Dr. Urbina is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (239) 649-1186.
Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL with extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Pancreatic Disease, and Esophageal Disorders. He is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Urbina's expertise stems from rigorous medical training at esteemed institutions, further honed through fellowship training in the Veteran Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System. His dedication to evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care is evident in his board certification in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families are empowered to make informed healthcare decisions. Dr. Urbina offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rafael Urbina is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Urbina is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors. He excels in managing complex digestive issues, such as colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a coordinated plan that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of each patient. His approach emphasizes understanding individual needs and goals, ensuring the best possible health outcomes while maintaining a high standard of care for his senior patients.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rafael Urbina can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rafael Urbina 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:
- Pyloric Stenosis: Pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the passage between the stomach and small intestine, can be managed through medication or surgery in seniors, improving digestion and reducing discomfort.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver, which can often be cured with modern medicines. This means reducing the risk of severe liver damage and potentially increasing life expectancy and overall comfort.
- Duodenal Ulcer: If you're dealing with a duodenal ulcer, it's important to know that effective treatments are available to help heal the sore and reduce your pain, enabling you to live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
- Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis is a long-lasting inflammation of the stomach lining, but don't worry! With the right care and medication, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and maintain a high quality of life, ensuring your daily routines aren't negatively affected.
- Biliary Cirrhosis: Biliary cirrhosis is a liver condition resulting from damaged bile ducts, leading to liver scarring and impacting your liver's function; however, treatment aims to control symptoms, prevent complications, and support your independence for as long as possible.
- Alcoholic Hepatitis: If you've experienced heavy alcohol consumption, alcoholic hepatitis is a condition where your liver becomes inflamed, but with careful medical management including lifestyle changes, it can be controlled, easing symptoms and preserving quality of life.
- Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: For seniors with a history of heavy alcohol use, alcoholic hepatic failure, a life-threatening liver disease, can sometimes be slowed or even reversed through medical intervention, improving comfort and independence.
- Iron Metabolism Disorders: Iron metabolism disorders disrupt how your body uses iron, which can affect your energy and overall well-being; with proper medical guidance, involving diet adjustments or iron supplements, you can effectively manage your condition and continue enjoying an active life.
- Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis affects the liver, and although it can cause symptoms like fatigue and jaundice, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications, allowing seniors to remain active and independent.
- Vomiting Disorders: If an older loved one is experiencing vomiting, seeking medical advice is crucial to determine the root cause and develop a personalized plan to help them feel better and remain independent.
- Hepatitis A: Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A is a simple step that can prevent this liver infection and protect your long-term health and independence.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools and increased bowel movements can signal diarrhea, impacting your comfort and independence. Working with your doctor to identify the cause and find the right treatment can help you regain control and feel better.
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. Rafael Urbina offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy helps doctors assess swallowing difficulties and identify potential causes, improving your quality of life and making mealtimes easier.
- 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.
- 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: This procedure helps manage your colorectal health by directly visualizing your colon, allowing for the removal of potentially harmful growths before they become cancerous.
- Wireless pH Testing: For seniors experiencing frequent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, wireless pH testing helps pinpoint the cause and allows for more effective treatment.
- Hemorrhoid Banding: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, hemorrhoid banding offers a targeted treatment to eliminate hemorrhoids and reduce the need for more extensive procedures.
- pH Probe: A pH probe helps doctors understand the acidity levels in your esophagus to better manage your acid reflux (GERD).
- Gallbladder Scan: This imaging test helps diagnose gallbladder disease, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications like infection or pancreatitis.
- Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Hemorrhoidectomy and excision of anal tags are surgical options in a senior's care plan to address persistent hemorrhoidal issues, improving bowel movements and overall comfort.
- Impedance Testing: If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing, impedance testing helps your doctor locate the source of the problem, which is crucial for developing an appropriate management approach.
- Anal Cauterization: To address anal bleeding and prevent further complications, anal cauterization offers a relatively simple treatment option that can be incorporated into a senior's overall healthcare strategy.
- 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. Rafael Urbina 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 improved digestion and reduced discomfort, a senior couple was able to enjoy their favorite restaurant meals again, a cherished part of their weekly routine.
- With a personalized treatment plan for Hepatitis C, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of vitality, enjoying evening strolls and family dinners together without the lingering fatigue.
- Following guidance from a gastroenterologist, a senior was able to resume her favorite hobby of hiking in the mountains, previously limited by painful duodenal ulcer symptoms. Her family rejoiced at her renewed energy and freedom.
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
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. Rafael Urbina:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Urbina and our team are gastroenterologists, or GI doctors. We 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. Urbina can use it to find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, making it a vital proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Rafael Urbina?
- Your first visit with Dr. Urbina 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.
- 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. Urbina works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the best management plan.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal (GI) symptom. Dr. Urbina 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 uncomfortable issue for many older adults. Many cases can be managed with dietary changes, increased fiber intake, and at-home care. For persistent issues, Dr. Urbina offers minimally invasive in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require minimal downtime.
- What is the preparation for a colonoscopy like?
- We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. It involves a specific diet and prescribed liquid solution to thoroughly clean the colon, which is essential for Dr. Urbina to perform a complete and accurate examination. Our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to make the preparation as smooth as possible.
1064 Goodlette Rd
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 649-1186
Dr. Rafael Urbina, 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): 1902119845
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. Rafael Urbina 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.