Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD

About Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD

Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Gastroenterology Group of Naples – Naples in Naples, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Gastroenterological care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). I provide comprehensive medical care for patients with disorders of the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 649-1186 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Rafael Urbina, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL with extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Pancreatic Disease, and Esophageal Disorders. Dr. Urbina is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions and further specialized through fellowship training in the Veteran Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Urbina is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative decision-making, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for all patients. He offers consultations in Spanish.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Rafael Urbina addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Colorectal Polyp: Colorectal polyps are abnormal tissue growths in the colon or rectum, some of which can become cancerous.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, often caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
• Ascites: A swollen belly due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity is a sign of ascites.
• Giardiasis: You can get giardiasis by consuming contaminated food or water, causing intestinal upset.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Esophageal ulcers can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn, and are often treated with medication to heal the damaged tissue.
• Hemochromatosis: Excess iron absorption in hemochromatosis can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
• Eosinophilic Gastritis: A chronic inflammatory condition of the stomach, eosinophilic gastritis results from a higher than normal count of eosinophils in the stomach tissue.
• Crohn: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract.
• Genital Warts: Genital warts are small growths that can appear on the genitals or surrounding skin.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea means having bowel movements that are unusually frequent and loose or watery.
• Intestinal Fistula: An intestinal fistula is an abnormal connection between your intestines and another part of your body.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Chronic alcohol use significantly increases your risk of developing serious liver problems.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Rafael Urbina addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Gastroenterology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Gastroenterological Services Provided

Dr. Rafael Urbina offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Immunization Administration: Our immunization service provides vaccinations to protect you from preventable diseases.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to visualize the lower part of your large intestine (sigmoid colon) to detect abnormalities like polyps or inflammation.
• Hepatitis Screening: This service helps detect hepatitis, a liver infection, through blood tests.
• Hepatitis A Screening: This service helps determine if you have hepatitis A.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize and diagnose problems within your digestive tract, such as ulcers, tumors, or inflammation.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart.
• Esophageal Dilatation: A narrowed esophagus can be stretched using a procedure called esophageal dilatation.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This test analyzes a stool sample to detect microscopic amounts of blood that might indicate colorectal cancer.
• Hemorrhoid Banding: Hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small rubber band to tie off an internal hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off.
• Wireless pH Testing: To diagnose and manage your acid reflux, a small, ingestible device will track stomach acid levels for a period of time, providing accurate information to your doctor.
• Gallbladder Scan: A gallbladder scan helps your doctor check for problems with your gallbladder.
• Liver Biopsy: A tiny piece of liver tissue is removed during a liver biopsy to help doctors diagnose or monitor liver conditions.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Rafael Urbina. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Gastroenterology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterologies in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Rafael Urbina:

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focusing on the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist diagnoses, treats, and prevents a wide range of digestive diseases.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rafael Urbina?

Your first visit with Dr. Urbina will involve a comprehensive review of your digestive health symptoms and medical history. A physical examination will follow, and we'll discuss potential diagnostic tests or treatment plans. Please bring a list of all medications and any prior test results for review.

Does Dr. Rafael Urbina accept my insurance?

Dr. Urbina's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly to verify your insurance coverage before your appointment.

Does Dr. Rafael Urbina manage conditions of the pancreas, like pancreatitis?

Dr. Urbina is experienced in diagnosing and managing pancreatic conditions, including pancreatitis. He plays a key role in investigating the causes, managing symptoms, and monitoring for complications of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.

How does Dr. Rafael Urbina diagnose and manage Celiac Disease?

Dr. Urbina diagnoses celiac disease through blood tests, followed by an upper endoscopy and biopsy for confirmation. Management focuses on educating patients about the gluten-free diet and ensuring strict adherence to this crucial lifestyle change.

Does Dr. Rafael Urbina treat liver conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease?

Dr. Urbina is experienced in treating various liver conditions, including hepatitis and fatty liver disease. He utilizes a comprehensive approach, including blood tests, imaging, and potentially a liver biopsy, to accurately diagnose the condition and create personalized treatment plans to support optimal liver health.

What treatments does Dr. Rafael Urbina offer for acid reflux and GERD?

Dr. Urbina offers a comprehensive approach to GERD management, including lifestyle and dietary modifications, medication options, and diagnostic testing like endoscopy or pH monitoring to precisely tailor treatment plans.

What should I do if I suspect I have gallstones?

If you suspect gallstones, especially with severe abdominal pain, please seek immediate medical evaluation. Dr. Urbina and our team can use diagnostic tools like ultrasound to confirm the presence of gallstones and discuss appropriate management options, which may include monitoring or surgical referral.