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Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD

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Specializes in: General Surgery

Professional interests include: cancer, kidney problems, hernia, and more.

2825 North State Road 7 Suite 300
Margate, FL 33063

(954) 975-0350

Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD is a general surgeon in Margate, FL specializing in general surgery. Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD is affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare, SOUTH FLORIDA SURGICAL SPECIALISTS LLC and HCA Florida Northwest Hospital.

Office Locations

2825 North State Road 7 Suite 300
Margate, FL 33063

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2901 Coral Hills Drive Suite 370
Coral Springs, FL 33065

(954) 975-0350

(954) 975-3465

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Some issues Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD can help you with:

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2012 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization	74
doctor visit	150
hospital care	106
inpatient care	106

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2013 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization	11
doctor visit	138
hospital care	98
inpatient care	98

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	91
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	157
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	56
From 75 to 84	38
85 and over	17
Less than 65	71

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	52
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	36
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	41
Diabetes	37
Dementia	23
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2014 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	30
hospital care	22
inpatient care	22

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	37

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	61
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	29
From 75 to 84	19
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	46
Chronic Kidney Disease	55
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	27
Heart Failure	36
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	42
Diabetes	46
Dementia	23
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	14
hospital care	31
inpatient care	31

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	52
Female	68

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	66
Black	32
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	46
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	53
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	45
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	48
Dementia	25
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2016 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	12
hospital care	40
inpatient care	40

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	38
Female	46

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	48
Black	0
Hispanic	19
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	25
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	15
Less than 65	23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	69
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	55
Depression	44
Chronic Kidney Disease	62
Asthma	32
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	36
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	35
Diabetes	45
Dementia	29
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2017 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	35
inpatient care	35

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	24
Female	33

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	37
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	21
From 75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	65
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	58
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	28
Heart Failure	44
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	47
Dementia	30
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2018 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	14
inpatient care	14

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	18
Female	26

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	29
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	12
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	73
Depression	45
Chronic Kidney Disease	59
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	43
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	45
Diabetes	50
Dementia	36
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2019 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	11
hospital care	52
inpatient care	52

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	29
Female	40

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	45
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	19
85 and over	16
Less than 65	14

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	30
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	46
Dementia	0
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2020 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	23
inpatient care	23

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	25
Female	32

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	35
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	25
From 75 to 84	20
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	47
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	44
Dementia	23
Cancer	26

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	37
inpatient care	37

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	27

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	34
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	22
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	54
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	56
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	52
Dementia	22
Cancer	22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	30
hospital care	60
inpatient care	60

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	28

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	41
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	29
From 75 to 84	12
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	29
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	29
Diabetes	36
Dementia	0
Cancer	24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated as a general surgeon in Margate, FL were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.

catheterization	42
doctor visit	55
hospital care	47
inpatient care	47

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD.

**Gender**
Male	33
Female	38

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	2
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	50
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	3
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	14
85 and over	4
Less than 65	12
65 to 74	25

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	46
Asthma	5
Osteoporosis	1
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	41
Atrial Fibrillation	12
Dementia	19
Cancer	12

Education & Training

He completed residency at Tulane University Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in Florida.

Residency: Tulane University Affiliated Hospitals (2010)

Licensed In: Florida

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

HCA Florida Healthcare

SOUTH FLORIDA SURGICAL SPECIALISTS LLC

HCA Florida Northwest Hospital

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$29,970 Da Vinci Surgical System $29,970
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc.	$10,020 MONOCRYL $10,020
Medical Device Business Services, Inc.	$237 HARMONIC Product Family $119	EVICEL Fibrin Sealant (Human) $118
Medtronic USA, Inc.	$186 AQUAMANTYS $186
Biomet Orthopedics, LLC	$130 ORTHO - HIPS $130
Other	$318 ENTEREG $44	Myosure $28	OASIS MICRO $27	Caldolor $27	ECHELON ENDOPATH Stapler $24	Other $168

**Types of Payments**
Education	$20,000
Consulting Fee	$10,020
Food and Beverage	$6,119
Travel and Lodging	$4,722

Biography

Dr. Rafael Sierra is a general surgery specialist in Coral Springs, FL and Margate, FL. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish. Clinical interests for Dr. Sierra include prostate problems, minimally invasive surgery, and thyroid problems. Dr. Sierra is professionally affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare. He completed his residency training at a hospital affiliated with Tulane University.

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Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD can help you with:

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2021

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD in 2022

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Rafael Sierra, MD From 2012 - 2022

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

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