Dr. Alan Klibanoff, MD

Dr. Alan Klibanoff, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Palm Harbor, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (727) 785-7654 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Klibanoff, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, brings over 45 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, enriched by a robust educational and professional background. He earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1975 and completed an internship, residency, and fellowship training at the University of South Florida, ultimately specializing in Gastroenterology. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His experience includes a Chief Medical Residency and Chief of Medicine position, demonstrating a commitment to both comprehensive patient care and leadership within the medical community. He is a member of several esteemed medical associations, including the Pinellas County Medical Society, Florida Medical Association, American Medical Association, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Alan Klibanoff provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Alan Klibanoff is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Alan Klibanoff can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Alan Klibanoff provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Intestinal Obstruction: Protecting your digestive system from intestinal obstruction involves promptly addressing symptoms like persistent constipation and abdominal pain, ensuring early intervention and preventing severe health consequences.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices, such as managing stress and avoiding NSAIDs, are crucial for preventing duodenal ulcers and maintaining digestive health.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Understanding the risk factors associated with diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, such as smoking and pregnancy, allows for proactive steps to minimize your chances of developing this condition and its associated complications.
• Enteritis: A healthy diet rich in fiber and probiotics helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, lowering your chances of getting enteritis.
• Esophageal Varices: Early diagnosis of esophageal varices is vital for preventing potentially fatal bleeding episodes. By addressing the underlying liver disease and following your doctor's recommendations, you can reduce the risk of complications.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Alcohol-related liver damage can be serious, but by adopting a preventative approach that includes lifestyle modifications and screenings, you can minimize the risks and protect your liver and digestive well-being.
• Ascites: Ascites, or fluid buildup in your abdomen, can be a serious sign of underlying liver disease, so regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Sclerosing Mesenteritis: While not always preventable, promptly addressing symptoms related to sclerosing mesenteritis, like abdominal pain, can significantly limit further complications and improve your digestive health.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• Duodenitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding duodenitis: early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Preventive healthcare strategies for infants include awareness of pyloric stenosis symptoms; early detection leads to timely treatment and a better outcome.
• Hemochromatosis: Preventing serious health problems associated with hemochromatosis, like liver damage and diabetes, starts with regular checkups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of the condition.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Alan Klibanoff offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Protecting your gut health, a proctosigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer and other potentially serious conditions in your rectum and lower colon.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Alan Klibanoff is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively managing persistent constipation and abdominal discomfort, a patient minimized the risk of intestinal obstruction, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By diligently following a proactive health plan, including stress management and NSAID avoidance, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a duodenal ulcer, fostering peace of mind and improved digestive well-being.
• By understanding the risk factors associated with diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, a patient implemented proactive lifestyle changes, significantly reducing their risk and enjoying a healthier, more comfortable life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Alan Klibanoff:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for digestive health.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Klibanoff will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten consumption damages the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Klibanoff can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life long-term.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, which Dr. Klibanoff can help diagnose.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

33920 US Highway 19 N Ste 124
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (727) 785-7654

Dr. Alan Klibanoff, 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): 1740238989

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Alan Klibanoff are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.