Dr. Alejandro Perez, DO

Dr. Alejandro Perez, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Vero Beach, 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. Call (772) 562-6818 to schedule.

Dr. Alejandro Perez, DO is a gastroenterologist in Vero Beach, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Perez has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and Pancreatic Disease. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009 and completed an internship at Cleveland Clinic Florida (2010). Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in University Of Medicine And Dentistry Of New Jersey, New Jersey School Of Osteopathic Medicine (2015), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and Sebastian River Medical Center and is accepting new patients. Dr. Perez offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Alejandro Perez 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. Alejandro Perez 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. Alejandro Perez 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:

• Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can signal serious underlying health problems, so early detection through regular checkups with your doctor is crucial for preventing complications.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Experiencing frequent gas and bloating? Don't ignore it – seeking professional advice can help pinpoint the cause and prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: While IBD can't always be prevented, early diagnosis and management are crucial for minimizing long-term effects on your gut and overall well-being.
• Esophageal Diseases: Managing risk factors like acid reflux and unhealthy diets is key to preventing the onset and progression of various esophageal diseases.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers can cause significant discomfort and even lead to bleeding or infections. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain medications can significantly decrease your risk.
• Intestinal Fistula: An intestinal fistula is an abnormal connection between parts of your intestine, and preventing complications like infection and malnutrition requires prompt medical attention and appropriate management.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus signals an increased chance of esophageal cancer, but early detection through endoscopy and biopsies is key to prevent its progression; consistent healthcare engagement is crucial for prevention.
• Ascites: Early detection of ascites is vital because it can indicate serious health problems like liver failure; regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve your outcomes.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Managing carbohydrate malabsorption helps prevent long-term complications like nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues, highlighting the importance of regular digestive health monitoring.
• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Being aware of potential intestinal birth defects helps manage risks and allows for timely intervention to minimize complications throughout life.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.

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. Alejandro Perez offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Therapeutic Colonoscopy: As a proactive step toward preventing colon cancer, a therapeutic colonoscopy enables your doctor to detect and remove polyps during the same procedure, avoiding the need for further interventions.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): If you have trouble swallowing food, a PEG tube offers a proactive solution for getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong.
• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.
• Esophagogastroscopy: Prioritize your health with an esophagogastroscopy. This procedure allows for the early detection of conditions like esophageal reflux, ulcers, and cancers within the esophagus and stomach, preventing them from becoming more severe.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Esophagoscopy: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, consider an esophagoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that screens for potential esophageal problems and allows for early intervention.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): To proactively safeguard your liver and pancreas, an ERCP can help diagnose and treat issues within your bile ducts and pancreatic duct system, preventing more significant health problems down the line.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: As a preventive measure, a colonoscopy with polypectomy helps detect and remove polyps, which can potentially become cancerous, ensuring the ongoing health of your digestive system.

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. Alejandro Perez 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 scheduling regular checkups and proactively addressing potential swallowing difficulties, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious complications later on, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health journey.
• By understanding the triggers of their gas and bloating, a patient implemented dietary changes and stress-reduction techniques, significantly improving their digestive comfort and preventing future discomfort.
• By understanding the importance of stress reduction and avoiding certain medications, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing a gastric ulcer, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.

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. Alejandro Perez:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Perez is a gastroenterologist, 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 like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

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

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent 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.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows for a detailed view of the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Alejandro Perez for a thorough evaluation.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and requires a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Perez before starting a gluten-free diet.

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 ongoing monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

275 18th St Ste 102
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 562-6818

Dr. Alejandro Perez, DO 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): 1457674822

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. Alejandro Perez 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.