Dr. Andrea Culliford, MD

Dr. Andrea Culliford, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Plantation, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. She 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 462-8058 to schedule.

Dr. Andrea Culliford, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plantation, FL. Dr. Culliford has extensive experience in Liver Disease, Pancreatic Disease, and Esophageal Disorders. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Northwest Hospital. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at Columbia University Medical Center and New York Hospital (graduated 1998). Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Columbia University Medical Center, and New York Hospital (graduated 2000), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, she pursued fellowship training in Columbia University Medical Center, and New York, and New York Hospital (graduated 2004), deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Culliford 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. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Protecting your digestive system starts with understanding GERD: early detection and management can help avoid long-term health issues.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Understanding your risk factors and promptly addressing symptoms associated with an esophageal diverticulum, such as difficulty swallowing or chest pain, is key to preventing long-term health problems.
• Ascites: Addressing the root cause of ascites, such as liver damage or heart failure, is key to preventing further complications and improving your overall digestive health.
• Malnutrition: Early detection of malnutrition can prevent serious complications like weakened immunity and digestive issues, ensuring better long-term health.
• Dysentery: Dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea, is preventable through diligent handwashing and safe food preparation practices, reducing your risk of infection and its complications.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Regular check-ups and prompt medical attention if you experience difficulties swallowing can significantly aid in managing or preventing the potentially debilitating complications of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm, protecting the overall health of your digestive system.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac near your pancreas that can develop after injury or inflammation; understanding your risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Congenital Achalasia: If you have a family history of esophageal disorders, screening for congenital achalasia from infancy can be vital in preventing chronic digestive issues and ensuring proper nutrition.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Don't wait for symptoms to appear—proactive steps like regular screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial for preventing the development of intestinal ulcers and promoting long-term digestive health.
• Cholangitis: Understanding and managing underlying conditions, like gallstones, can significantly reduce your risk of developing cholangitis and its potentially severe consequences.
• Duodenitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding duodenitis: early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcers, sores in your stomach or intestine, highlight the importance of proactive digestive health management, encompassing regular checkups and addressing risk factors to prevent serious outcomes.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Liver Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Biliary Drainage: Proactive biliary drainage assessment helps identify potential gallbladder or bile duct problems before they become major health concerns.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.

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. Andrea Culliford 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 understanding their GERD triggers and making dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and avoided potential long-term complications. This proactive approach ensured a healthier, more comfortable digestive system.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively managing potential symptoms, a patient felt empowered to prevent future complications related to esophageal diverticulum, ensuring a healthier future.
• By addressing underlying liver issues proactively, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ascites, leading to greater peace of mind and improved digestive health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Andrea Culliford:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Culliford and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and we also perform 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. Culliford will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Culliford can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It differs from a simple gluten sensitivity in that it's an immune response, and a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist like Dr. Culliford is essential before making dietary changes.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options for colon cancer screening, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly evaluate the findings and remove any suspicious polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

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

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

201 NW 82nd Ave Ste 501
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (850) 462-8058

Dr. Andrea Culliford, 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): 1558321968

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. Andrea Culliford 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.