Dr. Andrew Schmidt, MD

Dr. Andrew Schmidt, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Melbourne, 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 (321) 725-4500 to schedule.

Dr. Andrew Schmidt, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of Gastrointestinal care to his patients and their families. He graduated from State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine in 1992 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Schmidt has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and is affiliated with Viera Hospital and Holmes Regional Medical Center. 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. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Andrew Schmidt provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue, so addressing it early through preventative check-ups helps avoid more serious complications.
• 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.
• Constipation: Addressing constipation promptly can prevent discomfort and potentially reduce your risk of other digestive issues.
• Proctoptosis: Understanding the risk factors for proctoptosis, such as chronic coughing or straining during bowel movements, enables you to make lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your chance of developing this condition.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that can form in your esophagus, and while often harmless, early detection through regular checkups helps prevent complications like infection or difficulty swallowing.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive health.
• Abdominal Pain: Understanding the causes of your abdominal pain is key to preventing more severe problems, often through lifestyle changes or early treatment.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: NAFLD, a buildup of fat in your liver not caused by alcohol, can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, preventing progression to more serious liver diseases and improving long-term health.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: By recognizing the early warning signs of autoimmune hepatitis and seeking prompt medical care, you can effectively minimize the risks of severe liver damage and improve your overall digestive well-being.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis is a condition where reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation and damage, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors like heart disease to protect your digestive health.

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

• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• 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.
• 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.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.

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. Andrew Schmidt 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 check-ups and discussing persistent nausea with their healthcare provider, a patient identified a treatable digestive issue early, preventing potential complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential swallowing difficulties early, reducing the risk of more serious complications and maintaining their quality of life.
• By working with a gastroenterologist to address their constipation concerns early, a patient found relief from discomfort and reduced the risk of future digestive issues, leading to a greater sense of well-being.

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. Andrew Schmidt:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform preventive screenings, such as 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. Schmidt will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but 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.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result on these tests necessitates a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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. Our goal is a long-term, collaborative approach to ensure optimal well-being.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. Patients simply swallow a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through their digestive tract.

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

Some 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. Andrew Schmidt for a thorough evaluation.

1223 Gateway Dr
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 725-4500

Dr. Andrew Schmidt, 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): 1598740037

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. Andrew Schmidt 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.