Dr. Andrew Tobkes, MD

Dr. Andrew Tobkes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Rockledge, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to partnering with you in maintaining the wellness of your entire digestive system. 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) 632-0497 to schedule.

Dr. Andrew Tobkes, MD is a gastroenterologist in Rockledge, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1989 and is 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. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, and is affiliated with Rockledge Regional Medical Center and Cape Canaveral Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Tobkes is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Andrew Tobkes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Enteritis: Enteritis, or inflammation of the intestines, can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and food safety to avoid infections that trigger it, protecting your digestive health.
• Colorectal Polyp: Early detection of colorectal polyps through colonoscopies allows for their removal before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Acute Gastritis: Preventative care for acute gastritis focuses on identifying and addressing potential causes such as frequent use of pain relievers or unhealthy dietary habits, ensuring swift treatment and preventing recurrence.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: While not cancerous, a benign neoplasm in your digestive tract can sometimes interfere with normal function; early detection enables appropriate treatment to minimize disruption.
• Hiatal Hernia: Addressing a hiatal hernia through dietary adjustments and, if needed, medication prevents progression to more severe conditions that may require surgery.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Protecting your esophagus from ulcers starts with understanding and managing conditions like GERD, as untreated acid reflux is a major cause of esophageal ulcers.
• Gallstones: Understanding your family history and risk factors for gallstones allows for proactive lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring, significantly decreasing your chances of developing this condition.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and support overall digestive health.
• Duodenal Ulcer: A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the upper part of your small intestine, and understanding its risk factors, like H. pylori infection, can help prevent its development and serious complications.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption means your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to serious health problems if not caught early; regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent complications.
• Gastroptosis: While gastroptosis isn't always problematic, recognizing symptoms early and discussing them with your doctor can help prevent potential digestive discomfort and ensure timely management.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis through dietary adjustments and stress management can help prevent flare-ups and maintain the overall health of 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. Andrew Tobkes offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal 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.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.

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 Tobkes 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 diligently following a personalized plan for food safety and hygiene, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing enteritis, ensuring a healthier and more peaceful digestive experience.
• By scheduling regular colonoscopies, a patient proactively identified and had precancerous polyps removed, significantly reducing their risk of colorectal cancer and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding the triggers for their acute gastritis and making dietary changes, a patient reduced their risk of future episodes and enjoyed a more comfortable digestive system.

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 Tobkes:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

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's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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 frequently be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What are gallstones?

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

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. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the development of colorectal cancer.

1009 Harvin Way Ste 100
Rockledge FL 32955
Phone: (321) 632-0497

Dr. Andrew Tobkes, 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): 1215920475

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 Tobkes 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.