Dr. Arif Qazi, MD

Dr. Arif Qazi, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at Digestive Care, PL in Brandon, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is deeply committed to preventive health. 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) 428-9778 to schedule.

Dr. Arif Qazi, MD is a gastroenterologist in Brandon, FL, with extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Qazi earned his medical degree from Khyber Medical College, followed by an internship at Mclaren Regional Medical Center. He then completed a residency in Gastroenterology at Mclaren Regional Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, and furthered his expertise through a fellowship in a specific area of patient health at Wright State University Program. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Qazi offers consultations in Hindi.

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

• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Congenital Anomaly Bile Duct: Congenital bile duct anomalies, present at birth, can lead to liver disease if left untreated; regular check-ups and appropriate medical care are key to preventing complications.
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Managing gastrointestinal diseases effectively means focusing on prevention through diet, lifestyle changes, and regular screenings to avoid long-term health issues.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system involves being aware of gastrojejunal ulcers; lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent their formation and reduce the risk of severe complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Don't let alcohol harm your liver; alcoholic fatty liver disease is often preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention can prevent long-term complications such as cirrhosis.
• Gallstones: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect gallstones early, enabling timely intervention and preventing the need for more invasive procedures down the line.
• Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are abnormal veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause severe bleeding; proactive management of risk factors like alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis significantly lowers your chances of developing them.
• Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is a serious liver infection, preventable through vaccination against Hepatitis B, its co-infection requirement, safeguarding your liver's long-term health.
• Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Managing risk factors like smoking and certain medical conditions might help prevent or delay the onset of sclerosing mesenteritis, a disorder affecting your abdominal cavity.
• Biliary Atresia: Biliary atresia, a blockage in the bile ducts, can cause liver damage if left untreated. Regular check-ups and newborn screenings aid in early detection, allowing for timely treatment to prevent severe health issues.

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

• 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: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Taking a proactive step towards better anal health, this surgery eliminates hemorrhoids and anal tags, relieving symptoms and preventing future problems.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.

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. Arif Qazi 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 following a personalized plan for dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments, a patient found lasting relief from chronic constipation and a renewed sense of well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently enjoy a healthy and comfortable digestive system.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a personalized care plan, a family experienced peace of mind knowing their child's congenital bile duct anomaly was being proactively managed, reducing the risk of future liver complications.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing long-term gastrointestinal issues, enjoying a healthier, more confident lifestyle.

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. Arif Qazi:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Qazi and our gastroenterology team 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 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. Qazi will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to further evaluate the findings and remove any polyps.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet is a cornerstone of IBS management. Dr. Qazi can help identify trigger foods and may recommend specific dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 or difficulty swallowing.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity shares some symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet. Dr. Qazi and his team can accurately diagnose and manage the condition.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Qazi can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

Digestive Care, PL
609 Medical Care Dr Ste 609
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (727) 428-9778

Dr. Arif Qazi, 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): 1134111990

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. Arif Qazi 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.