Dr. Barry Frank, MD

Dr. Barry Frank, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at our Tampa, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive health is deeply rooted in his over 45 years of experience, encompassing a broad spectrum of clinical knowledge and compassionate patient care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1975 and completed his internship and fellowship training at University South Fla Affil Hosps, culminating in his specialization in Gastroenterology. Dr. Frank is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, underscoring his expertise and adherence to the highest standards of care.

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. Dr. Frank's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 972-2324 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Frank, born and raised in Oklahoma, brings a wealth of experience, having begun his medical career as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of South Florida. He has been practicing in Florida since 1975, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Florida Medical Clinic and was the Medical Director of our North Tampa Ambulatory Endoscopy Center. Dr. Frank provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Abdominal Pain: Managing abdominal pain effectively prevents it from becoming a chronic problem that impacts your overall health and well-being.
• 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.
• Cholangitis: Cholangitis, an inflammation of the bile ducts, highlights the importance of regular health screenings to catch and treat infections early, thus mitigating long-term damage.
• Heartburn: Managing heartburn effectively through diet and lifestyle modifications, or medication if necessary, is crucial for preventing damage to your esophagus and promoting better digestive health.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Understanding your family history for FAP is key to proactive healthcare; early detection and management of this inherited condition prevents the development of colorectal cancer and improves your long-term health.
• Duodenitis: Managing duodenitis effectively involves identifying and addressing underlying causes like infections or autoimmune disorders, thus preventing further damage to your digestive system.
• Viral Enteritis: Preventing the spread of viral enteritis through vaccination and sanitation practices safeguards the health of your entire digestive system and community.
• Gastritis: Early detection of gastritis is key to preventing serious complications like ulcers or stomach bleeding; regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify potential problems early.
• 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.
• Hepatitis B: Protecting yourself from Hepatitis B through vaccination is a key step in maintaining the overall health of your liver and digestive system.
• Duodenal Cancer: Duodenal cancer, a rare cancer affecting the small intestine, is best prevented through regular health screenings and addressing risk factors like smoking and certain genetic conditions to catch it early.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation in your digestive tract, and early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.

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

• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• 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.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.

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. Barry Frank 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 the triggers of their abdominal pain and making dietary adjustments, a family found significant relief and prevented the pain from impacting their daily routines. This proactive approach ensured they could enjoy a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding the lifestyle factors contributing to gastric ulcer risk, a patient implemented stress-reducing techniques and dietary changes, significantly lowering their risk and gaining peace of mind.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing cholangitis, ensuring a healthier future.

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. Barry Frank:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Frank is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Frank will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Barry Frank for a thorough evaluation.

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 thoroughly evaluate the results and remove any polyps.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Frank can help you identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What is Celiac Disease?

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

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a problem like GERD. If your heartburn is impacting your daily life, Dr. Barry Frank can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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 disease or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

14547 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 972-2324

Dr. Barry Frank, 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): 1114032760

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. Barry Frank 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.