Dr. Barry Katz, MD

Dr. Barry Katz, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Altamonte Springs, 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 (407) 830-8661 to schedule.

With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Katz brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He received his Medical Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University in 1985, followed by an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Further specializing, he completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at University Hospitals of Cleveland. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, and has a particular interest in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with extensive experience with Crohn's and colitis patients. Dr. Katz 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. He is currently a volunteer faculty member at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Katz offers consultations in Creole.

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

• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a sign of underlying problems. Seeking prompt medical attention helps manage conditions effectively and improve your overall digestive health.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is a common symptom, but regular occurrences warrant a check-up. Addressing it promptly can prevent it from progressing into more serious conditions like Barrett's esophagus.
• Lactose Intolerance: Early identification of lactose intolerance helps avoid unnecessary digestive distress and promotes better overall well-being.
• Duodenal Cancer: Managing risk factors like chronic inflammation and infection helps prevent duodenal cancer and other serious digestive conditions, emphasizing the significance of proactive healthcare.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Gastroptosis: Preventive measures like regular exercise and a balanced diet may help strengthen abdominal muscles, potentially reducing the likelihood or severity of gastroptosis and associated symptoms.
• Proctoptosis: Preventing complications from proctoptosis involves maintaining good bowel habits and seeking medical attention if you experience rectal prolapse symptoms, reducing the risk of severe issues and the need for surgery.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection and management of intestinal diverticulosis are key to preventing painful complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient fiber intake, can significantly reduce your risk.
• Celiac Disease: Prevent serious complications from celiac disease by getting screened if you have symptoms like diarrhea or unexplained weight loss; early detection and management are key to maintaining a healthy digestive system.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• 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.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: This procedure relieves discomfort and complications associated with severe constipation, promoting better gut health.
• 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.
• 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. Barry Katz 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 risk factors and following a proactive plan, a patient successfully minimized the chance of developing cholangitis, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• A patient, experiencing occasional rectal discomfort, sought guidance from a gastroenterologist and implemented proactive strategies to manage their digestive health, effectively reducing the risk of future complications. This early intervention provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By understanding the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and making proactive lifestyle changes, a patient reduced their risk of liver damage and improved their overall digestive health. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind and confidence in their 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. Barry Katz:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a long-term approach. This includes advanced therapies to control inflammation, nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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. 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, such as cirrhosis.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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

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 contact Dr. Barry Katz for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

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, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

623 Maitland Ave Ste 2200
Altamonte Springs FL 32701
Phone: (407) 830-8661

Dr. Barry Katz, 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): 1427035120

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 Katz 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.