Dr. Barry Portnoy, MD

Dr. Barry Portnoy, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Orlando, 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, ensuring patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term well-being. Please call (407) 203-0656 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Barry Portnoy, MD is a gastroenterologist in Orlando, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1965, and his extensive experience in Gastrointestinal care brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Portnoy is deeply committed to providing the highest quality of care, partnering with his patients to create personalized plans for proactive health management. He understands the importance of a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Barry Portnoy provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications and ensures timely treatment.
• Helicobacter Pylori Gastrointestinal Tract Infection: Protecting your digestive system starts with understanding Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can lead to long-term health issues if left untreated; regular checkups can help identify and manage this infection.
• Gallbladder Infections: Managing cholesterol and diabetes helps lower your risk of developing gallstones and subsequent gallbladder infections, protecting your overall digestive health.
• Pericolic Abscess: Managing chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can help lower the likelihood of developing a pericolic abscess, a dangerous infection near the large intestine.
• Cholestasis, Progressive Familial Intrahepatic 3: PFIC3 is an inherited condition causing bile duct problems in the liver. Regular check-ups and monitoring can detect this condition early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing severe liver disease.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the digestive system, and early detection through regular checkups can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent complications.
• Hepatitis G: Protecting your liver from Hepatitis G starts with understanding its risks, such as through blood contact, and taking precautions to minimize infection.

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

• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• 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: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.

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 Portnoy 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:

• Recognizing persistent diarrhea as a potential sign of a digestive issue, a patient sought early medical guidance, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring prompt treatment. This proactive approach allowed the patient to quickly resolve the issue and maintain their overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to lower their risk of long-term digestive issues associated with Helicobacter pylori. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and confidence in their overall well-being.
• By diligently managing their cholesterol and blood sugar, a patient significantly lowered their risk of gallstones and gallbladder infections, ensuring continued digestive well-being. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to enjoy 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 Portnoy:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is expertly trained in the health of the digestive system, including the 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Portnoy will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 more serious issue like GERD. If you experience this, a consultation with Dr. Portnoy 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. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

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 schedule a consultation with Dr. Portnoy for a thorough evaluation.

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

We work with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a long-term partnership. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring. This approach helps prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

2609 S Orange Ave
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 203-0656

Dr. Barry Portnoy, 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): 1396768826

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 Portnoy 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.