Dr. Bryan Heath, MD

Dr. Bryan Heath, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in New Smyrna Beach, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, and practicing 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. Please call (386) 957-3891 to schedule.

Dr. Bryan Heath, MD is a gastroenterologist in New Smyrna Beach, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding to his patients and their families. Dr. Heath has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders, and is affiliated with AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. He earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1986, completing an internship at the same institution in 1987. Further specializing in Gastroenterology, he pursued fellowship training at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1991. Dr. Heath 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Heath provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Understanding your risk factors for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and adopting preventive measures, such as dietary changes, helps minimize inflammation and reduces the chances of developing severe complications.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively is crucial for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, both essential for overall digestive health and preventing future problems.
• Rectal Ulcer: Managing risk factors such as constipation, inflammation, or radiation exposure can help prevent the formation of rectal ulcers and maintain the health of your lower digestive tract.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Managing conditions like constipation and chronic coughing can help prevent intestinal prolapse by reducing the strain on your intestinal walls.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Managing stress and diet may help prevent or lessen the severity of diffuse esophageal spasm, a disorder affecting the esophagus's ability to move food down properly.
• Esophageal Varices: Regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have a history of liver disease, are crucial for early detection of esophageal varices, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Alcoholic gastritis, caused by excessive alcohol use, is preventable through moderation or abstinence. Early intervention is key to preventing serious complications and protecting your digestive health.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Understanding your risk factors and promptly addressing symptoms associated with an esophageal diverticulum, such as difficulty swallowing or chest pain, is key to preventing long-term health problems.
• Hemochromatosis: Preventing serious health problems associated with hemochromatosis, like liver damage and diabetes, starts with regular checkups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be prevented through a healthy diet high in fiber and regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Regular check-ups are crucial for early identification of diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, as timely management can prevent serious digestive problems down the road.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.

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

• Hemorrhoid Treatment: Early intervention with hemorrhoid treatment can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later.
• Esophageal Stenting: Esophageal stenting is a procedure that can help keep your esophagus open, preventing serious complications from blockages and improving your ability to swallow.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• 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.
• ERCP With Spincterotomy: ERCP with sphincterotomy is a procedure that can help prevent serious complications from blocked bile or pancreatic ducts by opening them up and improving drainage.
• 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.
• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: For improved digestive health, this procedure is a proactive way to remove gallstones from the bile duct, allowing for better bile flow and preventing potential long-term issues.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.

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. Bryan Heath 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 potential triggers and making dietary adjustments, a patient successfully reduced symptoms and maintained a healthy digestive system, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life.
• By understanding triggers and implementing dietary strategies, a patient effectively managed their nausea, promoting better digestion and overall well-being. This proactive approach prevented future digestive discomfort and ensured a more comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding and managing potential risk factors like inflammation and radiation exposure, a patient was able to proactively maintain a healthy digestive tract and prevent rectal ulcers. This proactive approach provided them with significant peace of mind.

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. Bryan Heath:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Heath and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We also perform preventive screenings like colonoscopies to help maintain your digestive health.

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. Heath will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease 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, meaning there's no visible inflammation or damage, but symptoms like cramping and bloating can occur.

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. Bryan Heath for a thorough evaluation.

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, and it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result on these tests still requires a colonoscopy to confirm the findings and remove any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) might indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, could lead to more serious problems. Dr. Bryan Heath 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 and ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. This is a long-term commitment, but we are dedicated to helping you thrive.

308 Palmetto St
New Smyrna Beach FL 32168
Phone: (386) 957-3891

Dr. Bryan Heath, 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): 1528091725

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. Bryan Heath 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.