Dr. Charlene Lepane, DO

Dr. Charlene Lepane, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Kissimmee, FL. Dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care, she 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. She serves all ages, and while she is not currently accepting new patients, you may call (407) 303-4829 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in gastrointestinal care, Dr. Lepane brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Kansas City University College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2004, followed by an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Mt Sinai Medical Center and a specialized fellowship in Gastroenterology at St John Hospital. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Her extensive background includes leadership roles as Chief Resident and Chief Fellow, highlighting her commitment to both patient care and professional development. Dr. Lepane has received numerous accolades, including "Orlando's Best" and "Orlando's Best of Top Doctors," and several Blue Ribbon Awards. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Osteopathic Internists, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, among others. Dr. Lepane offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Liver disease from alcohol is preventable! Moderating your alcohol consumption, combined with regular health monitoring, can significantly reduce your risk and safeguard your digestive system.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall digestive health.
• Hepatitis A: Managing the risk of Hepatitis A through vaccination or practicing good hygiene safeguards your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for managing cyclical vomiting and preventing long-term health issues.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer, a cancer of the colon or rectum, is largely preventable through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle, catching it early significantly improves treatment outcomes.
• Cirrhosis: Managing risk factors like chronic viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse is crucial in preventing the development of cirrhosis and preserving your liver health.
• Stomach Cancer: Protecting your stomach health through regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and support overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing gallstones to reduce your risk of this serious condition.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Protecting your esophagus from the damage of reflux esophagitis starts with understanding its causes and risk factors, enabling early detection and reducing the chances of long-term complications like Barrett's esophagus.
• Esophageal Diseases: Early detection of esophageal problems is crucial for preventing complications and improving treatment outcomes—making regular screenings vital for your long-term health.

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

• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube placement is a proactive step in managing your health, providing a safe and effective way to receive nutrition when oral intake is challenging.
• 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.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: This procedure relieves discomfort and complications associated with severe constipation, promoting better gut health.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Esophageal pH Monitoring: Take charge of your digestive health with esophageal pH monitoring—a simple procedure that screens for prolonged acid exposure, aiding in the early diagnosis of serious conditions.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy is a simple test that helps find problems in your small intestine, enabling early detection and treatment of conditions like bleeding or tumors, preventing more serious health issues down the line.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: A colonoscopy with polypectomy is a proactive procedure to screen for and remove precancerous polyps in your colon, helping prevent colon cancer.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.

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. Charlene Lepane 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 consistently moderating alcohol intake and undergoing regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing liver disease, fostering a sense of calm and confidence about their health.
• By making dietary changes and adopting healthy habits, a patient significantly reduced their GERD symptoms and improved their overall digestive health, enjoying a more comfortable and fulfilling daily life.
• By prioritizing vaccination and meticulous hand hygiene, a family significantly reduced their risk of Hepatitis A, enjoying peace of mind knowing their digestive health was protected.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Charlene Lepane:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Lepane and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we 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 in 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Lepane will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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, effectively preventing the disease.

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. Lepane can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, 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 preparation is a small price to pay for peace of mind regarding your digestive health.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Lepane can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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. Charlene Lepane for a thorough evaluation.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, as it involves an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

400 Celebration Pl Ste A360
Kissimmee FL 34747
Phone: (407) 303-4829

Dr. Charlene Lepane, DO 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): 1013119387

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. Charlene Lepane 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.