Dr. Christina Covelli, MD

Dr. Christina Covelli, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL. She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 841-4344 to schedule.

Dr. Covelli, a board-certified gastroenterologist, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care. She grew up in Orlando and received her undergraduate education at North Carolina State University, where she excelled academically. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2002, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (2005) and a fellowship at the same institution (2008), further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Dr. Covelli is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has significant experience in all endoscopic procedures including upper GI endoscopy (EGD), dilation of strictures, management of gastrointestinal bleeding and colonoscopy. Her special interests include GERD, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and diseases of the pancreas and liver. Dr. Christina Covelli provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Regular testing for Hepatitis B antibodies helps determine the strength of your immune response and allows for early intervention if needed, protecting your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where your body absorbs too much iron, which can damage your liver and other organs if left untreated, highlighting the importance of early detection through genetic screening and regular blood tests.
• Indigestion: Understanding your indigestion triggers and adopting preventive strategies, like mindful eating, is key to preventing recurrent discomfort and protecting your digestive system's wellbeing.
• 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.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Protecting your liver from alcoholic hepatitis starts with understanding your alcohol intake; early detection through regular checkups can prevent severe liver damage.
• 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.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: A diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, can cause heartburn and other issues, highlighting the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent complications.
• 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.
• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a liver infection preventable through vaccination, protecting you from serious complications and ensuring your digestive system's long-term health.
• Proctoptosis: Understanding the risk factors for proctoptosis, such as chronic coughing or straining during bowel movements, enables you to make lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your chance of developing this condition.
• Neurogenic Bowel: Regular screenings and open communication with your doctor are crucial for preventive care concerning neurogenic bowel, minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of long-term 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. Christina Covelli offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: To improve your quality of life and prevent ongoing issues, hemorrhoidectomy or anal tag excision surgically removes these problematic tissues.
• 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.

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. Christina Covelli 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 scheduling regular Hepatitis B antibody tests, a patient proactively monitored their immune response, ensuring early intervention if needed and protecting their liver health. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and confidence in their overall well-being.
• By diligently following a proactive plan, a patient successfully minimized the risk of cholangitis, finding peace of mind in knowing they were proactively managing their health.
• Knowing their family history, a patient proactively sought genetic screening for hemochromatosis, reducing their risk of future organ damage and gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

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. Christina Covelli:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Covelli and our team of gastroenterologists are specialists trained to care for the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Covelli will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options, such as at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting and preventing colon cancer, as it allows for visualization and removal of polyps.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

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.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a combination of advanced therapies to control inflammation, nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring. This long-term approach prioritizes preventing flare-ups and improving overall quality of life.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should be evaluated. This could indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Covelli can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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. Christina Covelli's office for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

1717 S Orange Ave Ste 103
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (321) 841-4344

Dr. Christina Covelli, 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): 1972680106

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. Christina Covelli 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.