Dr. Craig Peller, MD

Dr. Craig Peller, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Digestive Care - Broward in Plantation, FL. He 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 751-1948 to schedule.

Dr. Craig Peller, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plantation, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2000, followed by an internship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed his residency in Gastroenterology at Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and further specialized with a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University. With this extensive training and dedicated experience, he 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 affiliated with HCA Florida Westside Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Peller provides consultations primarily in English. Our commitment is to ensure the South Florida Community receives the ultimate access to a broad range of high-quality gastroenterology services including diagnostics and treatments.

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

• Gastritis: Addressing risk factors like H. pylori infection and long-term NSAID use can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastritis and maintain your overall digestive well-being.
• Esophageal Diseases: Protecting your esophagus through healthy lifestyle choices and regular check-ups can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious esophageal diseases.
• Pancreatitis: Managing underlying conditions like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia is key to preventing pancreatitis attacks and improving your overall digestive health.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Alcoholic gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like ulcers or bleeding.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your body's response to lactose allows for proactive management, reducing symptoms and preventing complications down the line.
• Liver Diseases and Disorders: Early detection of liver problems is key to preventing irreversible damage and improving your long-term health outcomes.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: A gastrojejunal ulcer, a sore in the connection between your stomach and small intestine, highlights the importance of managing conditions like stomach acid reflux to prevent serious complications.
• Gallstones: Early detection of gallstones is crucial as they can lead to severe pain and even require surgery; proactive lifestyle choices can significantly minimize your risk.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Early detection of intestinal prolapse is crucial, as it can help prevent complications like bowel obstruction or severe pain, therefore routine check-ups with your doctor are vital.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Knowing your Hepatitis B immunity status through testing allows for proactive management, preventing potential liver damage and protecting the health of your digestive system.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Regular checkups and awareness of family history are key to early detection and intervention, potentially preventing serious complications associated with gastrointestinal cancers.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): To maintain your overall health, a PEG tube can be placed to provide essential nutrients directly to your stomach if swallowing is difficult.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• Esophagogastroscopy: Taking charge of your digestive health? An esophagogastroscopy allows your doctor to visually inspect your esophagus and stomach for abnormalities, potentially preventing more invasive treatments later.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Polypectomy: A polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your digestive tract, helping prevent them from turning into cancer.

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. Craig Peller 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 and addressing potential risk factors like NSAID use, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing gastritis, gaining confidence in their digestive health journey.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a proactive care plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing esophageal diseases, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By addressing underlying gallstones and managing hypertriglyceridemia, a patient significantly reduced their risk of pancreatitis attacks, leading to improved digestive health and 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. Craig Peller:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

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 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, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows for a detailed view of the small intestine's lining.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are much more tolerable than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and finding and removing polyps early is important for your long-term health. This one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle modifications. Managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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

We work in partnership with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Digestive Care - Broward
301 NW 84th Ave Ste 202
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 751-1948

Dr. Craig Peller, 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): 1548255953

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. Craig Peller 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.