Dr. Crista Ulteig, MD

Dr. Crista Ulteig, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care. She practices at her Wellington, FL clinic, 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. Please call (561) 964-8221 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Crista Ulteig, MD is a gastroenterologist in Wellington, FL, affiliated with reputable medical facilities such as HCA Florida JFK Hospital and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. She 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. Ulteig is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Preventing intestinal obstruction starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle, and early detection through regular checkups can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Though not always preventable, understanding pyloric stenosis and its symptoms can empower families to seek medical attention swiftly, avoiding long-term health problems.
• Hepatitis C: Managing Hepatitis C effectively minimizes the risk of transmission to others and prevents the progression of this chronic liver disease, ensuring better long-term health.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Protecting your digestive health starts with addressing discomfort. Anal or rectal pain might indicate a manageable condition like a fissure; early intervention prevents long-term issues.
• Esophagitis: Early detection of esophagitis is crucial to prevent serious complications like esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Preventing complications from cyclical vomiting, such as electrolyte imbalances and esophageal damage, requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue, so addressing it early through preventative check-ups helps avoid more serious complications.
• Stomach Stenosis: Managing conditions that may lead to stomach scarring or inflammation, such as ulcers or infections, can help prevent the narrowing of the stomach passage, known as stomach stenosis.
• 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.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Regular exercise and a high-fiber diet can strengthen your abdominal muscles and promote regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of intestinal prolapse.

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

• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal 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. Crista Ulteig 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 identifying and avoiding trigger foods, a patient experienced a significant reduction in indigestion episodes, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable daily life.
• By maintaining a balanced diet and scheduling regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of intestinal obstruction, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By understanding the potential symptoms of pyloric stenosis and acting promptly, a family was empowered to seek immediate medical attention, preventing long-term health concerns for their child.

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. Crista Ulteig:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and performing 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Ulteig will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 seek a consultation with Dr. Crista Ulteig for a thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, 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 prep is a small investment in your long-term health.

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 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.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are alternative screening options like stool-based tests, but a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy for thorough evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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 changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent the progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

1397 Medical Park Blvd Ste 300
Wellington FL 33414
Phone: (561) 964-8221

Dr. Crista Ulteig, 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): 1033503453

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. Crista Ulteig 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.