Dr. Dane Maxfield, DO

Dr. Dane Maxfield, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Suncoast Internal Medicine Consultants in Largo, 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 (727) 595-2519 to schedule.

Dr. Dane Maxfield, DO is a gastroenterologist in Largo, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1972, completing an internship at Suncoast Hospital and residency training in Gastroenterology at Doctors Hospital - Ohio State University, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Ohio State University, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Maxfield provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Visceroptosis: Proactive lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition and exercise, can significantly reduce your risk of developing visceroptosis and its associated digestive complications.
• Vomiting Disorders: Persistent vomiting might signal an underlying digestive issue; early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent long-term complications.
• Peptic Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system includes being aware of peptic ulcers, which can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medication if needed, reducing the risk of severe health problems.
• Hepatitis B: Regular blood tests can help detect Hepatitis B early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of severe liver complications.
• Duodenitis: While some causes of duodenitis are unavoidable, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding known irritants like excessive alcohol can reduce your risk and minimize inflammation.
• Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: Managing alcohol consumption and seeking medical attention for any liver abnormalities can significantly reduce your risk of developing alcoholic hepatic failure and its life-threatening complications.
• 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.
• Congenital Achalasia: Because congenital achalasia is a birth defect impacting food passage to the stomach, regular check-ups can lead to timely intervention, avoiding difficulties in eating and potentially serious health problems.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Protecting your liver from the harm of autoimmune hepatitis involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms, preventing irreversible complications.
• Gastric Ulcer: Managing risk factors such as H. pylori infection and excessive alcohol consumption is key to preventing the development of gastric ulcers.
• Gastroparesis: Managing gastroparesis through diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing more severe symptoms and improving your overall digestive 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. Dane Maxfield offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• 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.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Biliary Drainage: Proactive biliary drainage assessment helps identify potential gallbladder or bile duct problems before they become major health concerns.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• 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: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of 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. Dane Maxfield 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 focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing visceroptosis, gaining confidence in their long-term digestive health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and addressing persistent vomiting early, a family experienced reduced risk of long-term digestive problems and gained peace of mind.
• By understanding lifestyle factors that contribute to peptic ulcers and taking proactive steps, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future complications, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.

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. Dane Maxfield:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Maxfield 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 digestive conditions, and we also perform 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. Maxfield will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result from these tests still necessitates a colonoscopy to confirm the findings and remove any polyps, which is 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) warrant a consultation with Dr. Maxfield. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Maxfield can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be a concern, but modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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. Dane Maxfield 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 simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Maxfield is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

Suncoast Internal Medicine Consultants
13644 Walsingham Rd
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (727) 595-2519

Dr. Dane Maxfield, 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): 1992794986

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. Dane Maxfield 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.