Dr. David Heiman, MD

Dr. David Heiman, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 280-7111 to schedule.

Dr. Heiman, born in Sidney, Ohio and a lifelong resident of the Tampa area, brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, coupled with a compassionate approach to patient care. He is married and enjoys spending time with family and playing golf and tennis. He served as the Endoscopy Medical Director in North Tampa. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 1990, completing an internship at the University of Florida/Shands, and subsequently, a residency in Gastroenterology at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, followed by fellowship training at the University of South Alabama. His education reflects a commitment to comprehensive medical care of all ages, and he is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Heiman offers consultations in Spanish. His collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Rectal Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist allow for the early detection of rectal ulcers, enabling timely treatment to prevent long-term problems and improve your overall digestive health.
• Cirrhosis: Managing risk factors like chronic viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse is crucial in preventing the development of cirrhosis and preserving your liver health.
• Gastritis: Early detection of gastritis is key to preventing serious complications like ulcers or stomach bleeding; regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify potential problems early.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis is a condition where reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation and damage, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors like heart disease to protect your digestive health.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD's persistent acid reflux can lead to serious complications if left untreated; preventive measures are key to maintaining a healthy esophagus and stomach.
• Hiatal Hernia: Early detection of a hiatal hernia is key; understanding your risk factors and recognizing symptoms allows for timely intervention and prevents long-term digestive issues.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a difficulty digesting dairy, can be managed through dietary changes to prevent discomfort and maintain digestive health.
• Gastroparesis: By proactively addressing gastroparesis symptoms and seeking medical advice, you can help prevent further damage to your digestive system and promote better long-term health.
• Dysentery: Dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea, is preventable through diligent handwashing and safe food preparation practices, reducing your risk of infection and its complications.
• Chronic Gastritis: Managing chronic gastritis effectively through lifestyle changes and medical advice helps protect your digestive system from long-term damage and potential risks.
• Colorectal Cancer: Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and undergoing recommended screenings can significantly lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Many benign digestive growths are asymptomatic, highlighting the significance of preventive screenings to catch them before they cause problems.

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

• Biliary Drainage: Protecting your liver and preventing complications from bile duct issues begins with understanding and monitoring your biliary drainage.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.

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. David Heiman 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 attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rectal ulcers, ensuring a healthier digestive system and greater peace of mind.
• By addressing chronic viral hepatitis and alcohol use proactively, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cirrhosis, gaining peace of mind about their liver health.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential gastritis issues early, minimizing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed them to focus on a healthy lifestyle.

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. David Heiman:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts 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. Heiman will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic 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 progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any detected polyps.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, which Dr. Heiman can help diagnose.

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 by a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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

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

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

2727 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste 560
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 280-7111

Dr. David Heiman, 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): 1750385407

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. David Heiman 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.