Dr. Ellen Zimmermann, MD

Dr. Ellen Zimmermann, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. She 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 and 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. Please call (352) 273-9400 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ellen Zimmermann, MD is a gastroenterologist in Gainesville, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from University Of Wisconsin, Madison in 1984 and is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Zimmermann 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. She is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care, and she provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anal and Rectal Chlamydial Infection: Protecting yourself from anal and rectal chlamydial infection through safe sexual practices is vital for preventing pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
• 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.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Managing your weight and avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure are key preventative measures against developing or worsening a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, safeguarding your digestive health.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Preventing long-term health issues from gastrointestinal malabsorption starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience symptoms like unexplained weight loss or diarrhea; early diagnosis allows for timely intervention.
• Congenital Achalasia: Managing congenital achalasia effectively through early identification minimizes the risk of esophageal damage, ensuring healthier eating habits and improving quality of life.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Early diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is crucial for preventing long-term damage to your intestines and improving your overall quality of life with timely medical intervention.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis, if left untreated, can lead to more severe health problems; proactive monitoring and treatment are key to safeguarding your digestive well-being.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Abdominal Pain: Persistent abdominal pain can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your 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. Ellen Zimmermann offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): To proactively safeguard your liver and pancreas, an ERCP can help diagnose and treat issues within your bile ducts and pancreatic duct system, preventing more significant health problems down the line.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• 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.

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. Ellen Zimmermann 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 safe sexual practices and prioritizing regular check-ups, a patient proactively reduced their risk of anal and rectal chlamydial infection, ensuring their overall well-being.
• By understanding their risk factors and diligently adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to prevent potential complications from autoimmune hepatitis, fostering a sense of well-being and confidence in their future.
• By understanding and addressing lifestyle factors that increase abdominal pressure, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, ensuring ongoing digestive health and well-being.

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. Ellen Zimmermann:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Zimmermann is a gastroenterologist, 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. Zimmermann will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, which doesn't involve an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Zimmermann is crucial before making dietary changes.

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. Dr. Zimmermann can help diagnose this issue.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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 schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellen Zimmermann for a thorough evaluation.

1549 Gale Lemerand Dr Fl 3
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9400

Dr. Ellen Zimmermann, 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): 1982789590

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. Ellen Zimmermann 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.