Dr. Ernest Bontemps, MD

Dr. Ernest Bontemps, MD is a Gastroenterology physician practicing at the Center for Digestive Diseases in St Petersburg, 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) 382-7314 to schedule.

Meet Dr. Ernest Bontemps. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist, specializing in Internal Medicine, with 20 years of experience in the field. Highly regarded by his patients, he boasts a 3.5 out of 4-star rating, frequently praised for his bedside manner and winning the Patients' Choice Award in 2012 and Compassionate Doctor Recognition in 2012. He is affiliated with a highly rated hospital, and fluent in Creole and French, offering consultations in both languages. Dr. Bontemps earned his medical degree from the Universite Detat Dhaiti Faculte De Medecine and completed his fellowship at University Hospital of Brooklyn at Long Island Hospital in 2002. He 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. Bontemps is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating 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. Ernest Bontemps 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. Ernest Bontemps 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. Ernest Bontemps 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:

• Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis effectively, including adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, helps prevent the progression to chronic liver disease.
• 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.
• Nausea: While occasional nausea is normal, frequent nausea may indicate a problem with your digestive system, highlighting the importance of proactive healthcare to maintain gut health.
• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Diverticulitis: While not always avoidable, many cases of diverticulitis can be prevented or their severity lessened by proactive measures including maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following a fiber-rich diet to support healthy bowel movements.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis and by addressing any dietary factors that might contribute.
• Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis, a condition causing iron overload, can be managed effectively with regular medical care to prevent severe liver and other organ damage – emphasizing the need for proactive healthcare.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Managing stress and diet may help prevent or lessen the severity of diffuse esophageal spasm, a disorder affecting the esophagus's ability to move food down properly.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Preventing uncomfortable gas and bloating involves understanding your digestive system's needs and making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding potential future problems.
• Chronic Anal Fissure: Don't suffer needlessly—a chronic anal fissure, while painful, is treatable, making early identification key for minimizing discomfort and preventing chronic issues.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: By understanding your risk factors and seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms, you can manage esophageal motility disorders and prevent their progression into more challenging health issues.

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

• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• Anoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better rectal health, an anoscopy provides a visual check for issues like hemorrhoids, inflammation, or polyps, enabling prompt treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.

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. Ernest Bontemps 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 adhering to a proactive treatment plan and lifestyle changes, a patient effectively managed their viral hepatitis, significantly reducing the risk of developing chronic liver disease. This proactive approach provided the patient with the peace of mind to focus on living a healthy and fulfilling life.
• By understanding risk factors and adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their autoimmune hepatitis, maintaining a healthy liver and preventing future complications. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind and allowed for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• By understanding the triggers for their nausea and implementing dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their episodes and gained a renewed sense of well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to fully enjoy their daily activities.

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. Ernest Bontemps:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Bontemps and our gastroenterology team 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 conditions, and 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. Bontemps will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is vital for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

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 vital procedure to detect and remove these polyps, preventing the development of colorectal cancer.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Bontemps can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result on these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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 disease or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside personalized nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Center for Digestive Diseases
7017 Central Ave
St Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 382-7314

Dr. Ernest Bontemps, 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): 1831150408

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. Ernest Bontemps 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.