Dr. Gerardo Palacios, MD

Dr. Gerardo Palacios, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to fostering lifelong digestive health. 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 affiliated with AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Carrollwood medical facilities.

Dr. Palacios' approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He earned his medical degree from Genesee Hospital, School Of Radiologic Technology, and his expertise in gastroenterology is further enhanced by his affiliation with these leading facilities. He is committed to providing accessible and thorough care, and consultations are offered in Spanish. Please call (813) 932-3132 to confirm if Dr. Palacios is currently accepting new patients.

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

• Abdominal Pain: Persistent abdominal pain can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis can be a severe condition, but understanding your family history and adopting preventative measures can significantly reduce your chances of developing this painful inflammatory disease.
• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be prevented through a healthy diet high in fiber and regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Gallstones: Gallstones, small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, can be prevented through maintaining a healthy weight and diet, reducing your risk of developing serious complications later.
• Ascites: Ascites, or fluid buildup in your abdomen, can be a serious sign of underlying liver disease, so regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis effectively, including adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, helps prevent the progression to chronic liver disease.
• Esophageal Varices: Early diagnosis of esophageal varices is vital for preventing potentially fatal bleeding episodes. By addressing the underlying liver disease and following your doctor's recommendations, you can reduce the risk of complications.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis through regular blood tests and screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• 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.
• Dysphagia: Experiencing difficulty swallowing? Don't ignore it. Early identification of dysphagia allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of long-term digestive complications.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.

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. Gerardo Palacios 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 scheduling regular check-ups and following a personalized plan, a patient successfully managed their persistent abdominal pain, reducing the risk of future complications and regaining their daily comfort.
• Knowing their family history of pancreatitis, a family proactively adopted a healthy lifestyle, significantly reducing their risk of developing the disease and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their digestive health and adopting simple dietary changes, a patient experienced a noticeable reduction in constipation symptoms and significantly improved their overall well-being.

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. Gerardo Palacios:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Palacios is a gastroenterologist, 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 preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, to maintain 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. Palacios will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area often difficult to reach with traditional scopes. The patient simply swallows a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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. Gerardo Palacios for a thorough evaluation.

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 important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like 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 further evaluate the findings and remove any polyps.

1004 W Linebaugh Ave Ste C
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 932-3132

Dr. Gerardo Palacios, 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): 1144263427

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. Gerardo Palacios 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.