Dr. Irving Gottfried, MD

Dr. Irving Gottfried, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Naples, FL. 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (239) 348-4221 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Irving Gottfried, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and Pancreatic Disease. He earned his medical degree from St. Georges University School Of Medicine in 2005 and 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. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a dedicated approach to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge and is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Gottfried offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be prevented through vaccination, protecting you from long-term liver damage and cancer.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a serious condition that develops when excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver, but by limiting alcohol intake, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your liver health.
• 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.
• Esophagitis: Early detection of esophagitis is crucial to prevent serious complications like esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Regular health monitoring, especially if you drink heavily, can help identify alcoholic gastritis early, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the chance of severe issues.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis can be a warning sign of other underlying issues. Preventive measures include healthy eating and prompt medical attention to ensure early diagnosis and prevent chronic inflammation.
• Vomiting Disorders: Understanding and addressing vomiting can prevent serious dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, keeping your entire digestive system healthy.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Preventing the progression of reflux esophagitis to more serious conditions, like esophageal cancer, is possible with proactive management, including lifestyle adjustments and medical attention when needed.
• Rectal Ulcer: Preventing rectal ulcers involves maintaining good bowel habits and addressing any underlying conditions promptly, as early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications like infection or chronic pain.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as constipation or pregnancy, allows for proactive measures to prevent their occurrence or manage existing symptoms.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful esophageal ulcers.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption means your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to serious health problems if not caught early; regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent 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. Irving Gottfried offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Taking a proactive step towards better anal health, this surgery eliminates hemorrhoids and anal tags, relieving symptoms and preventing future problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Anoscopy: To ensure the health of your lower digestive tract, an anoscopy is a simple examination that helps detect and prevent serious conditions by identifying them in their early stages.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Liver Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• 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.

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. Irving Gottfried 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 proactively scheduling Hepatitis B vaccinations, a family felt empowered to significantly reduce their risk of liver disease, gaining peace of mind for the future.
• By understanding the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and implementing a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease, maintaining a healthy liver and a positive outlook on their health.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule and lifestyle recommendations, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ulcerative colitis, leading to greater peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Irving Gottfried:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and 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. Gottfried will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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.

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. 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.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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. Gottfried can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating, without the same visible inflammation or damage.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows us to view areas not easily reached with traditional scopes.

6101 Pine Ridge Rd
Naples FL 34119
Phone: (239) 348-4221

Dr. Irving Gottfried, 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): 1326034158

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. Irving Gottfried 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.