Dr. James Leavitt, MD

Dr. James Leavitt, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his Miami, FL clinic. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and safest care. 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 (305) 666-1333 to schedule.

Dr. James Leavitt, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from State University Of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College Of Medicine in 1975, followed by an internship and residency training in Gastroenterology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This comprehensive training, culminating in fellowship training in a specialized area of patient health, has equipped him to provide exceptional care. 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. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and Doctors Hospital, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Leavitt's extensive experience includes esophageal disorders. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a condition affecting the bile ducts in your liver. Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing severe progression of this disease.
• 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.
• 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.
• Duodenitis: While some causes of duodenitis are unavoidable, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding known irritants like excessive alcohol can reduce your risk and minimize inflammation.
• Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis effectively, including adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, helps prevent the progression to chronic liver disease.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Protecting your digestive system from intestinal obstruction involves promptly addressing symptoms like persistent constipation and abdominal pain, ensuring early intervention and preventing severe health consequences.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Esophageal Varices: Protecting your liver health through a healthy lifestyle and regular medical monitoring helps prevent the development of cirrhosis, a major cause of esophageal varices, thus safeguarding your digestive system.
• Vascular Insufficiency of Intestines: Insufficient blood flow to your intestines (vascular insufficiency) can lead to serious complications, emphasizing the need for proactive lifestyle changes and regular screenings to prevent or manage this condition.
• Intestinal Ischemia: Understanding and managing risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes is crucial in preventing intestinal ischemia, a condition that severely limits blood flow to the intestines, ensuring better digestive health.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Intestinal malabsorption of carbohydrates means your body isn't properly absorbing sugars from food, which can lead to long-term health problems if left unmanaged, so early detection is crucial.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.

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

• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• 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.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.

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. James Leavitt 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient with primary biliary cholangitis maintained stable liver function and enjoyed a positive outlook on their long-term health.
• By understanding their family history and making dietary changes, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing pancreatitis, gaining peace of mind about their health.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their gastritis symptoms, reducing the risk of future complications and enjoying a healthier 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. James Leavitt:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Leavitt and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists who have extensive training 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 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Leavitt will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn 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 indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Leavitt can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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. Leavitt can help diagnose this issue.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. Colonoscopies are crucial for finding and removing these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing colon cancer.

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, proper management is essential to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

7500 SW 87th Ave Ste 200
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 666-1333

Dr. James Leavitt, 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): 1598740557

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. James Leavitt 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.