Dr. Jeffrey Garelick, MD

Dr. Jeffrey Garelick, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at the Tampa General Hospital Digestive Health Center - PGA in West Palm Beach, FL. He is registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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. Please call (813) 302-1571 to schedule.

Dr. Jeffrey Garelick, MD is a gastroenterologist in West Palm Beach, FL, affiliated with Tampa General Hospital. Dr. Garelick has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at New York Hospital Cornell University (1991) and residency training in Gastroenterology at Internal Medicine, and Ny & Presby Hp-Cornell Campus. This extensive experience, combined with his dedication to empowering patients, provides a strong foundation for his proactive approach to care. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Garelick offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Diffuse esophageal spasm is a condition causing painful chest pain and difficulty swallowing, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• 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.
• Congenital Anomaly Bile Duct: A congenital anomaly of the bile duct means there's a birth defect affecting this important tube carrying bile from the liver, and early diagnosis helps prevent serious liver damage.
• Pancreatitis: Early detection of pancreatitis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term complications like chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic failure, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups if you're at risk.
• 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.
• Gastroparesis: Managing gastroparesis through diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing more severe symptoms and improving your overall digestive health.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Managing pyloric stenosis effectively through prompt medical care prevents complications like severe vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Rectal Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist allow for the early detection of rectal ulcers, enabling timely treatment to prevent long-term problems and improve your overall digestive health.
• Lactose Intolerance: Prevent uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas by identifying and addressing your lactose intolerance, improving your digestive comfort.
• Stomach Cancer: Early detection of stomach cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved survival rates, emphasizing the importance of preventive screenings.
• Hiatal Hernia: Early detection of a hiatal hernia is key; understanding your risk factors and recognizing symptoms allows for timely intervention and prevents long-term digestive issues.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall 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. Jeffrey Garelick offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Taking proactive steps with gastroenterology procedures can help prevent serious digestive issues by identifying and addressing problems like colon cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease before they worsen.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Taking proactive steps to remove fecal impaction helps maintain a healthy digestive system and avoids potential long-term health problems.
• 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.

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. Jeffrey Garelick 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 checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient effectively managed their diffuse esophageal spasm, preventing painful episodes and improving their overall quality of life.
• A patient, proactively managing their hemochromatosis with regular blood draws and dietary changes, experienced a significant reduction in iron levels, preventing potential organ damage and maintaining excellent overall health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a family felt reassured that early detection of a congenital bile duct anomaly would allow for timely intervention and reduce the risk of significant liver complications.

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. Jeffrey Garelick:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is 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 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. Garelick will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are significantly more tolerable than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

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

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.

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 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.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive system.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice, persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Garelick for a thorough evaluation.

Tampa General Hospital Digestive Health Center - PGA
3401 Pga Blvd Ste 500
West Palm Beach FL 33410
Phone: (813) 302-1571

Dr. Jeffrey Garelick, 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): 1669661633

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. Jeffrey Garelick 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.