Dr. Joel Feiss, MD

Dr. Joel Feiss, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Plantation, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to ensuring patients receive the highest quality 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 (954) 627-1617 to schedule.

Dr. Joel Feiss, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plantation, FL, affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Feiss earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed an internship at James M Jackson Memorial Hospital and a residency in Gastroenterology at Shands Teaching Hospital. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His commitment to excellence in gastroenterology care reflects a dedication to ensuring the South Florida community receives the ultimate access to a broad range of high-quality gastroenterology services including diagnostics and treatments. Dr. Feiss provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are abnormal veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause severe bleeding; proactive management of risk factors like alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis significantly lowers your chances of developing them.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: A bile duct obstruction, where something blocks the tubes carrying bile from your liver and gallbladder, highlights the importance of regular check-ups to catch and treat problems early, preventing serious liver damage.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Regular testing for Hepatitis B antibodies helps determine the strength of your immune response and allows for early intervention if needed, protecting your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Intestinal Abscess: Early detection of an intestinal abscess is crucial to minimize the risk of life-threatening complications such as peritonitis and sepsis, underscoring the importance of regular health check-ups.
• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and understanding its risk factors and seeking early treatment can prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Protecting your digestive system starts with understanding GERD: early detection and management can help avoid long-term health issues.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Preventing gastrointestinal bleeding involves managing risk factors like NSAID use and promptly addressing conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Ulcer: While some ulcers are unavoidable, many are preventable. By addressing risk factors and seeking timely medical attention for symptoms like persistent stomach pain, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing serious complications.
• Intestinal Ischemia: Protecting your intestinal health involves being aware of intestinal ischemia, a condition where blood flow to the intestines is compromised; early detection through regular screenings can prevent severe damage.
• Anal Prolapse: Understanding the risk factors for anal prolapse, such as chronic constipation and childbirth, allows you to implement preventive measures and reduce your chance of developing this condition.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can lead to intestinal obstruction, such as tumors or hernias, is crucial for preventing surgical intervention and preserving digestive health.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Upper digestive tract cancers, including those of the esophagus and stomach, are more easily treated when detected early, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and preventive health checkups.

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

• 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: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Joel Feiss 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 understanding and addressing underlying liver disease risk factors, a patient proactively reduced their chance of developing esophageal varices, gaining valuable peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient reduced their risk of bile duct obstruction and maintained excellent liver health. This early intervention allowed them to avoid potentially serious complications.
• By adhering to a proactive testing schedule for Hepatitis B antibodies, a patient ensured early detection of any potential issues, giving them peace of mind and allowing for timely interventions to protect their liver health.

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. Joel Feiss:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Feiss 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 we 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. Feiss 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) might indicate a problem like GERD. If your heartburn is persistent, Dr. Feiss can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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 and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. We are committed to a long-term approach focused on your well-being.

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 such visible inflammation or damage.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed without surgery through lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Feiss can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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. Feiss can help diagnose this issue.

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 the disease.

8329 W Sunrise Blvd
Plantation FL 33322
Phone: (954) 627-1617

Dr. Joel Feiss, 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): 1659344893

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. Joel Feiss 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.