Dr. Kevin Comar, MD

Dr. Kevin Comar, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at our Jacksonville, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventative health is paramount; 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 (904) 398-7205 to schedule.

Dr. Comar, a Florida transplant, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care to his patients and their families. Born and raised in Ohio, he earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 2002 and completed an internship and residency in Gastroenterology at Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a fellowship, further specializing his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He is also licensed to practice medicine in multiple states, including Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. Dr. Comar's practice emphasizes EXCEPTIONAL CARE, INSIDE AND OUT, and he offers consultations in Hindi. A former recipient of the Robert Byrd Award for academic excellence, he is passionate about colon cancer screening and prevention, and enjoys treating disorders of the upper gastroenterology system. He is married to a fellow physician and the proud parent of two children. His office is located in our Baptist South location, and his hospital practice is primarily based at the Baptist Medical Center - South Campus.

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

• Enteritis: Early detection of enteritis through recognizing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain allows for prompt treatment, preventing severe dehydration and complications.
• Sclerosing Mesenteritis: While not always preventable, promptly addressing symptoms related to sclerosing mesenteritis, like abdominal pain, can significantly limit further complications and improve your digestive health.
• 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.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis can sometimes cause discomfort; proactive lifestyle choices focusing on good posture and core strength can help mitigate risk and prevent future issues.
• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Managing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical care is critical for preventing its progression and maintaining overall digestive health.
• Biliary Atresia: While not preventable, early identification of biliary atresia in newborns is crucial for managing this liver condition, potentially reducing the need for liver transplantation and improving the child's quality of life.
• Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: Managing alcohol consumption and seeking medical attention for any liver abnormalities can significantly reduce your risk of developing alcoholic hepatic failure and its life-threatening complications.
• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a liver infection preventable through vaccination, protecting you from serious complications and ensuring your digestive system's long-term health.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome is a serious complication of liver disease, and preventing liver damage through healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Alcoholic gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like ulcers or bleeding.
• Ascites: Early detection of ascites is vital because it can indicate serious health problems like liver failure; regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve your outcomes.

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. Kevin Comar 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: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• 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.
• Liver Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall well-being. A liver test provides valuable insights into its function and can help identify and address potential issues promptly.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: For proactive colorectal cancer prevention, a colonoscopy with polypectomy offers a comprehensive screening and removal of polyps, protecting your long-term digestive health.
• Pill Prep for Colonoscopy: Taking the prescribed medication for your colonoscopy prep ensures a clear view of your colon during the procedure, improving the detection of precancerous polyps and reducing your colon cancer risk.
• Therapeutic Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your digestive health, a therapeutic colonoscopy offers a comprehensive screening and treatment approach for colon polyps and other abnormalities, promoting early diagnosis and intervention.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Pancreatic Biopsy: Taking proactive steps toward better health, a pancreatic biopsy allows for early detection of pancreatic problems, potentially improving treatment outcomes and preventing serious complications.

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. Kevin Comar 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:

• Recognizing early symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, a patient proactively sought guidance, significantly reducing the risk of severe enteritis complications. This proactive approach ensured a swift and effective treatment plan, restoring the patient's well-being.
• By promptly addressing abdominal pain and working with a gastroenterologist, a patient significantly reduced the potential for further complications of sclerosing mesenteritis, improving their digestive health and overall well-being.
• By focusing on weight management and avoiding activities that strain the abdomen, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, leading to improved digestive comfort and peace of mind.

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. Kevin Comar:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Comar and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we 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 in performing preventive screenings such as 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. Comar 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 are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, 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.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may signal a more serious condition like GERD. If you experience this, Dr. Comar can diagnose the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.

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

Some 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. Comar for a thorough evaluation.

4800 Belfort Rd
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 398-7205

Dr. Kevin Comar, 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): 1184832909

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. Kevin Comar 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.