Dr. Marcus Muehlbauer, MD

Dr. Marcus Muehlbauer, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road in Gainesville, 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 607-2398 to schedule.

Dr. Muehlbauer's commitment to evidence-based, collaborative care is deeply rooted in his extensive training. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at the Dept Of Internal Medicine, and University Of Regansburg, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at UNC Hospitals at Chapel Hill. He further specialized through a fellowship in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) at UNC Hospitals at Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and joined Digestive Disease Associates in 2022, having initially trained at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Muehlbauer offers consultations in German.

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

• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis is a condition where reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation and damage, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors like heart disease to protect your digestive health.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Diverticulitis: While not always avoidable, many cases of diverticulitis can be prevented or their severity lessened by proactive measures including maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following a fiber-rich diet to support healthy bowel movements.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect benign growths in your digestive system early, allowing for timely management and reducing the risk of future issues.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Properly managing gastrointestinal malabsorption is vital for preventing malnutrition and other complications; proactive healthcare, including regular screenings and dietary adjustments, can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Chronic Gastritis: Regular health screenings and awareness of chronic gastritis risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of developing severe stomach problems down the line.
• Megacolon: Preventing complications from megacolon involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent constipation or abdominal discomfort, enabling early intervention and better health outcomes.
• Rectal Ulcer: A rectal ulcer is a sore in the rectum that, if left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection, highlighting the importance of regular colorectal screenings for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Managing stress and diet may help prevent or lessen the severity of diffuse esophageal spasm, a disorder affecting the esophagus's ability to move food down properly.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Understanding your family history and personal risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding is crucial for proactive management and reducing your chances of experiencing it.

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. Marcus Muehlbauer 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: 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Take a proactive step towards colorectal cancer prevention with a fecal occult blood test – a screening tool that can identify early signs of this disease.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• 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): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early 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. Marcus Muehlbauer 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 potential heart health risks, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing ischemic colitis, gaining peace of mind about their digestive well-being.
• By understanding the early warning signs of gastroparesis and working with a gastroenterologist, a patient successfully managed the condition, preventing complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By adopting a high-fiber diet and increasing physical activity, a patient significantly reduced their risk of diverticulitis, gaining confidence in their ability to proactively manage their digestive 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. Marcus Muehlbauer:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Muehlbauer 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 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. Muehlbauer 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) warrant a consultation with Dr. Muehlbauer. This could be a sign of GERD, which can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Dr. Muehlbauer can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

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. Marcus Muehlbauer for a thorough evaluation.

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 it is crucial to prevent potential 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 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, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Muehlbauer can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the gut.

Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road
6400 W Newberry Rd Ste 302
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 607-2398

Dr. Marcus Muehlbauer, 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): 1093970121

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. Marcus Muehlbauer 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.