Dr. Mark Freedman, MD

Dr. Mark Freedman, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Melbourne, 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (321) 637-7378 to confirm if Dr. Freedman is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mark Freedman, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in 1976, earning his medical degree. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensuring the highest standards of care. Dr. Freedman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Appendix Disorders: Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome may indirectly influence the health of your appendix, reducing your chance of experiencing problematic inflammation.
• Intestinal Polyp: Catching intestinal polyps early through colonoscopies can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, making preventative screenings a crucial part of maintaining digestive health.
• Giardia: Proper treatment of Giardia infection is important for preventing the return of symptoms and any lasting damage to your digestive tract.
• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• Familial Pancreatic Cancer: A family history of pancreatic cancer means increased vigilance is necessary; proactive health monitoring and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Early detection of a duodenal ulcer through endoscopy or other diagnostic methods is key to preventing long-term damage and the need for more extensive treatments.
• Perirectal Abscess: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor about any anal symptoms can help in the early diagnosis and treatment of a perirectal abscess, ultimately minimizing its impact on your 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. Mark Freedman offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• High Resolution Esophageal Manometry: High-resolution esophageal manometry is a test that helps your doctor understand how well your esophagus moves food down to your stomach, allowing for early detection of issues and preventing future problems.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Protecting your gut health, a proctosigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer and other potentially serious conditions in your rectum and lower colon.
• ERCP With Spincterotomy: To maintain the health of your entire digestive system, ERCP with sphincterotomy is a procedure that can address blockages in your bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, reducing your risk of serious complications.
• Jejunostomy Tube Placement: Jejunostomy tube placement is a procedure that helps ensure you receive the necessary nutrients and medications directly to your small intestine, proactively improving your health and aiding recovery.
• Non-Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Prioritize your digestive well-being by learning about non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment and exploring ways to prevent future issues.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Therapeutic Colonoscopy: As a proactive step toward preventing colon cancer, a therapeutic colonoscopy enables your doctor to detect and remove polyps during the same procedure, avoiding the need for further interventions.

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. Mark Freedman 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 focusing on gut health through dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their risk of appendix-related issues, gaining peace of mind about their overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular colonoscopies, a patient proactively detected and removed intestinal polyps, significantly reducing their risk of colorectal cancer and gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• Following a proactive treatment plan, a patient was able to successfully prevent a Giardia infection from recurring, restoring their digestive health and promoting long-term well-being.

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. Mark Freedman:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Freedman is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Freedman will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 disease or 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 that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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. Mark Freedman for a thorough evaluation.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the findings and remove any polyps.

2900 Veterans Way
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 637-7378

Dr. Mark Freedman, 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): 1194775460

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. Mark Freedman 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.