Dr. Matthew Apter, MD

Dr. Matthew Apter, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his Maitland, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to 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 (321) 398-4381 to schedule.

Dr. Apter, a board-certified and highly experienced gastroenterologist/internal medicine physician, brings over 50 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, coupled with a compassionate approach to patient care. His excellent patient care has been recognized by Orlando Magazine's Top Doctor Award. He earned his medical degree in 1972 and completed extensive residency training in Gastroenterology at prestigious institutions including George Washington University School Of Medicine|Oh State University Hosp, Gastroenterology Moffitt Hospital University Of Ca, Gastroenterology Oh State University Hosp, Internal Medicine Geo Washington University Hosp, Anat. He further specialized with fellowship training in Ohio State University|University Of California At San Francisco. Dr. Apter is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to providing comprehensive medical care, and Dr. Matthew Apter provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gallstones: Gallstones, small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, can be prevented through maintaining a healthy weight and diet, reducing your risk of developing serious complications later.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Regular screenings and attention to any digestive discomfort can enable early identification of esophageal motility disorders, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing severe complications.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, while not caused by infection, can still severely impact your digestive system; proactive lifestyle choices and regular checkups can minimize your risk and manage symptoms effectively.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition early on can help your body better absorb nutrients, reducing your risk of digestive problems and boosting your immune response.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for IBS and adopting proactive strategies, such as dietary adjustments and stress management, can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Protecting your digestive health includes being aware of the signs of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm – difficulty swallowing, chest pain – as early diagnosis and management are vital in preventing severe problems down the line.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers damage to the small intestine, and early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet can prevent long-term health problems.
• Indigestion: Preventing indigestion through dietary adjustments and stress management is crucial for maintaining the overall health and functionality of your stomach and intestines.
• 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.
• 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.
• Pouchitis: Protecting your health after bowel surgery includes actively managing pouchitis, a possible inflammation of the surgically-created pouch, which helps minimize future flare-ups and potential hospitalizations.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Regular checkups and awareness of family history are key to early detection and intervention, potentially preventing serious complications associated with gastrointestinal cancers.

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. Matthew Apter 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.
• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• 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.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early diagnosis of colorectal issues, a proctosigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to directly examine the lower part of your large intestine for signs of disease and inflammation.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Matthew Apter 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 maintaining a healthy weight and diet, a patient proactively reduced their risk of gallstones, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By attending regular screenings and addressing occasional digestive discomfort, a patient was able to identify and manage an esophageal motility disorder early, reducing the risk of future complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By incorporating dietary changes and stress-reduction techniques into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their symptoms of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, improving their overall quality of life.

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. Matthew Apter:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Apter and our team are gastroenterologists, specialists who are expertly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat conditions and 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Apter 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 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.

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. Matthew Apter for a thorough evaluation.

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.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine. A small pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows us to identify potential issues in areas difficult to reach with traditional scopes.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) might signal a more serious issue like GERD. Dr. Apter can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

100 E Sybelia Ave Ste 327
Maitland FL 32751
Phone: (321) 398-4381

Dr. Matthew Apter, 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): 1477651602

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. Matthew Apter 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.