Dr. Michael Picco, MD

Dr. Michael Picco, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. 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. Please call (904) 914-8182 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Picco, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in 1991 and is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and his experience includes residency training in Gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University School Med|Yale New Haven Hospital. With over 30 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 accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Picco provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Reflux Esophagitis: Regular check-ups and paying attention to symptoms like persistent heartburn can help detect reflux esophagitis early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the line.
• 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.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: The presence of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus indicates an abnormality that increases the likelihood of esophageal cancer; however, with careful monitoring and appropriate treatment, serious complications such as cancer can often be avoided.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Peptic Ulcer: Early detection of a peptic ulcer is crucial for preventing long-term damage and pain; regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are key to maintaining digestive health.
• Abdominal Pain: Persistent abdominal pain can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications.
• Gastroparesis: Managing gastroparesis through diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing more severe symptoms and improving your overall digestive health.
• Dysentery: Proper hygiene and safe water and food practices are key to preventing dysentery, a serious infection that can significantly affect the health of your intestines.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a serious condition that develops when excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver, but by limiting alcohol intake, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your liver health.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Understanding your risk factors for IBD and seeking medical advice promptly is key to preventing severe flare-ups and related health issues.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding diverticulosis: these small pouches in your intestines may not cause issues, but a fiber-rich diet and regular checkups can prevent problems later.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.

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. Michael Picco 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 diligently tracking symptoms and attending regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing more severe reflux esophagitis, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By understanding the risks and proactively managing alcohol intake, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing alcoholic hepatic failure, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By adhering to a personalized monitoring plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing esophageal cancer associated with Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their 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. Michael Picco:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Picco and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and 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. Picco will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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.

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

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 see areas not easily reached with traditional scopes.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Picco can help diagnose this issue.

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. Michael Picco for a thorough evaluation.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 914-8182

Dr. Michael Picco, 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): 1972592855

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. Michael Picco 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.