Dr. Neal Rakov, MD

Dr. Neal Rakov, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Tavernier, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Call (305) 852-9400 to schedule.

Dr. Neal Rakov, MD is a gastroenterologist in Tavernier, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Rakov has extensive experience in Liver Disease and Pancreatic Disease. He earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College Of Medicine in 1977, completing an internship at Los Angeles County - Usc Medical Center in 1978, and subsequently, a residency in Gastroenterology at Los Angeles County University Of California Medical Center in 1980, followed by a fellowship in Los Angeles Co Harbor Ucla in 1982. With this extensive and 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 Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with prestigious medical facilities like Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center and Presbyterian Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Rakov provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Preventive care for babies and children includes screening for intestinal birth defects to ensure prompt treatment and improve their digestive health.
• Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia, or high cholesterol and other unhealthy fats in your blood, is a silent risk factor for heart disease and other serious health problems, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and management.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a difficulty digesting dairy, can be managed through dietary changes to prevent discomfort and maintain digestive health.
• 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.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: FAP causes numerous polyps to form in the colon and rectum, greatly raising your cancer risk; managing this condition through frequent screenings and surgeries can dramatically reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Preventing complications from a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, a condition where your stomach pushes into your chest cavity, involves recognizing risk factors like obesity and making proactive lifestyle adjustments.
• Enteritis: Proper handwashing and avoiding contaminated food and water are crucial preventive measures against enteritis, safeguarding your intestinal well-being.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: A benign digestive system neoplasm is a non-cancerous growth that, while usually harmless, requires monitoring to prevent potential complications or future transformation into cancer.
• Biliary Atresia: Preventing complications from biliary atresia relies on early detection, often through newborn screenings, leading to timely surgical intervention or other treatments that maintain liver function.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis is often silent, but managing risk factors like low fiber intake can help prevent future pain and discomfort, making preventive care essential for long-term digestive health.
• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Regular health screenings can help detect non-neonatal jaundice early, enabling timely intervention to prevent serious liver or digestive complications down the line.

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

• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Early detection is key to beating colorectal cancer. The fecal occult blood test is a valuable screening tool that can find colorectal cancer in its early, treatable stages.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• 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. Neal Rakov 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early screening for intestinal birth defects allowed for prompt intervention, reducing the risk of future complications and ensuring their child's digestive health. Preventive care provided peace of mind, empowering them to focus on their child's overall well-being.
• By understanding their individual risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their dyslipidemia, significantly reducing their risk of future cardiovascular issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their lactose intolerance triggers and adjusting their diet, a patient proactively managed digestive discomfort and maintained a healthy lifestyle. This approach helped them enjoy a wider variety of foods without digestive distress.

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. Neal Rakov:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts 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. Rakov will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We approach chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis as a long-term partnership, aiming for remission. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, while nutritional guidance and regular monitoring help prevent flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

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 Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, as it requires a diagnosis by a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet. A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and management of the condition.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What are gallstones?

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

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

91550 Overseas Hwy Ste 215
Tavernier FL 33070
Phone: (305) 852-9400

Dr. Neal Rakov, 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): 1528006806

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. Neal Rakov 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.