Dr. Paul Pickholtz, MD

Dr. Paul Pickholtz, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Delray Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to 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. Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, ensuring you receive the best possible care. He serves all ages, and patients should call (561) 774-2296 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Paul Pickholtz, MD is a gastroenterologist in Delray Beach, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati / Main Campus in 1970, 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 University of Tennessee Medical Center. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, fostering a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Pickholtz provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: While IBD can't always be prevented, early diagnosis and management are crucial for minimizing long-term effects on your gut and overall well-being.
• Indigestion: Regularly experiencing indigestion? Don't ignore it—it could indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical attention to avoid developing chronic digestive problems.
• Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis effectively, including adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, helps prevent the progression to chronic liver disease.
• 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.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Early detection of gastrointestinal tract neoplasms (tumors) is crucial for successful treatment, emphasizing the importance of adhering to recommended screening guidelines based on your risk factors.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Although IBS doesn't have a known cure, actively managing your symptoms through stress reduction and dietary modifications can improve your quality of life and prevent significant disruptions.
• Vomiting Disorders: Identifying the cause of your vomiting is crucial for preventing recurrent episodes and protecting the health of your entire digestive system.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Early diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is crucial for preventing long-term damage to your intestines and improving your overall quality of life with timely medical intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• Celiac Disease: Prevent serious complications from celiac disease by getting screened if you have symptoms like diarrhea or unexplained weight loss; early detection and management are key to maintaining a healthy digestive system.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Preventing uncomfortable gas and bloating involves understanding your digestive system's needs and making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding potential future problems.

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

• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• 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.

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. Paul Pickholtz 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 proactively scheduling regular checkups and following a tailored dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, fostering a sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• Recognizing the importance of addressing their indigestion, a patient implemented dietary changes and stress-reduction techniques, significantly improving their digestive comfort and preventing potential long-term complications.
• By diligently following a personalized prevention plan, including regular check-ups and medication adherence, a patient successfully managed their viral hepatitis, reducing the risk of long-term liver complications and gaining peace of mind.

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. Paul Pickholtz:

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, 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. Pickholtz will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Paul Pickholtz 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 through a long-term approach. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, while nutritional guidance and regular monitoring help prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy preparation, but modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without the inflammation or damage seen in IBD.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows for a comprehensive view of the small intestine's lining.

2702 N Federal Hwy
Delray Beach FL 33483
Phone: (561) 774-2296

Dr. Paul Pickholtz, 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): 1568578979

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. Paul Pickholtz 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.