Dr. Peter Koretsky, MD

Dr. Peter Koretsky, 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.

Dr. Peter Koretsky, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated his career to Gastrointestinal care. Dr. Koretsky has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders. He graduated from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 1983 and completed an internship at Emory University Affil Hosps (1984). Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Emory University Affil Hosps (1988), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is affiliated with Holmes Regional Medical Center and Melbourne Regional Medical Center. He is accepting new patients to begin their proactive health journey and welcomes telehealth appointments. Dr. Koretsky is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (321) 254-7375 to schedule.

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

• Intestinal Ischemia: Protecting your intestinal health involves being aware of intestinal ischemia, a condition where blood flow to the intestines is compromised; early detection through regular screenings can prevent severe damage.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Preventing complications from Mallory-Weiss syndrome, characterized by esophageal tears, relies on promptly addressing underlying causes such as alcohol abuse and eating disorders, thereby emphasizing the need for early intervention.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition that significantly increases your risk of colorectal cancer, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Intestinal prolapse, where part of the intestine slips out of its normal position, can be prevented or its severity lessened through maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding chronic straining during bowel movements.
• Dysentery: Preventing dysentery starts with understanding its causes and taking steps to avoid exposure to contaminated food and water; this proactive approach protects your digestive system.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Regular screenings and understanding your risk factors—like unhealthy eating habits—are key to early identification and management of diffuse esophageal spasm, thus preventing significant health consequences.
• Rectal Ulcer: Rectal ulcers can be a sign of an underlying issue, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to identify and manage the root cause and prevent further damage to the rectal lining.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Understanding your family history and personal risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding is crucial for proactive management and reducing your chances of experiencing it.
• Visceroptosis: Early detection of visceroptosis, through regular check-ups and attention to digestive symptoms, can help manage this condition and prevent more serious health problems.
• Esophageal Diseases: Taking steps to prevent esophageal diseases, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive alcohol, contributes to a healthier digestive system overall.
• Ascites: Addressing the root cause of ascites, such as liver damage or heart failure, is key to preventing further complications and improving your overall digestive health.
• Stomach Cancer: Managing risk factors like H. pylori infection and unhealthy diet can help prevent the development of stomach cancer and keep your digestive system healthy.

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

• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: A colonoscopy with polypectomy is a proactive procedure to screen for and remove precancerous polyps in your colon, helping prevent colon cancer.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Gastroenterology procedures encompass a range of tests and treatments that help detect digestive problems early, allowing for prompt intervention and better health outcomes.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Endoscopic Polypectomy: Taking charge of your digestive health, endoscopic polypectomy allows for the early detection and removal of abnormal growths in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
• 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: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• 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.

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. Peter Koretsky 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 scheduling regular screenings and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of intestinal ischemia, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• Recognizing the potential triggers for esophageal tears, a patient proactively addressed underlying issues and significantly reduced their risk of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a family significantly reduced their risk of colorectal cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term 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. Peter Koretsky:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Koretsky and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and 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. Koretsky 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.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your 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 your digestive tract. This allows us to identify potential problems in the small intestine.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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, and Dr. Koretsky can help diagnose this issue.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a combination of advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring. This long-term approach focuses on preventing flare-ups and improving overall quality of life.

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. Peter Koretsky for a thorough evaluation.

2955 Pineda Plaza Way Ste 115
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 254-7375

Dr. Peter Koretsky, 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): 1467556456

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. Peter Koretsky 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.