Dr. Rachel Koppelman, MD

Dr. Rachel Koppelman, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to preventive health. 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. She serves all ages and is dedicated to helping you take control of your health journey. Please call (305) 575-7000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rachel Koppelman, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL, affiliated with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She earned her medical degree from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Koppelman's approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care and ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to maintain optimal digestive health. Dr. Rachel Koppelman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis through dietary adjustments and stress management can help prevent flare-ups and maintain the overall health of your digestive tract.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Upper digestive tract cancers, including those of the esophagus and stomach, are more easily treated when detected early, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and preventive health checkups.
• Esophageal Varices: Protecting your liver health through a healthy lifestyle and regular medical monitoring helps prevent the development of cirrhosis, a major cause of esophageal varices, thus safeguarding your digestive system.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or H. pylori infection is crucial in preventing intestinal ulcers and ensuring a healthy digestive system.
• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Regular screenings and proactive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing NAFLD, a common liver condition linked to obesity and diabetes, and prevent future health issues.
• Ascites: While ascites itself isn't always preventable, managing risk factors like high blood pressure and liver disease through proactive health choices can significantly reduce your chances of developing it.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your body's response to lactose allows for proactive management, reducing symptoms and preventing complications down the line.
• Gastritis: Managing gastritis effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps prevent chronic inflammation and potential long-term damage to your stomach.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• Neurogenic Bowel: Managing neurogenic bowel proactively, through diet modifications and medication if necessary, helps prevent infections, blockages, and other serious digestive 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. Rachel Koppelman offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• 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.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.

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. Rachel Koppelman 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 implementing dietary changes and stress-reduction techniques, a patient experienced fewer flare-ups of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, improving their digestive health and overall well-being.
• By diligently adhering to a proactive screening plan, a patient achieved peace of mind, significantly reducing their risk of upper digestive tract cancer. Regular checkups allowed for early detection, ensuring a healthier future.
• By adhering to a liver-healthy diet and attending regular checkups, a patient proactively reduced their risk of esophageal varices, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Rachel Koppelman:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Koppelman and her team are gastroenterologists, meaning they are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform 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. Koppelman will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to further evaluate and remove any detected polyps.

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 contact Dr. Rachel Koppelman for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

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 that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. The procedure involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

1201 NW 16th St
Miami FL 33125
Phone: (305) 575-7000

Dr. Rachel Koppelman, 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): 1023286838

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. Rachel Koppelman 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.