Dr. Ryan Heath, MD

Dr. Ryan Heath, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road in Gainesville, 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 to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 517-4037 to schedule.

Dr. Heath's commitment to preventive care stems from his rigorous medical training. He completed his Bachelor's Degree at Wheaton College, his M.D. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and completed his Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He's Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Heath brings a wealth of experience, having spent time on faculty at the Kansas City VA Medical Center focusing on complex procedures like polypectomy, capsule endoscopy, and esophageal stricture dilation, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. He joined Digestive Disease Associates in September 2021. He is dedicated to providing collaborative, evidence-based care, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Ryan Heath provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hepatitis C: Regular testing for Hepatitis C can help identify the virus early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious liver complications down the line.
• Ileus: Early detection of ileus, through awareness of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, is crucial to prevent serious complications like infection or bowel damage.
• Chronic Gastritis: Managing chronic gastritis effectively through lifestyle changes and medical advice helps protect your digestive system from long-term damage and potential risks.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Many benign digestive growths are asymptomatic, highlighting the significance of preventive screenings to catch them before they cause problems.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Regular exercise and a high-fiber diet can strengthen your abdominal muscles and promote regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of intestinal prolapse.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Infectious diarrhea, often caused by contaminated food or water, can be prevented through careful hygiene practices and safe food handling, protecting you from dehydration and serious complications.
• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Being aware of potential intestinal birth defects helps manage risks and allows for timely intervention to minimize complications throughout life.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Many gastrointestinal cancers develop gradually, offering opportunities for prevention through diet, exercise, and screenings designed to detect abnormalities early.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Don't let gastrointestinal malabsorption impact your health negatively; by understanding its potential causes and being attentive to symptoms, you can engage in preventive measures to protect your digestive system and overall wellbeing.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a dropped stomach, can sometimes lead to digestive issues, so maintaining a healthy weight and strong core muscles through preventive measures can help reduce your risk and prevent complications.
• Bowel Strangulation: Understanding your individual risk factors for bowel strangulation and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is essential for maintaining 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. Ryan Heath offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: To improve your quality of life and prevent ongoing issues, hemorrhoidectomy or anal tag excision surgically removes these problematic tissues.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term 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. Ryan Heath 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 Hepatitis C screenings, a patient ensured early detection, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of future liver complications. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their health.
• By recognizing early symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, a patient was able to seek timely medical attention, reducing the risk of serious complications from ileus and maintaining a healthy digestive system.
• By following a personalized dietary plan and engaging in regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced the risk factors for chronic gastritis, gaining confidence in their digestive health. This proactive approach empowered them to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.

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. Ryan Heath:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Heath 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 conditions, and 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, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start earlier. Dr. Heath will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should be evaluated. This could indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Heath can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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, which Dr. Heath can help diagnose.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can 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 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 to the digestive tract.

Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road
6400 W Newberry Rd Ste 302
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 517-4037

Dr. Ryan Heath, 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): 1780927988

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. Ryan Heath 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.