Dr. Simon Behar, MD

Dr. Simon Behar, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at Gastro Health in Miami, 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 providing 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, 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. Please call (786) 596-1960 to schedule.

Dr. Simon Behar, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Behar brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated his career to the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1991, followed by an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1992. Subsequently, he completed a residency in Gastroenterology at Jackson Memorial Hospital University Miami in 1994, and pursued fellowship training in University Tex Med Br in 1996 to further specialize his expertise in a specific area of patient health. Dr. Behar is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Behar provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Protecting your digestive health includes being aware of the signs of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm – difficulty swallowing, chest pain – as early diagnosis and management are vital in preventing severe problems down the line.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Preventing bile duct obstructions involves understanding your risk factors—like gallstones—and taking steps to manage them, reducing your chances of experiencing painful symptoms and complications.
• Gastroparesis: Early diagnosis of gastroparesis is key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining a good quality of life by allowing for proactive management strategies.
• 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.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Taking steps to prevent or manage GERD, such as dietary changes and medication, can safeguard your digestive system's health and prevent future problems.
• Duodenal Cancer: Duodenal cancer, a rare cancer affecting the small intestine, is best prevented through regular health screenings and addressing risk factors like smoking and certain genetic conditions to catch it early.
• E. coli Food Poisoning: E. coli food poisoning, while treatable, can be prevented through diligent hygiene and careful food preparation; prompt medical attention prevents serious health consequences.
• Chronic Gastritis: Regular health screenings and awareness of chronic gastritis risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of developing severe stomach problems down the line.
• Cirrhosis: Managing risk factors like chronic viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse is crucial in preventing the development of cirrhosis and preserving your liver health.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively is crucial for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, both essential for overall digestive health and preventing 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. Simon Behar offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• 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.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Through various procedures, gastroenterologists can thoroughly examine your entire digestive system—from your esophagus to your intestines and even your liver and pancreas—to identify any underlying problems.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Hemorrhoidectomy or excision of anal tags is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids or skin tags around the anus, improving comfort and preventing further complications.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.

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. Simon Behar 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 adhering to a personalized screening schedule and adopting a healthy diet, a patient significantly lowered their risk of colon cancer, gaining peace of mind and proactive control over their digestive health.
• By recognizing the early signs of difficulty swallowing and chest pain, a patient proactively managed potential esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm, ensuring a healthier digestive system and peace of mind.
• By meticulously following a personalized nutrition plan, a patient successfully maintained a balanced diet, reducing the risk of digestive issues and promoting overall well-being. This proactive approach ensured a healthy gut and a positive outlook on 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. Simon Behar:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Behar and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and we perform 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Behar will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

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. Simon Behar for a thorough evaluation.

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, which Dr. Behar can help diagnose.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBD, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, IBS is a functional disorder, causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical damage. A gastroenterologist can properly diagnose the specific condition through a thorough evaluation.

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 important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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 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. The images are then transmitted to a recorder for review.

Gastro Health
8900 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 596-1960

Dr. Simon Behar, 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): 1982706958

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. Simon Behar 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.