Dr. Steven Beljic, DO

Dr. Steven Beljic, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his Largo, FL clinic. 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 946-0035 to schedule.

Dr. Beljic brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1995 and completed an internship at Flint Osteopathic. Subsequent training included a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology, both at Genesys Regional Medical Center. He further specialized in Hepatology and Liver Transplant at Detroit and Esophageal Manometry at Ann Arbor. Dr. Beljic is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his undergraduate work at Florida State University and graduated from Nova Southeastern University's School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is fluent in Creole and also offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Beljic's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His commitment to preventative care, combined with his extensive experience and certifications, positions him as a trusted partner in maintaining optimal digestive health. He is committed to providing the highest quality care and is available to welcome new patients.

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

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Understanding your risk factors for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and adopting preventive measures, such as dietary changes, helps minimize inflammation and reduces the chances of developing severe complications.
• Rectal Prolapse: Managing conditions that increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this issue.
• Diverticulitis: Protecting your digestive system from diverticulitis starts with a focus on prevention; eating plenty of fiber and staying hydrated helps keep your bowels regular and reduces the likelihood of developing this condition.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Managing infectious diarrhea promptly with proper hydration and, when necessary, medical attention helps prevent more serious problems like sepsis, keeping your gut healthy.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis is a severe liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and preventing it starts with responsible drinking habits to protect your liver health.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Protecting your stomach from the damaging effects of alcohol is crucial; reducing alcohol intake significantly lowers your risk of developing alcoholic gastritis.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Early detection of a pancreatic pseudocyst, often through regular check-ups if you have risk factors, is crucial for managing potential complications like infection or rupture.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hepatitis A: Protecting yourself from Hepatitis A through vaccination is a crucial step in maintaining the health of your liver and overall digestive well-being.
• Megacolon: Megacolon, a condition where the colon becomes abnormally enlarged, can lead to serious complications if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and screenings for early detection and preventive management.

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

• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Taking proactive steps to remove fecal impaction helps maintain a healthy digestive system and avoids potential long-term health problems.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• 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.
• Biliary Drainage: Supporting healthy biliary drainage helps your liver function properly and prevents issues like gallstones and jaundice.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Steven Beljic 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 understanding their risk factors and implementing a tailored dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced inflammation and improved their quality of life, preventing the development of more severe complications related to eosinophilic esophagitis.
• By addressing underlying digestive issues like chronic diarrhea, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rectal prolapse, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By focusing on a high-fiber diet and regular hydration, a patient significantly reduced their risk of diverticulitis, gaining confidence in 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. 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. Steven Beljic:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who is expertly trained in the health of the entire digestive system, including the 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Beljic will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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 contact Dr. Steven Beljic for a consultation and 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. Beljic can help diagnose.

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 without the same physical damage.

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 the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and enhance quality of life.

13777 Belcher Rd S Ste 100
Largo FL 33771
Phone: (239) 946-0035

Dr. Steven Beljic, DO 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): 1275627697

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. Steven Beljic 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.