Mackenzie Rich, APRN

Mackenzie Rich, APRN is a Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides personalized plans for prevention, coordinates crucial screenings, and manages the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—at her clinic in Tampa, FL. 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (813) 615-7028 to confirm if Dr. Mackenzie APRN is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mackenzie APRN is a gastroenterology specialist in Tampa, FL, committed to the prevention and management of digestive health concerns. Her approach prioritizes patient education and partnership, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal digestive well-being. She understands that preventive care is crucial for overall health and works diligently to provide tailored solutions for each patient. Dr. Mackenzie APRN is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive environment where patients feel confident discussing their concerns and actively participating in their care. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption means your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to serious health problems if not caught early; regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent complications.
• Meckel's Diverticulum: Because a Meckel's diverticulum can lead to unexpected complications like intestinal bleeding, preventative care involves being aware of its existence and seeking medical attention if symptoms arise.
• Intestinal Tuberculosis: Managing intestinal tuberculosis effectively involves prompt treatment to minimize the risk of intestinal damage and the spread of infection to other organs.
• Colonic Volvulus: Early diagnosis of colonic volvulus is crucial, as prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications, such as bowel obstruction and tissue death, underscoring the need for regular medical attention.
• Anal Abscess: While not always preventable, understanding risk factors like poor hygiene and certain medical conditions can help minimize your chances of developing an anal abscess and improve your overall digestive health.
• Gastrointestinal Tract Tumors: Understanding your family history and personal risk factors for gastrointestinal cancers is crucial for proactive management and preventative strategies, helping you take control of your digestive health.
• Viral Hepatitis: Regular check-ups and proactive monitoring for viral hepatitis, especially if you have risk factors, can help ensure early intervention and better long-term outcomes for your liver and overall 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. Mackenzie APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett's Esophagus: For individuals with Barrett's esophagus, radiofrequency ablation offers a chance to proactively address precancerous changes and significantly lower the odds of developing esophageal cancer.
• Hemorrhoid Banding: As part of your comprehensive digestive health plan, hemorrhoid banding offers a targeted solution for painful hemorrhoids, helping you maintain comfort and well-being.
• Gastrointestinal Procedure: Early detection and intervention are key to managing digestive disorders – a gastrointestinal procedure is a crucial step in achieving this goal, leading to a healthier and more comfortable life.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Diet Counseling: Invest in your gut health with dietary counseling; it helps identify and manage dietary triggers that may be contributing to symptoms, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.

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. Mackenzie APRN 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 dietary plan and attending regular checkups, a patient proactively managed their gastrointestinal health, significantly reducing the risk of malabsorption complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• Knowing they had a Meckel's diverticulum, a family proactively monitored their health, reducing the risk of complications and gaining peace of mind about their future.
• By adhering to a proactive treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of intestinal damage and the spread of infection, achieving lasting peace of mind.

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. Mackenzie APRN:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Mackenzie APRN and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and in performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies. We focus on the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

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. Mackenzie APRN will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 and lead to pain, which Dr. Mackenzie APRN can help diagnose.

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. In its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent the potential progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a more serious condition like GERD. Dr. Mackenzie APRN can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to fully evaluate and remove any suspicious growths. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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. Mackenzie APRN for a thorough evaluation.

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 utilizing advanced therapies to control inflammation, combined with personalized nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

3000 Medical Park Dr Ste 500
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 615-7028

Mackenzie Rich, APRN 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): 1043840929

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. Mackenzie APRN 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.