Vanessa Lehner, PA-C

Vanessa Lehner, PA-C is a Gastroenterology Physician Assistant practicing at AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Endoscopy at Orlando in Orlando, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she's dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's committed to 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 a gastroenterology specialist in Orlando, FL, accepting telehealth appointments.

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. Dr. Vanessa PA-C is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (407) 303-2570 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Vanessa PA-C provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Vanessa PA-C 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. Vanessa PA-C 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. Vanessa PA-C 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:

• Diverticulitis: While not always avoidable, many cases of diverticulitis can be prevented or their severity lessened by proactive measures including maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following a fiber-rich diet to support healthy bowel movements.
• Colon Cancer: Protecting your digestive health includes being proactive about colon cancer: regular screenings can catch it in its early, treatable stages, preventing serious complications.
• Radiation Colitis: Protecting your colon from the harmful side effects of radiation, like radiation colitis, involves open communication with your healthcare team about preventative measures and early intervention.
• Esophageal Atresia Without Fistula: While esophageal atresia without fistula is a congenital condition, proactive monitoring during pregnancy and post-natal checks can lead to early diagnosis and reduce the risk of severe complications resulting from feeding difficulties or respiratory issues.
• Drug-Induced Liver Disease: Preventing drug-induced liver injury involves careful consideration of medications, especially those known to affect the liver, and monitoring your liver health with regular blood tests.
• Morbid Obesity: Morbid obesity puts immense pressure on your internal organs, increasing the risk of developing digestive disorders; adopting healthier lifestyle choices can prevent or mitigate many of these problems.
• Pancreatobiliary Disease: Protecting your pancreas and bile ducts from disease involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention promptly if you experience concerning symptoms; early detection is key.

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

• Duodenoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with screening. A duodenoscopy is a valuable tool that visualizes the duodenum, aiding early diagnosis and preventing potential complications.
• Esophagus Procedure: An esophagus procedure, like an endoscopy, can proactively detect and prevent serious conditions such as esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus through early detection.
• Colonoscopy, Proctosigmoidoscopy, and Sigmoidoscopy: A colonoscopy, proctosigmoidoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your colon and rectum, helping detect polyps or cancer early for timely treatment.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• 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.

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. Vanessa PA-C 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 focusing on a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of diverticulitis, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term digestive health.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly lowered their risk of colon cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their overall well-being.
• By proactively discussing preventative measures with their healthcare team, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing radiation colitis, ensuring a smoother recovery journey. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed them to focus on their overall well-being.

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. Vanessa PA-C:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Vanessa PA-C will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result from these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and removal of any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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. Vanessa PA-C for a thorough evaluation.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

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 modifications. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Endoscopy at Orlando
601 E Rollins St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 303-2570

Vanessa Lehner, PA-C 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): 1467698902

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. Vanessa PA-C 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.