Dr. Brian Frank, MD Gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL

Dr. Brian Frank, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL. He trained at the University of Miami and completed his GI fellowship at USF/Tampa General Hospital. He cares for patients with acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colon polyps, IBS and fatty liver disease across Southwest Florida.

It depends on your insurance. Many PPO and traditional Medicare plans don't require one, while most HMO and Medicare Advantage HMO plans do. Check with your plan, or call (813) 400-0543 with questions.

See a gastroenterologist for heartburn that continues despite medication, trouble swallowing, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or anemia, a lasting change in bowel habits, or if you're 45 or older and due for colon cancer screening.

Colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), small bowel capsule endoscopy, hemorrhoid banding, and Bravo and impedance reflux testing. Esophageal manometry is done at a specialized motility lab, and Dr. Frank reviews the results with you.

Most adults at average risk should start colon cancer screening at age 45. You may need to start earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or symptoms such as rectal bleeding. Talk with your doctor about the right timing for you.

You receive sedation so you are comfortable, and a thin flexible camera examines the lining of the colon. The procedure itself usually takes under an hour. Polyps found during the exam can often be removed at the same time. Because of the sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.

The day before, you follow a clear liquid diet and drink a bowel prep solution so the colon is clean. Follow your written instructions exactly, and tell your doctor in advance about blood thinners, diabetes medicines and weight-loss injections, since these may need adjusting.

See a gastroenterologist if you have heartburn more than twice a week, symptoms that continue despite medication, trouble or pain with swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, or black stools. An upper endoscopy or reflux testing may be recommended.

Yes. Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is one of Dr. Frank's areas of focus, from diagnosis through long-term management.

Dr. Frank cares for patients in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and the surrounding Southwest Florida region.