Dr. Akiva Marcus, MD

About Dr. Akiva Marcus, MD

Dr. Akiva Marcus, MD is a Gastroenterology physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at HCA Florida Palm Beach Gastroenterology - West Palm Beach. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice is focused on the comprehensive medical care for patients with disorders of the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (561) 589-6605 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Marcus is accepting telehealth visits.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, Dr. Marcus brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2009 and completed his fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, deepening his expertise in the specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Marcus treats his patients like members of his family and provides consultations primarily in English. His practice is based at West Palm Hospital, and he is passionate about diagnostic, therapeutic and video capsule endoscopy, in addition to motility disorders, colorectal cancer screening, chronic liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. His extensive education and training, including a prestigious MD/PhD program, have led to numerous scientific publications, awards, and patents, as well as expertise in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, video capsule endoscopy, manometry, pH studies and luminal dilation.

He is a member of several prestigious professional organizations and has published extensively in the field of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, including a recent chapter in Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease and revisions to the section on Chronic Gastritis for MedScape.com. Dr. Marcus's commitment to his patients extends beyond the clinical setting; he values the opportunity to participate in a practice which focuses on all aspects of gastrointestinal disease both in and out of the hospital setting, and he is excited to bring his expertise and compassion to the West Palm Beach community.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Akiva Marcus addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: In eosinophilic esophagitis, the esophagus becomes inflamed because of a build-up of white blood cells, leading to problems with swallowing and eating.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: With IBS, the gut's contractions and sensitivity are disrupted, resulting in abdominal pain and unpredictable bowel patterns.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Alcoholic gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Cyclical vomiting syndrome involves repeated bouts of severe nausea and vomiting that occur in cycles.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Diffuse esophageal spasm involves uncontrolled muscle contractions in your esophagus, making it hard to swallow and sometimes causing chest pain.
• Visceroptosis: Visceroptosis is a condition where the internal organs in your abdomen hang lower than usual.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis is irritation and inflammation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid flowing back up.
• Cholangitis: Cholangitis is a potentially dangerous condition involving infection and inflammation within the bile duct system.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into your esophagus is the hallmark of GERD, often causing chest pain and discomfort.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders affecting connective tissues, leading to problems with joints, skin, and other organs.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: PBC is a long-term condition where your immune system attacks the small bile ducts in your liver, leading to liver damage.
• Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells, potentially leading to fatigue and weakness.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Akiva Marcus addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Gastroenterology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Gastroenterological Services Provided

Dr. Akiva Marcus offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy allows doctors to visually inspect your colon for abnormalities like polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Screening for colorectal cancer may include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or stool tests to check for blood or abnormal cells.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: During a duodenal polypectomy, a small growth (polyp) in your duodenum is surgically removed.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your body to view the inside of your digestive system.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: If constipation leads to a buildup of hard stool that can't be passed, a fecal impaction removal procedure may be necessary.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a doctor uses a lighted, flexible scope to visualize the sigmoid colon and rectum, checking for abnormalities.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a medical procedure that takes a small sample of liver tissue to help determine the cause of liver problems.
• Manometry: Manometry helps doctors assess problems with swallowing, stomach emptying, or bowel movements by measuring pressure changes.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to examine the lower colon, helping diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.
• Removal or Destruction of Rectal or Intestinal Tumor (incl. Colonoscopy: This service provides treatment for tumors in your rectum or intestines, including colonoscopy procedures.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test involving a short, rigid scope to examine the rectum and lower sigmoid colon for issues like polyps or cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to visualize the lower part of your large intestine (sigmoid colon) to detect abnormalities like polyps or inflammation.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Akiva Marcus. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Gastroenterology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterologies in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Akiva Marcus:

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist diagnoses, treats, and prevents a wide range of digestive diseases.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Akiva Marcus?

Your first visit with Dr. Marcus will involve a detailed review of your digestive health symptoms and medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of potential diagnostic tests or treatment plans. Please bring a list of all medications and any prior test results to help ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Akiva Marcus accept my insurance?

Dr. Marcus's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for your appointment.

What non-surgical treatments does Dr. Akiva Marcus offer for hemorrhoids?

Dr. Marcus offers several effective, minimally invasive options for treating internal hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoid banding and infrared coagulation. These in-office procedures are often successful in relieving symptoms and are a viable alternative to surgery.

How does Dr. Akiva Marcus manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Dr. Marcus employs a comprehensive approach to managing IBD, focusing on achieving long-term remission. This includes prescribing medications like biologics, regularly monitoring disease activity, and collaborating with patients to develop personalized treatment plans. A multidisciplinary team approach is often utilized to ensure optimal patient care.

What treatments does Dr. Akiva Marcus offer for acid reflux and GERD?

Dr. Marcus offers a comprehensive approach to GERD management, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, medication options, and diagnostic testing such as endoscopy or pH monitoring to precisely tailor treatment plans to individual needs.

Does Dr. Akiva Marcus treat liver conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease?

Dr. Marcus is experienced in treating liver conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. He utilizes a comprehensive approach, including blood tests, imaging, and potentially liver biopsies, to accurately diagnose and develop personalized treatment plans to support optimal liver health.

How does Dr. Akiva Marcus diagnose and manage Celiac Disease?

Dr. Marcus diagnoses celiac disease through blood tests, followed by an upper endoscopy and biopsy for confirmation. Management focuses on educating patients about the gluten-free diet and ensuring strict adherence to eliminate symptoms.