Dr. Robert Summerlee, MD

About Dr. Robert Summerlee, MD

Dr. Robert Summerlee, MD is a Gastroenterology physician practicing at our Bradenton, FL clinic, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He provides 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 (941) 538-0092 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Robert Summerlee, MD is a gastroenterologist in Bradenton, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Pancreatic Disease, and Esophageal Disorders. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2004, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at the National Naval Medical Center in 2007 and fellowship training at the University of Florida in 2014, deepening his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Summerlee offers consultations in Spanish. Intercoastal Medical Group, where Dr. Summerlee practices, is committed to providing the highest quality care possible by offering superior healthcare to patients no matter their medical need.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Robert Summerlee addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: This is a birth defect affecting the intestines.
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, sometimes causing inflammation and liver damage.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: This serious condition involves a decline in kidney function triggered by severe liver damage.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: IBD encompasses diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
• Bowel Strangulation: Bowel strangulation is a serious condition where blood flow to a section of the intestine is cut off.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis is a condition where your stomach's inner layer is inflamed for an extended period.
• Acute Gastritis: Characterized by a sudden onset, acute gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach's inner layer.
• Constipation: Constipation refers to having fewer bowel movements than usual, often resulting in hard, dry stools.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis, can result from infections, overuse of medications, or alcohol abuse.
• Blood Disorders: Blood disorders affect the production, function, or breakdown of blood cells.
• Abdominal Disorders: Abdominal disorders can cause various symptoms in the stomach and intestines, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
• Stomach Diseases: A variety of infections, injuries, and other factors can lead to different types of stomach diseases.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Robert Summerlee 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. Robert Summerlee offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Impedance Testing: Impedance testing helps doctors identify issues with the electrical signals in your digestive tract, specifically your esophagus.
• Removal or Destruction of Rectal or Intestinal Tumor (incl. Colonoscopy: This service provides treatment for tumors in your rectum or intestines, including colonoscopy procedures.
• Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: This service removes fluid-filled collections (abscesses or cysts) from your body using a needle or small incision.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a preventative procedure to check for abnormalities in your large intestine, such as polyps that could become cancerous.
• Puncture Aspiration: A puncture aspiration procedure removes fluid or tissue samples from a body cavity.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To check the lower part of your large intestine for problems, a doctor might perform a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy, inserting a short, rigid, lighted tube into your rectum.
• Ultrasound: Our ultrasound service provides detailed images of your digestive system to help diagnose and monitor conditions.
• Hepatitis Screening: This service helps find out if you have hepatitis.
• VAP Lipid Testing: This service measures the levels of fats in your blood to help diagnose and manage various health conditions.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize and diagnose problems within your digestive tract, such as ulcers, tumors, or inflammation.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing measures the acidity levels in your esophagus to help diagnose acid reflux or GERD.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Robert Summerlee. 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. Robert Summerlee:

What is Gastroenterology?

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

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Robert Summerlee?

Your first visit with Dr. Summerlee will include 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 you are currently taking and any prior test results for Dr. Summerlee's review.

Does Dr. Robert Summerlee accept my insurance?

Dr. Summerlee's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to verify coverage before your appointment.

What non-surgical treatments does Dr. Robert Summerlee offer for hemorrhoids?

Dr. Summerlee offers effective, minimally invasive treatments for 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. Our experienced team will discuss the best treatment option for your specific needs.

What should I do if I suspect I have gallstones?

If you suspect gallstones, especially with severe abdominal pain, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Summerlee can perform diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, to determine if you have gallstones and discuss appropriate management options, which may include monitoring or surgical referral.

Does Dr. Robert Summerlee treat liver conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease?

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

What treatments does Dr. Robert Summerlee offer for acid reflux and GERD?

Dr. Summerlee offers a comprehensive approach to GERD, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, medication management, and diagnostic testing like upper endoscopy or pH monitoring to precisely tailor treatment plans. He works with patients to identify triggers and develop personalized strategies for symptom relief.

How does Dr. Robert Summerlee diagnose and manage Celiac Disease?

Dr. Summerlee 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 prevent further complications.