Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD is a general surgeon in Tampa, FL specializing in general surgery. Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD is affiliated with University of South Florida Health and Tampa General Hospital.
Tampa General Hospital
Gastrointestinal Problems (Digestive Disorders)
The gastrointestinal system, or GI tract, is the name given to a collection of organs that work together to digest food. These organs fit together in a long tube, running from the mouth to the anus, and include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, among others. With so many parts working together, complicated by today's busy lifestyles and diets, digestive problems are common. As many as 1 in 3 Americans have a digestive or GI disorder. There are a huge variety of digestive problems, but the most common are IBS, constipation, GERD, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.
Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.
Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.
She completed residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery - Surgery (General Surgery) and has a state license in Florida.
Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2022)
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery - Surgery (General Surgery)
Licensed In: Florida
Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Humana PPO, CIGNA PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CorVel, CIGNA HMO, Wellcare Medicare (HMO), Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MultiPlan PPO, United Healthcare Medicaid, HealthSpring, Humana HMO, Quality Health Management, United Healthcare, AvMed HMO, Galaxy Health Network, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Evolutions Healthcare Systems, TRICARE, Molina Healthcare, Coventry, Blue California, Employers Health Network, Beech Street, Ultimate Health Plans Medicare HMO, Aetna Medicare HMO-POS, Empath Health (PACE), Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP), VA Community Care Network (Optum), Solis Medicare HMO, Simply Medicare HMO, Ambetter - Exchange (Sunshine ACA Plan), Truli for Health, Ag Administrators, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO-Health Options, Devoted Medicare HMO, PPO, D-SNP, CMS Sunshine (TITLE 19 & 21), InnovAge, Oscar Insurance Company of Florida, Longevity Health Plan Medicare HMO SNP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement-Advantage 65, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO-Preferred Patient Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO-MyBlue, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO-Network Blue/Blue Select and Freedom Health Medicare HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 177 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Tampa, FL.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Monica Evelyn Polcz, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
| W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. |
$2,274
GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement $1,692 |
SEAMGUARD $340 |
Balloon Sheath with Dilator $242 |
|---|
| Travel and Lodging | $1,424 |
|---|---|
| Food and Beverage | $850 |
Dr. Monica Polcz specializes in general surgery. She has indicated that her clinical interests include gastrointestinal problems (digestive disorders), minimally invasive surgery, and general surgery. On average, patients gave her a rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Polcz is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including AvMed, Blue California, and Coventry. For her residency, Dr. Polcz trained at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Polcz (or staff) speaks the following foreign languages: Hungarian and Spanish. Dr. Polcz's hospital/clinic affiliations include the University of South Florida Health and Tampa General Hospital. According to Tampa General Hospital, Dr. Polcz is currently accepting new patients at her office in Tampa, FL.