Dr. Amar Deshpande, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring that his patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Deshpande understands the unique needs and challenges that can arise with aging, and he works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to offer the best possible care for complex digestive issues.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues. Dr. Deshpande is affiliated with Jackson Memorial Hospital and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. He is currently welcoming new patients and offers telehealth appointments. Please call (305) 243-5302 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Deshpande offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Amar Deshpande is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Deshpande is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding individual needs and creating personalized plans that prioritize comfort, well-being, and the maintenance of independence for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Amar Deshpande can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Amar Deshpande provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: While IBS doesn't have a cure, understanding its symptomssuch as gas, diarrhea, or constipationand working closely with your physician can lead to a personalized management plan that enhances your overall well-being and daily routines.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas-bloat syndrome can make you feel uncomfortable and sluggish, but with the right approach, involving adjustments to your diet and possibly medication, you can find relief and maintain your independence.
- Alcoholic Hepatitis: Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious liver inflammation caused by excessive alcohol use, and it can be managed with abstinence from alcohol and supportive medical care to improve liver function and overall health.
- Gastritis: If you're struggling with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, it's possible you have gastritis. Working with your doctor to manage this inflammation can significantly improve your overall comfort and quality of life.
- Pancreatic Pseudocyst: If you've experienced pancreatitis or similar issues, a pancreatic pseudocysta fluid-filled sac near the pancreasmight develop. Thankfully, doctors can monitor and treat these cysts, minimizing symptoms and enabling you to live more comfortably.
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine, making it difficult to absorb nutrients from food; with careful diet management, many individuals can live full and healthy lives.
- Ileus: Experiencing a sluggish digestive system with abdominal pain and bloating? That might be ileus. It's a condition where your intestines stop moving food properly, but with appropriate medical attention, it's often manageable, allowing you to regain comfort and continue living an active life.
- Duodenitis: Experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort? It could be duodenitis, an inflammation of the beginning of your small intestine, often treatable with dietary adjustments and medication to help you feel more comfortable and maintain your daily routines.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Bile duct blockage occurs when a stone, tumor, or scar tissue prevents bile from draining properly, leading to discomfort and potentially serious health problems; however, various procedures can relieve the blockage and improve your overall well-being.
- Liver Damage from Alcohol: If you've experienced liver damage related to alcohol, know that there are treatments available to slow or reverse the damage and improve your quality of life, potentially maintaining your ability to live at home safely.
- Dysentery: If you or a loved one experiences frequent, bloody diarrhea along with intense stomach pain and fever, it may be dysentery, a serious infection requiring prompt medical attention to avoid severe complications.
- Esophageal Diverticulum: This condition involves a small bulge or sac forming in the esophagus, which can be managed with dietary changes and, in some cases, surgery to improve swallowing.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Amar Deshpande offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Impedance Testing: As part of your comprehensive care, impedance testing provides valuable information about your swallowing mechanism and identifies potential issues that may need attention.
- Screening Colonoscopy: This important screening test allows doctors to view the inside of your colon, detecting any abnormalities such as polyps or cancerous growths that may be present and need attention.
- Manometry: As part of a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, manometry provides valuable information about the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in moving food through your digestive system.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This examination uses a flexible scope to visualize your sigmoid colon, aiding in the early diagnosis of colorectal issues like polyps, inflammation, or cancer, contributing to a more comprehensive care plan.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: This screening helps diagnose colorectal cancer at its earliest stages, significantly increasing survival rates and improving the quality of life for seniors.
- Pancreas Surgeries: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, pancreas surgeries can help diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer, improving chances of successful long-term management of the disease.
- Endoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an endoscopy can provide detailed images of your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to detect abnormalities early.
- Gallbladder Scan: To manage your digestive symptoms, a gallbladder scan can provide valuable information for your doctor to determine whether your gallbladder is the source of your discomfort.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: This comprehensive assessment uses instruments to evaluate swallowing difficulties, helping seniors and their caregivers understand the nature of the problem and make informed decisions about treatment.
- Liver Biopsy: This procedure aids in monitoring the effectiveness of your liver treatment and allows your doctor to track any changes in liver health over time.
- Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure can help diagnose and manage issues like gallstones or blockages that may cause abdominal pain and jaundice in seniors.
- Sigmoidoscopy: This simple procedure helps your doctor assess the health of your lower colon, providing essential information for managing your digestive health and reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.
Dr. Amar Deshpande is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With a tailored management plan, a senior couple found relief from frequent IBS symptoms, allowing them to enjoy family gatherings and outings with greater peace of mind.
- Following a consultation with a gastroenterologist, a senior citizen found significant relief from gas-bloat syndrome, enabling them to enjoy their evening walks again without discomfort. Their family was thrilled to see their improved mobility and overall well-being.
- With careful management of their alcoholic hepatitis and abstinence from alcohol, a senior couple found renewed energy and the confidence to enjoy their favorite hobbies, like gardening and spending time with their grandchildren, once more.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- Comparing the effectiveness of competing tests for reducing colorectal cancer mortality: a network meta-analysis, 2016-02-18
- Implementation of a medical student-run telemedicine program for medications for opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-11-17
- Lamina Propria Phagocyte Profiling Reveals Targetable Signaling Pathways in Refractory Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 2022-03-30
- Henoch-Schonlein Purpura with Adalimumab Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature, 2016-07-27
- Real-World Experience With Proactive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring During Infliximab Reintroduction, 2021-07-13
- Reclassifying Pseudopolyps in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Histologic and Endoscopic Description in the New Era of Mucosal Healing, 2019-10-15
- Inflammatory Cytokine Profile in Crohn's Disease Non-Responders to Optimal Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy, 2018-01-30
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Amar Deshpande:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- A gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, is a specialist who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They help seniors maintain digestive health and comfort.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is crucial for older adults because it's the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is more common in seniors. Dr. Deshpande can find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, making it a critical proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Amar Deshpande?
- Your first visit with Dr. Deshpande will involve a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health, including a review of your symptoms, diet, medications, and health history. This thorough evaluation is the first step toward creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- We understand your concern about constant heartburn. While frequent heartburn is often related to GERD, it's important to have it evaluated. Dr. Deshpande can determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term damage to the esophagus.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be managed with simple dietary changes and at-home care. Dr. Deshpande offers minimally invasive, in-office procedures like banding for persistent issues, which are quick, effective, and require little downtime.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- No, IBS is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Deshpande can help identify your triggers and create a personalized management plan to significantly reduce your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and, if needed, medication.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means excess fat has built up in your liver. Fortunately, in the early stages, it can often be managed or even reversed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Deshpande can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Deshpande works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
1475 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-5302
Dr. Amar Deshpande, MD 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): 1710189915
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Amar Deshpande are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.