Dr. Andrew Tobkes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Rockledge, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Tobkes recognizes the unique needs of this population and focuses on managing complex digestive conditions, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, with a collaborative approach. He works closely with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing these conditions. Dr. Andrew Tobkes, MD is a gastroenterologist in Rockledge, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of South Florida in 1989 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is affiliated with Rockledge Regional Medical Center and Cape Canaveral Hospital. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, Dr. Tobkes is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments. Please call (321) 632-0497 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Tobkes provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Andrew Tobkes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Andrew Tobkes is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. He excels at managing complex digestive conditions, like colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, with a focus on collaboration with primary care physicians and other specialists. Dr. Tobkes prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring a supportive and effective treatment plan that promotes comfort, independence, and overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Andrew Tobkes can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Commercial Individual HMO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- Florida Health Care Plan
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Andrew Tobkes 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:
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Experiencing stomach or colon inflammation without infection? This condition is manageable with simple steps like increasing fluid intake and resting to reduce discomfort, helping seniors maintain independence.
- Ischemic Colitis: A decrease in blood supply to the large intestine (colon) can cause ischemic colitis, resulting in symptoms like abdominal cramping and bloody stools; however, many individuals recover fully with supportive care and medication.
- Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Some seniors were born with abnormalities in their intestines. These conditions can be managed with dietary adjustments, medication, and sometimes surgery, leading to improved digestion and overall health.
- Esophageal Diverticulum: If you have an esophageal diverticulum, you may experience difficulty swallowing, but treatments such as adjustments to your diet and possibly a surgical procedure can help improve your comfort and quality of life.
- Esophageal Ulcer: An esophageal ulcer is a sore on the lining of the food pipe, and treatment, often involving medication, can help reduce discomfort and make swallowing easier.
- Heartburn: Heartburn can affect your appetite and sleep, impacting your overall well-being. Getting a diagnosis and developing a management plan with your doctor can improve your quality of life.
- Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Cancers in the upper digestive system, like the esophagus or stomach, while serious, have treatments including targeted therapies and supportive care that aim to minimize symptoms and help you live as comfortably as possible.
- Dehydration: For seniors, even slight dehydration can worsen existing conditions like constipation or confusion, so encouraging regular fluid intake can greatly support their overall well-being and prevent hospitalizations.
- Proctoptosis: If you're experiencing a bulge or protrusion from your rectum, it may be proctoptosis. This condition affects bowel movements and can cause discomfort, but treatments, including surgery or non-surgical options, are available to help you manage it effectively.
- Congenital Anomaly Esophagus: Congenital esophageal anomalies are birth defects affecting the food pipe. Depending on the specific type, treatment may involve surgery to correct the defect, improving digestion and overall well-being.
- Ulcerative Colitis: This condition affects the large intestine, creating inflammation and discomfort, yet many seniors find relief through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular check-ups with their doctor.
- Ileus: Ileus is a condition where the intestines stop moving food through the digestive system, causing discomfort and potentially serious complications, but with proper medical care, it can be managed to restore normal bowel function.
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. Andrew Tobkes offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Screening Colonoscopy: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, a screening colonoscopy can prevent serious health issues by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy helps find and remove polyps or other abnormalities in the large intestine, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring overall digestive health.
- Manometry: If you're experiencing symptoms like heartburn, bloating, or difficulty swallowing, manometry can help your doctor pinpoint the cause by measuring the pressure and movement in your digestive tract, guiding treatment decisions.
- Liver Function Test: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's ability to process toxins and nutrients.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening enables doctors to detect precancerous polyps and remove them before they develop into cancer, safeguarding a senior's long-term health.
- Colon Cancer Screening: By identifying colon cancer early through screening, seniors can significantly improve their chances of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
- Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing helps doctors understand if stomach acid is refluxing into your esophagus, a key step in managing GERD.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your comprehensive colorectal cancer screening, rigid proctosigmoidoscopy allows for a direct visual inspection of your lower colon, enabling early detection of potential problems.
- Gallbladder Scan: If you're experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or indigestion, a gallbladder scan can aid your doctor in creating a comprehensive care plan by identifying the underlying cause in your gallbladder.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: To better understand and manage swallowing problems, this evaluation employs various tools to assess the mechanics of swallowing, informing the creation of a personalized care plan for seniors.
- pH Probe: A pH probe helps doctors understand the acidity levels in your esophagus to better manage your acid reflux (GERD).
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. Andrew Tobkes 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:
- Following a personalized treatment plan, a senior couple found relief from persistent stomach discomfort, enabling them to enjoy their daily walks and social gatherings again.
- After experiencing significant abdominal discomfort, a senior felt a renewed sense of security at home, enjoying familiar activities like preparing meals and spending time with family, thanks to the gastroenterologist's guidance and supportive care.
- With dietary modifications and medication, a senior with a congenital intestine anomaly experienced significant symptom reduction, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and hobbies more comfortably.
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
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Gastroenterology)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Andrew Tobkes:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Tobkes and his team are gastroenterologists, or GI doctors, specializing in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of digestive diseases to help maintain comfort and health in older adults.
- 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 common in seniors. Dr. Tobkes can use it to find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, making it a vital proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Andrew Tobkes?
- Your first visit with Dr. Tobkes will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We'll review your symptoms, diet, medications, and health history. This thorough evaluation is the first step in 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?
- Your concern about constant heartburn is valid. While often related to GERD, it's important to have Dr. Tobkes evaluate the cause. He can determine the specific reason and recommend appropriate treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential problems.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. We focus on controlling inflammation, managing symptoms, and maintaining nutrition while carefully considering other health conditions. Dr. Tobkes works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune response to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms but without the immune reaction or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can accurately diagnose the condition and develop the appropriate management plan.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While IBS can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or leads to cancer. Dr. Tobkes can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication.
- What is the preparation for a colonoscopy like?
- We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be concerning. It involves a specific diet and prescribed liquid solution to thoroughly clean the colon, which is essential for Dr. Tobkes to perform a precise examination. Our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to help make the preparation process as smooth as possible.
1009 Harvin Way Ste 100
Rockledge FL 32955
Phone: (321) 632-0497
Dr. Andrew Tobkes, 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): 1215920475
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. Andrew Tobkes 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.