Dr. Caren Bennett, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at her clinic in Hollywood, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Bennett possesses a deep understanding of the complex digestive conditions that can affect seniors. A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing these issues, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (954) 441-6226 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Caren Bennett, MD is a gastroenterologist in Hollywood, FL, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a unique perspective to patient care. Dr. Bennett has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1991. She further specialized in Gastroenterology with fellowship training at the University Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital. Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she is affiliated with Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Bennett provides consultations primarily in English.
She is a dedicated partner in senior health, offering a comprehensive approach to Gastroenterological care. Her commitment to her patients and their families, combined with her extensive experience and advanced training, makes her a valuable resource in navigating the complexities of aging. She is eager to welcome new patients and provide personalized care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. Please call (954) 441-6226 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Caren Bennett is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Caren Bennett is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. She expertly manages digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach. Dr. Bennett prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, working together to create a personalized plan that promotes comfort, well-being, and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Caren Bennett can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Caren Bennett 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:
- Stomach Cancer: Stomach cancer develops when abnormal cells in the stomach grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor; modern treatments aim to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and help seniors maintain their independence for as long as possible.
- Intestinal Obstruction: An intestinal blockage can significantly affect your daily life, causing pain and making it difficult to eat; but appropriate treatment, including changes in diet or procedures, can help restore your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your independence.
- Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: For seniors with diffuse esophageal spasm, treatment aims to ease the painful swallowing and chest pain, improving your ability to eat and maintain a healthy diet, which is crucial for your overall well-being.
- Rectal Prolapse: If you're experiencing a protrusion from your rectum, it could be rectal prolapse, a condition that can be managed with various treatments to help you maintain comfort and reduce disruptions to your daily routine.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is frequent, loose bowel movements that can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but with proper care and attention to diet, it can usually be managed effectively, allowing you to maintain your daily routine.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, and while it can cause serious liver damage, it's treatable with medications that can significantly improve liver health and overall well-being.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Sometimes, the stomach and large intestine become inflamed without a germ causing it, leading to discomfort like diarrhea and stomach pain; gentle symptom management, like clear fluids and rest, is typically all that's needed to help seniors recover quickly.
- Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Imagine the tissue in your belly hardening that's sclerosing mesenteritis. While it can cause some pain or digestive issues, many seniors live with it comfortably by working closely with their doctor on a suitable management plan.
- Proctoptosis: Proctoptosis is a condition where the rectum, the final part of your large intestine, prolapses or slips out of its normal position, which can cause discomfort and challenges with bowel movements.
- Reflux Esophagitis: With proper treatment for reflux esophagitis, such as medication and dietary modifications, you can significantly reduce painful symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Duodenal Ulcer: Experiencing persistent stomach pain? It might be a duodenal ulcer, a condition treatable with medication, which can significantly reduce your pain and improve your overall comfort.
- Lactose Intolerance: As we age, some people develop lactose intolerance, meaning their bodies struggle to digest milk sugar. This can cause discomfort, but simple dietary changes can make a big difference in how you feel.
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. Caren Bennett offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Endoscopy: To monitor your liver health and detect any issues, endoscopy may be used to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
- 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: To create a personalized care plan for liver conditions, a liver biopsy helps doctors understand the type and severity of liver damage.
- 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.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: This procedure helps diagnose and manage duodenal polyps, which might otherwise lead to bleeding or other digestive problems, improving your overall well-being.
- Wireless pH Testing: By providing detailed information about your esophageal acid exposure, wireless pH testing helps improve your quality of life by better managing GERD symptoms.
- Colonoscopy: This procedure helps manage your colorectal health by directly visualizing your colon, allowing for the removal of potentially harmful growths before they become cancerous.
- Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening is a simple procedure that can dramatically impact a senior's overall health, helping detect and treat colon cancer before it becomes life-threatening.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the lower part of your large intestine, helping detect polyps or early signs of colon cancer.
- Impedance Testing: To better manage your GERD symptoms, impedance testing helps differentiate between acid reflux and non-acid reflux, guiding your doctor in creating a personalized treatment strategy.
- pH Probe: This small device measures the acidity in your stomach, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues like heartburn and GERD.
- 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.
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. Caren Bennett 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 regular check-ups and targeted treatment, a senior was able to resume enjoying delicious meals with family, a cherished part of their daily routine. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was managing their stomach cancer successfully.
- Following a consultation with a gastroenterologist, a senior citizen experienced a significant reduction in intestinal obstruction symptoms, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of baking and enjoying meals with family.
- With guidance from a gastroenterologist, a senior was able to resume enjoying meals with family, a cherished part of their daily life, after treatment eased painful swallowing associated with diffuse esophageal spasm.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Caren Bennett:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- A gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, is a specialist who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent diseases of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are trained to help seniors maintain digestive health and comfort.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is common in seniors. Dr. Bennett 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. Caren Bennett?
- Your first visit with Dr. Bennett will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We will review 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 for 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 Dr. Bennett evaluate the cause. She can determine the underlying reason and recommend appropriate treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to effectively manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term complications.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Bennett can help identify triggers and develop a management plan, including dietary and lifestyle changes, and possibly medication, to significantly reduce symptoms.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Bennett can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other esophageal conditions. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar symptoms without the same immune response or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can properly diagnose the condition and recommend the best management plan.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be effectively managed with dietary changes and at-home care. Dr. Bennett offers minimally invasive, in-office procedures like banding for persistent issues, which are quick, effective, and require little to no downtime.
7261 Sheridan St Ste 100C
Hollywood FL 33024
Phone: (954) 441-6226
Dr. Caren Bennett, 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): 1992794127
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. Caren Bennett 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.