Dr. Charles Riggenbach, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in their health journey, Dr. Riggenbach understands the unique needs of seniors and is committed to managing complex digestive conditions, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, effectively. He works collaboratively 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. Riggenbach brings over 35 years of dedicated experience to his practice, having earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida School of Medicine in 1986 and completing an internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1989. He further specialized in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, pursuing fellowship training at the University of Mississippi, and is on Medical Staff at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Dr. Riggenbach is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and his practice adheres to the core values of patient-centered care, dignity, integrity, excellence, compassion, stewardship, and collegiality. He is currently accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (850) 863-8100. Dr. Riggenbach primarily provides consultations in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Charles Riggenbach is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Riggenbach is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, from colon cancer to liver issues, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic and supportive approach. His focus extends beyond medical treatment to understanding the unique needs and goals of each patient, fostering a partnership that prioritizes comfort and independence in their aging journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Charles Riggenbach can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Medicaid of Florida
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Charles Riggenbach 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: For seniors, noninfectious inflammation of the digestive tract (gastroenteritis and colitis) might cause diarrhea and abdominal pain; focusing on symptom relief, such as adequate hydration, can aid a speedy recovery and prevent complications.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: If you have a family history of FAP, it's crucial to undergo regular colonoscopies, as this inherited condition makes you much more likely to develop numerous colon polyps which can become cancerous, and early detection is key for effective treatment.
- Intestinal Ulcer: An intestinal ulcer is a painful sore in your intestines, but with the right medical care, including medication and possibly dietary modifications, you can find relief and live a more comfortable life.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools and increased bowel movements can signal diarrhea, impacting your comfort and independence. Working with your doctor to identify the cause and find the right treatment can help you regain control and feel better.
- Acute Gastritis: Don't let acute gastritis disrupt your life! This temporary inflammation of your stomach can be effectively managed with your doctor's guidance, easing symptoms and ensuring you can remain comfortable and independent.
- Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach that can cause discomfort and pain, but with proper medication and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage it and feel much better.
- Hepatitis A: While hepatitis A can cause discomfort like jaundice and fatigue, it's usually treatable with supportive care that focuses on symptom relief, helping you feel better and maintain your daily routine.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): For seniors with GERD, simple changes like elevating the head of your bed and eating smaller, more frequent meals can significantly ease symptoms, allowing a better quality of life.
- Ascites: Managing ascites, which is fluid in the abdomen, involves techniques to remove the fluid and address the underlying cause, improving your quality of life as you age.
- Heartburn: Managing heartburn can be easier than you think. Simple adjustments to your diet and habits, along with over-the-counter medications if needed, can help you feel better and maintain your independence.
- Gastroparesis: If you have gastroparesis, your stomach muscles don't work as well as they should, causing nausea and fullness, but treatment can help improve digestion and reduce these unpleasant feelings.
- Colon Cancer: For seniors, managing colon cancer often involves a team approach with doctors, nurses, and support groups to ensure they receive the best care possible while maintaining their comfort and dignity.
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. Charles Riggenbach offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: Instrumental diagnostic evaluation for dysphagia helps doctors identify the underlying causes of swallowing problems in seniors, allowing for effective intervention and prevention of complications.
- Colon Cancer Screening: Regular colon cancer screenings are a crucial part of a senior's proactive healthcare plan, allowing for early detection and management of potential issues.
- 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.
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: Proctosigmoidoscopy is a relatively simple procedure that plays a vital role in preventing serious colon conditions; your doctor uses it to examine the lower part of your colon for any signs of disease.
- Liver Function Test: Regular liver function tests are a key part of your overall health assessment, ensuring we catch any liver issues before they become serious.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP can help seniors manage difficult-to-treat conditions affecting their bile ducts and pancreas, improving overall digestive health.
- Endoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an endoscopy can provide detailed images of your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to detect abnormalities early.
- Screening Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopies are a critical part of managing your colorectal health as you age, ensuring early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- Gallbladder Scan: A gallbladder scan, often an ultrasound, helps doctors check for gallstones or other gallbladder problems that may be causing abdominal pain or digestive issues.
- Manometry: Manometry is a test that measures the pressure within your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help doctors diagnose problems with swallowing or digestion.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Charles Riggenbach 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:
- A senior couple, struggling with persistent digestive discomfort, found relief from their symptoms through a tailored treatment plan, allowing them to enjoy family meals and outings together again.
- Knowing their family history of FAP, a senior and their family found peace of mind through regular checkups and proactive management with a gastroenterologist, allowing them to confidently enjoy their favorite activities without worry.
- After experiencing significant discomfort from an intestinal ulcer, a senior felt a renewed sense of well-being, enjoying mealtimes and social gatherings with family without the persistent pain.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Charles Riggenbach:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- A gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, is a specialist trained to care for the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They diagnose, treat, and prevent digestive diseases, helping seniors maintain comfort and health.
- 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. Riggenbach can 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. Charles Riggenbach?
- Your first visit with Dr. Riggenbach 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 toward creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's for heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal (GI) symptom. Dr. Riggenbach can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other esophageal conditions. Our goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has built up in your liver. In early stages, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often help manage or even reverse it. Dr. Riggenbach can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While IBS can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it's not a serious condition that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Riggenbach can help identify triggers and develop a personalized plan to manage your symptoms effectively, potentially involving dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and medication.
- 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. Riggenbach works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- 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. Riggenbach evaluate the cause. He can determine the reason for your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your heartburn and prevent potential long-term issues.
1032 Mar Walt Dr Unit 210
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-8100
Dr. Charles Riggenbach, 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): 1346225240
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. Charles Riggenbach 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.