Dr. Christopher Fernandez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at Associates in Digestive Health - Cape Coral in Cape Coral, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, 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. Dr. Fernandez is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 772-3636 to schedule an appointment.
With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, Dr. Fernandez brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 2012, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at University Of Michigan Program, and University Of Michigan Health System (2015). To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Henry Ford Health System (2019), deepening his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (65 and over). 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. Dr. Fernandez is an avid outdoor enthusiast and excited to be back in SWFL, bringing his Cuban background and Spanish-speaking skills to better serve the diverse community. He offers consultations in Spanish.
Dr. Fernandez is a gastroenterologist at Associates in Digestive Health in Cape Coral, FL, committed to providing exceptional care for his patients. He understands the unique needs of older adults and is dedicated to collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes. His focus on comprehensive care, coupled with his extensive training and experience, makes him a trusted partner in your senior health journey. He is eager to welcome you to his practice and help you navigate your digestive health needs.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher Fernandez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Fernandez is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher Fernandez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- LocalPlus
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Secure Horizons
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Fernandez 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:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained weight loss, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving quality of life.
- Alcoholic Hepatitis: While a serious condition, alcoholic hepatitis, resulting from heavy drinking, can be managed through medical care and by eliminating alcohol intake. This can significantly improve liver function and reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Hepatitis A: If you're diagnosed with hepatitis A, your doctor will work with you to manage symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain through rest and medication, ensuring you remain comfortable during your recovery.
- Chronic Anal Fissure: A chronic anal fissure is a long-lasting tear in the anus that can make going to the bathroom very painful. Your doctor can help find the right treatment plan for you to manage the pain and improve your overall comfort.
- 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.
- Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers are open sores in your intestines that can be treated with medication and dietary changes to help reduce pain and improve digestion, making daily life easier.
- 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.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis involves long-term inflammation in the colon, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, but effective treatments help many seniors manage their symptoms and maintain an active life.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Alcoholic fatty liver disease happens when too much alcohol consumption damages the liver, causing fat buildup and potentially leading to serious liver problems, but with careful monitoring and lifestyle changes, many seniors can manage this condition and maintain their health.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: NAFLD is a common liver condition affecting many seniors, where excess fat accumulates in the liver, but through diet, exercise, and medication, it can often be managed, helping maintain your energy levels and overall health.
- E. coli Food Poisoning: E. coli food poisoning is an infection caused by eating food contaminated with harmful bacteria, leading to diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, but it usually resolves within a few days with supportive care.
- Cyclical Vomiting: Cyclical vomiting is a condition where episodes of intense nausea and vomiting occur repeatedly, often in cycles, and can significantly impact a senior's daily life and independence.
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. Christopher Fernandez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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: For seniors, a screening colonoscopy is a powerful tool to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, giving you peace of mind and contributing to a longer, healthier life.
- 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.
- Esophageal Dilatation: Esophageal dilatation is a procedure that gently stretches a narrowed esophagus, helping seniors swallow more easily and improve their nutrition.
- Variceal Hemostatis: For seniors with liver conditions, variceal hemostasis helps manage life-threatening bleeding from varices, improving their quality of life and overall health.
- Breath Testing: Breath testing can be a crucial part of your overall healthcare plan, allowing for early detection of conditions like Helicobacter pylori infection, a bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers.
- Anorectal Manometry: Anorectal manometry is a test that measures the pressure within your rectum and anal sphincter muscles to help diagnose and manage problems with bowel control.
- Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, hemorrhoidectomy or excision of anal tags helps manage painful hemorrhoids and anal tags, improving comfort and quality of life.
- Esophageal Manometry: This painless test, esophageal manometry, measures the pressure within your esophagus to help pinpoint the source of your digestive discomfort and guide treatment decisions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: To maintain optimal digestive health, a flexible sigmoidoscopy provides valuable insights into the lower bowel, allowing for timely intervention and management of any abnormalities discovered.
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. Christopher Fernandez 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:
- After receiving expert guidance on managing unexplained weight loss, a senior felt more energized and confident, returning to their favorite hobby of knitting with renewed enthusiasm.
- With the guidance of a gastroenterologist, a senior was able to significantly reduce the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis and enjoy a more active social life, including resuming favorite activities.
- With the gastroenterologist's guidance, a senior felt a significant reduction in nausea and abdominal discomfort, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of playing bridge with friends.
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 (Gastroenterology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Christopher Fernandez:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Fernandez is a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, specializing in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent digestive diseases, promoting comfort and well-being 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. Fernandez 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. Christopher Fernandez?
- Your first visit with Dr. Fernandez 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 in creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- 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. We focus on controlling inflammation, managing symptoms, and maintaining nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Fernandez 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 reaction to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms without this immune response or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the appropriate management plan.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has accumulated in your liver. In early stages, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often help manage or even reverse it. Dr. Fernandez can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be managed with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent problems, Dr. Fernandez offers minimally invasive in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require little recovery time.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Fernandez can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other conditions of the esophagus. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
Associates in Digestive Health - Cape Coral
625 Del Prado Blvd S
Cape Coral FL 33990
Phone: (239) 772-3636
Dr. Christopher Fernandez, 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): 1306109939
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. Christopher Fernandez 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.