Dr. David Weiss, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Hollywood, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. As a partner in senior health, Dr. Weiss understands the unique needs of this population and proactively addresses the complex digestive conditions often encountered as we age. He is adept at managing conditions 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.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors. Dr. Weiss, with over 35 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1988, completed an internship, and subsequently pursued and completed a residency and fellowship training in Gastroenterology at University South Fla Hosps, specializing 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 affiliated with esteemed medical facilities like Memorial Hospital Miramar and Memorial Hospital West. Dr. Weiss is currently welcoming new patients and offers telehealth appointments. He is available to consult primarily in English and can be reached by calling (954) 438-5200 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. David Weiss is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Weiss acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive gastroenterological care with a focus on individualized needs. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach. This personalized care prioritizes understanding the patient's unique circumstances, promoting comfort, and maximizing independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. David Weiss 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
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. David Weiss 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:
- Dysentery: Dysentery is a potentially serious infection affecting the intestines, causing bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. Treatment is essential to quickly alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration, helping you regain your strength and independence.
- Hernia: Imagine a weak spot in your abdominal wall letting your insides bulge out that's a hernia. Depending on the type and severity, treatment options range from watchful waiting to surgery, significantly improving your overall well-being.
- 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.
- Anemia: Anemia can cause weakness and tiredness that impact daily activities, but a proper diagnosis helps your doctor determine the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, potentially involving dietary adjustments or medication, to help you feel better.
- Lactose Intolerance: Experiencing digestive upset after eating dairy? You may be lactose intolerant. Fortunately, this is often easily managed by switching to lactose-free milk, yogurt, and cheese, or using lactase drops to help you digest dairy products.
- Liver Damage from Alcohol: While alcohol can damage the liver, many seniors can manage this risk through careful monitoring of alcohol intake and supportive medical care, improving their overall well-being.
- Ascites: If you're experiencing abdominal swelling due to ascites, know that it's treatable. Doctors can help manage the fluid buildup and improve your overall well-being.
- Giardiasis: Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection causing diarrhea, cramps, and gas, often treatable with medication to improve your digestion and overall well-being.
- Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Many seniors experience gastrointestinal malabsorption, which makes it harder for the body to get the nutrients it needs from food. A tailored diet plan and sometimes medication can help ensure you're getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and active.
- Hepatorenal Syndrome: If you have advanced liver disease, your kidneys might be affected by a condition called hepatorenal syndrome. This requires careful monitoring and treatment to maintain stability and help you feel your best.
- Esophageal Motility Disorders: Experiencing difficulty swallowing or chest pain? It might be due to esophageal motility problems, but many effective treatments can improve your ability to eat and maintain independence.
- Nausea: Nausea can significantly impact daily life, but with proper medical attention and sometimes simple home remedies, you can manage it effectively and regain your sense of well-being.
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. David Weiss offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: By using specialized instruments to assess swallowing function, this evaluation helps build a complete picture of a senior's condition, guiding the choice of appropriate therapies and improving their ability to eat and drink safely.
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: Proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure where a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon, helping detect early signs of colon cancer or other issues.
- Anoscopy: Anoscopy helps diagnose conditions affecting the anus and rectum, allowing your doctor to create a targeted treatment plan for hemorrhoids, fissures, or other concerns.
- 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.
- 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: For seniors, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a vital screening tool that helps identify and address potential problems in the lower part of the large intestine before they become serious health concerns, ensuring better management of your health.
- 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.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy helps find and remove polyps or other abnormalities in the large intestine, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: By participating in colorectal cancer screening, seniors can proactively manage their risk of developing this disease and make informed decisions about their health.
- Gallbladder Scan: As part of your overall health assessment, a gallbladder scan can reveal if there are any blockages or inflammation in your gallbladder, leading to better care planning.
- pH Probe: To create a comprehensive care plan for your digestive health, a pH probe provides valuable data on the acid levels in your esophagus.
- Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps your doctor assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early.
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. David Weiss 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 a challenging bout of dysentery, a senior felt much better with the support of their gastroenterologist, able to enjoy a delicious meal with their family again without the discomfort.
- With the hernia effectively managed, a senior couple was thrilled to resume their weekly ballroom dancing lessons, enjoying the social connection and physical activity without discomfort.
- After working with a gastroenterologist, a senior couple was able to enjoy their evening meals without the discomfort of heartburn, regaining their cherished tradition of dining together.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. David Weiss:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Weiss 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 prevents a wide range of digestive diseases to help 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, a common concern in this age group. Dr. Weiss can find and remove small growths called polyps during the procedure, preventing them from developing into cancer. This is a proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. David Weiss?
- Your first visit with Dr. Weiss 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 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. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Weiss works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- 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. Weiss can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and potentially medication.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- Your concern about constant heartburn is valid. While frequent heartburn is often related to GERD, it's important to have Dr. Weiss evaluate the cause. He can determine the underlying reason and recommend effective treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage symptoms and prevent potential long-term esophageal issues.
- 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 the autoimmune response or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the appropriate management plan.
- 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 cleanse the colon thoroughly. A clean colon is essential for Dr. Weiss to perform a precise examination, and our practice provides detailed instructions to make the preparation as easy as possible.
11011 Sheridan St Ste 109
Hollywood FL 33026
Phone: (954) 438-5200
Dr. David Weiss, 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): 1861493116
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. David Weiss 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.