Dr. Dilip Ghanekar, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Hudson, 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. He is currently welcoming new patients and they should call (727) 380-5101 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Ghanekar's commitment to quality patient care stems from over 35 years of experience in gastroenterology. He earned his medical degree from Bangalor University in 1987, completed an internship, and then pursued residency training in Gastroenterology, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (65 and over). To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Mayo Clinic - Rochester, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. His experience includes serving as chief resident during his Internal Medicine residency at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and has been a valued member of Gastroenterology Associates of West Florida since 1999. Dr. Ghanekar is fluent in Hindi and also offers consultations in Spanish. Patient care is our #1 priority. Your health and well-being is our primary concern.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Dilip Ghanekar is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ghanekar is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive gastroenterological care. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding individual needs and creating personalized plans that maximize comfort and well-being for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Dilip Ghanekar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Curative
Golden Rule
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Choice Plus
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Golden Rule HMO
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Dilip Ghanekar 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:
- Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: With gastrointestinal malabsorption, your digestive system doesn't fully absorb the nutrients from food. While this can be concerning, managing it often involves working with a doctor and dietitian to find the right diet and, if needed, supplements. This can positively affect your energy levels and overall health.
- Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain in seniors can stem from various sources, from simple indigestion to more complex conditions. Seeking medical attention allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, enhancing quality of life.
- Viral Enteritis: Viral enteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by a virus, resulting in unpleasant symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but usually resolving without specific treatment, focusing on managing symptoms and hydration.
- Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: While some hiatal hernias cause no symptoms, addressing those that do can help improve your quality of life and allow you to maintain your independence.
- Gastrojejunal Ulcer: A gastrojejunal ulcer is a sore that develops where the stomach connects to the small intestine, and treatment, often involving medication, helps reduce pain and improve digestion.
- Ascites: Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, often caused by liver disease, and can be managed with medication and dietary changes to improve comfort and reduce swelling.
- Gallstones: Gallstones are hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile, and can cause significant pain and digestive issues, but treatment options like medication or surgery can greatly alleviate symptoms and improve your comfort.
- Dehydration: Dehydration happens when your body doesn't have enough fluids, making you feel weak and tired, and it's especially important for seniors to stay well-hydrated to maintain their health and independence.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: If you have IBD, working closely with your gastroenterologist to find the right treatment planoften involving medication and dietary adjustmentscan make a significant difference in symptom relief and overall well-being.
- Gastroparesis: Experiencing persistent nausea, vomiting, and early fullness after eating might be a sign of gastroparesis, a condition that can be managed with dietary changes and medication, significantly improving your daily comfort.
- Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: If someone has consumed excessive alcohol for many years, they may develop alcoholic hepatic failure, a serious liver problem that, while challenging, can be addressed with medical care, such as medication or even a liver transplant to improve their quality of life.
- Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the esophagus that can cause life-threatening bleeding, but with careful monitoring and treatment, such as medication or procedures, seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life.
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. Dilip Ghanekar offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick procedure where a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera into your rectum to examine your lower colon for signs of polyps or cancer, helping you stay on top of your colorectal health.
- 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.
- Bile Duct Procedure: For seniors experiencing digestive problems, a bile duct procedure can be a crucial step in creating a personalized treatment plan.
- Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure where a tiny sample of liver tissue is taken to help doctors diagnose and manage liver diseases.
- Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube is a surgically placed feeding tube that helps seniors who have difficulty swallowing get the nutrition they need.
- ERCP With Spincterotomy: This procedure helps remove gallstones or tumors obstructing the bile duct, which is crucial for managing liver and pancreatic conditions in older adults.
- Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to locate and remove gallstones from the bile duct, improving liver function and overall health in older adults.
- Capsule Endoscopy: For seniors experiencing unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, capsule endoscopy can help doctors pinpoint the cause and develop a tailored treatment strategy.
- Colon Cancer Screening: By identifying colon cancer early through screening, seniors can significantly improve their chances of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy helps find and remove polyps or other abnormalities in the large intestine, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Pancreas Surgeries: Pancreas surgery may be a necessary treatment step for seniors dealing with pancreatic complications arising from other diseases, offering relief from severe symptoms and improving overall well-being.
- Liver Function Test: This blood test helps monitor your liver's function, aiding in the management of existing liver conditions and preventing complications.
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. Dilip Ghanekar 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 tailored dietary plan and supplement recommendations, a senior couple experienced a significant reduction in gastrointestinal discomfort, allowing them to enjoy family meals and outings with renewed energy and confidence.
- After seeking guidance for persistent abdominal pain, a senior couple felt more secure at home, able to enjoy meals and daily activities without the discomfort that had been limiting their lives.
- Feeling significantly better, a senior couple was able to enjoy their weekly dinner with friends again, a cherished social activity, after managing the viral enteritis symptoms with the gastroenterologist's guidance.
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. Dilip Ghanekar:
- 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 a wide range of digestive conditions to help seniors maintain comfort and overall 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. Ghanekar 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. Dilip Ghanekar?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Ghanekar 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.
- 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 autoimmune attack or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the appropriate management plan.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be managed effectively with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent pain, Dr. Ghanekar offers minimally invasive in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require little recovery time.
- 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. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Ghanekar works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when extra fat builds up in your liver. In early stages, it can often be managed or even reversed with healthy lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise. Dr. Ghanekar can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Ghanekar can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other conditions of the esophagus. Our goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
7515 State Road 52 Ste 105
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (727) 380-5101
Dr. Dilip Ghanekar, 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): 1578559993
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. Dilip Ghanekar 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.