Dr. Ernest Inacay, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive pulmonary care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex lung conditions like COPD, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and sleep apnea common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Prospective patients should call (813) 231-6204 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Ernest Inacay, MD is a pulmonologist in Tampa, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of Santo Tomas Faculty Of Medicine And Surgery in 1981. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Tampa Community Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa. Dr. Inacay is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Ernest Inacay is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Inacay is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive pulmonary care with a focus on the individual. He expertly diagnoses and manages complex lung conditions, such as COPD, asthma, and pneumonia, collaborating seamlessly with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a personalized and coordinated approach. This collaborative care prioritizes the best possible outcomes for each patient, considering their unique needs and goals.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ernest Inacay can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ernest Inacay 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:
- Wheezing: Wheezing, that whistling sound while breathing, can be concerning, but it's manageable. With the right diagnosis and care plan, often involving medication or breathing exercises, you can lessen its impact on your comfort and daily routine.
- Bronchitis: If you're experiencing a persistent cough or difficulty breathing, seeing a doctor is important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan for bronchitis, ensuring your respiratory health is well-managed.
- Cough: Managing a cough effectively involves identifying the underlying cause, often through a consultation with your doctor, which then enables tailored treatment to improve breathing and ease discomfort.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism involves a blood clot that travels to the lungs, causing breathing difficulties; getting early diagnosis and treatment, which often involves blood thinners, is vital for improving breathing and preventing future incidents, ensuring you maintain your independence.
- Pulmonary Insufficiency: This condition, pulmonary insufficiency, affects your lungs' ability to function properly, impacting your breathing; however, with a care plan, you can manage your symptoms and continue living an active life.
- Emphysema: Emphysema is a type of COPD that damages the tiny air sacs in your lungs, causing shortness of breath, but through consistent management with oxygen therapy and lifestyle adjustments, you can improve your breathing and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Pneumonitis (Due to Solids or Liquids): Pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs, can happen when you breathe in or swallow harmful solids or liquids, and treatment focuses on removing the irritant and managing symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath to help you breathe easier.
- Hypoxemia: Low oxygen levels in your blood, called hypoxemia, can be managed with various treatments such as supplemental oxygen, medications, or lifestyle changes to improve your breathing and overall well-being.
- Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Pulmonary hypertension and other chronic lung-related heart diseases can make breathing and daily activities challenging, but advancements in medical care offer effective management strategies, allowing seniors to live fuller, more active lives.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: With proper treatment for pulmonary hypertension, many seniors can maintain a better quality of life, reducing shortness of breath and fatigue and enabling them to enjoy their favorite things.
- Tuberculosis: While tuberculosis can be a serious health concern, particularly for older adults, today's treatments are highly effective in eliminating the bacteria and preventing further health problems, helping you lead a fulfilling life.
- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: With primary pulmonary hypertension, the blood vessels in your lungs narrow, increasing blood pressure and making breathing difficult; however, treatments like medication and oxygen therapy can help manage symptoms and improve your 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. Ernest Inacay offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bronchoscopy: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with persistent coughs or breathing difficulties, a bronchoscopy can help pinpoint the exact cause of their respiratory issues and guide treatment decisions.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A CPAP machine can help diagnose and manage sleep apnea, a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep and can be especially problematic for seniors.
- Respiratory Management: Through careful assessment and monitoring, respiratory management helps seniors avoid serious complications from lung diseases like pneumonia.
- Smoking Cessation Counseling: Smoking cessation counseling provides seniors with tools and strategies to quit smoking, improving their overall health and quality of life, and reducing their need for future medical interventions.
- Endotracheal Intubation: In critical situations, endotracheal intubation allows doctors to provide mechanical ventilation, helping a senior's lungs function effectively during periods of severe illness or injury affecting their breathing.
- Endobronchial Biopsy: To create a personalized treatment plan, your doctor might recommend an endobronchial biopsy to identify the cause of your persistent cough or breathing problems.
- Ultrasound, Endobronchial: As part of a comprehensive lung cancer management plan, endobronchial ultrasound may be used to help assess the success of treatments, such as radiation therapy.
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 Pulmonology in Florida.
Dr. Ernest Inacay 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 a pulmonology's guidance, a senior woman found relief from bothersome wheezing, allowing her to once again enjoy her evening walks with her beloved dog.
- With regular checkups and a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple found relief from persistent coughing and shortness of breath, allowing them to enjoy their favorite evening walks again.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Pulmonary care with Dr. Ernest Inacay:
- What is a Pulmonologist?
- A pulmonologist is a doctor specializing in lung and respiratory conditions. They are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases like COPD and asthma, and addressing infections like pneumonia and sleep disorders to improve seniors' overall health.
- I have a cough that won't go away. When should I see a pulmonologist?
- If your cough lasts more than a few weeks, especially if it's accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, or mucus, it's important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Inacay. He can perform tests to identify the cause, which could range from asthma to more serious conditions, and develop a plan to help you feel better.
- I'm a former smoker. Am I still at risk for lung problems?
- While quitting smoking was the best decision for your health, a history of smoking still increases your risk for conditions like COPD and lung cancer. Regular check-ups and, if eligible, low-dose CT screening are important preventive steps.
- A spot was found on my chest X-ray. What does that mean?
- A spot or lung nodule on a chest X-ray is quite common, and often not cancerous. Dr. Inacay will perform a thorough evaluation, which may involve follow-up scans or a biopsy to determine the nature of the spot. Proactive evaluation is essential to ensure appropriate management.
- How is asthma different in older adults?
- Asthma can develop at any age, and in older adults, it may be mistaken for simple shortness of breath. Managing asthma in seniors requires careful consideration of their other health conditions and medications. Dr. Inacay specializes in creating safe and effective asthma action plans for seniors.
- What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?
- A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a non-invasive breathing test that measures how well your lungs are working. It involves breathing into a machine called a spirometer. This test is a key diagnostic tool that helps Dr. Inacay diagnose and monitor conditions like asthma and COPD.
- What is a bronchoscopy?
- A bronchoscopy is a procedure where Dr. Inacay uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly into the airways of the lungs. It's often used to investigate problems like persistent coughs or unusual chest X-rays, and can also collect small tissue samples (biopsies). It's performed with sedation to ensure patient comfort.
- Should I get the pneumonia vaccine?
- Absolutely. Pneumonia can be a very serious, even life-threatening, illness for older adults. The pneumonia vaccines (like PCV20 or PCV15 and PPSV23) are highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and complications. Please discuss your specific vaccination status with your primary care doctor or Dr. Inacay.
701 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste 2
Tampa FL 33603
Phone: (813) 231-6204
Dr. Ernest Inacay, 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): 1053386748
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. Pulmonology like Dr. Ernest Inacay 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.