Dr. Frank Lukens, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Lukens understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to managing complex digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, often encountered in older adults. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient care. Prospective patients should call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if Dr. Lukens is currently accepting new patients.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing these conditions. Dr. Lukens's extensive experience, coupled with his interests in Therapeutic endoscopy/ERCP, hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease, Double-balloon enteroscopy, and Capsule endoscopy, positions him to offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Crisco Chiropractic College in 1995 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Lukens offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Frank Lukens is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Frank Lukens is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a seamless and supportive health journey. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a collaborative environment that maximizes comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Frank Lukens can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Florida Blue
- Group Health Network
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- Prime Health Services
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Frank Lukens 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:
- All Types of Food Poisoning: Contaminated food or drink can lead to food poisoning, causing stomach upset, cramping, and other digestive issues. Staying well-hydrated, resting, and following your doctor's recommendations is crucial for recovery and to prevent complications that could affect daily activities.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal area that can be uncomfortable, but there are simple lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can significantly relieve symptoms and improve your comfort.
- Congenital Achalasia: If someone is born with achalasia, they experience persistent difficulties with swallowing due to an esophageal muscle disorder. Modern treatments aim to alleviate these problems, restoring more comfortable eating and improving their quality of life.
- Esophageal Cancer: Developing esophageal cancer means there are cancerous cells growing in your food pipe, but modern treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can help shrink tumors and ease symptoms, helping you eat and swallow more comfortably.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Facing an intestinal blockage can be frightening, but know that healthcare professionals have effective ways to address this issue, often involving procedures or medications, that can significantly improve your comfort and overall well-being.
- Rectal Ulcer: Rectal ulcers, like sores in the rectum, can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, minor procedures to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
- Esophageal Diseases: Problems with your esophagus, the food pipe, can lead to discomfort and challenges with eating, however, many effective treatments are available to ease symptoms and help you maintain your independence.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition where a type of white blood cell builds up in the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing and other symptoms, but thankfully, with proper management, including diet changes and medication, it can be controlled to improve your comfort and ability to eat.
- 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.
- Vomiting Disorders: Frequent vomiting in older adults can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, but with proper medical attention, including medication and dietary adjustments, we can manage this and improve quality of life.
- Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Experiencing yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes after infancy? This could be non-neonatal jaundice, a sign that your liver or bile ducts might need attention; early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
- Enteritis: Dealing with enteritis, or inflammation of your intestines, can be challenging. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the discomfort, like avoiding certain foods and taking prescribed medications, enabling you to maintain a higher 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. Frank Lukens offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Liver Biopsy: To create a personalized care plan for liver conditions, a liver biopsy helps doctors understand the type and severity of liver damage.
- Transendoscopic Stent Placement: This procedure uses a small, flexible tube to place a supportive stent within the digestive system to address blockages or narrowing, improving nutrient absorption and reducing symptoms.
- 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.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening enables doctors to detect precancerous polyps and remove them before they develop into cancer, safeguarding a senior's long-term health.
- Impedance Testing: As part of your comprehensive care, impedance testing provides valuable information about your swallowing mechanism and identifies potential issues that may need attention.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: This comprehensive assessment uses instruments to evaluate swallowing difficulties, helping seniors and their caregivers understand the nature of the problem and make informed decisions about treatment.
- Screening Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopies are a critical part of managing your colorectal health as you age, ensuring early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure helps doctors check for and treat problems in the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder.
- Gallbladder Scan: To manage your digestive symptoms, a gallbladder scan can provide valuable information for your doctor to determine whether your gallbladder is the source of your discomfort.
- Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy is a less invasive way for seniors to have their small intestine examined, helping doctors find the source of unexplained bleeding or persistent digestive issues.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a supportive step in your care, ERCP helps doctors diagnose and treat blockages or other issues in your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: For seniors, duodenal polypectomy is a minimally invasive way to remove polyps found during an endoscopy, helping maintain your digestive system's optimal function.
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. Frank Lukens 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 experiencing debilitating food poisoning, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of security in their home, able to enjoy their favorite meals again, thanks to the gastroenterologist's guidance and support.
- After a consultation with a gastroenterologist, a senior couple found significant relief from hemorrhoid discomfort, allowing them to resume their regular walks and enjoy their favorite outdoor activities without pain.
- With the guidance of a gastroenterologist, a senior was able to eat more comfortably and enjoy meals with family again, a cherished part of their daily life. This newfound ease significantly improved their overall well-being and sense of security in their own home.
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)
- Pancreatic Surgery in the Older Population: A Single Institution's Experience over Two Decades, 2016-11-27
- Competence in Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, From Training Through Independent Practice, 2018-07-26
- Insulinoma: A Recurrent Pancreatic Tumor Amendable to Computed Tomography-Guided Ethanol-Lipiodol Injection, 2021-02-26
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Frank Lukens:
- 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 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. Lukens 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. Frank Lukens?
- Your first visit with Dr. Lukens 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. Lukens 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 but without the autoimmune attack or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend the best management plan.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be effectively managed with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent pain, Dr. Lukens offers minimally invasive in-office procedures, such as banding, that are quick, effective, and require minimal recovery time.
- What is the preparation for a colonoscopy like?
- We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning. It involves a special diet and prescribed liquid solution to cleanse the colon thoroughly. A clean colon is essential for Dr. Lukens to perform a precise examination. Our practice provides clear instructions to help make the preparation process as smooth as possible.
- 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. Lukens evaluate the cause. He can determine the specific reason and recommend the best treatment plan, including lifestyle changes and medications, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term issues.
4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000
Dr. Frank Lukens, 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): 1801871272
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. Frank Lukens 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.