Dr. Gustavo Rivera, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Naples, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care. As a partner in senior health featured on infoaging.org, Dr. Rivera understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver the best possible outcomes. A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues.
Dr. Gustavo Rivera, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL. Dr. Rivera has extensive experience in Liver Disease, Pancreatic Disease, and Gastrointestinal Disorders. He is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rivera's approach to care prioritizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where all concerns are addressed. Dr. Rivera offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (239) 649-1186 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Gustavo Rivera is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gustavo Rivera is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He skillfully manages complex digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, and liver issues, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. Dr. Rivera prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that promotes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gustavo Rivera can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gustavo Rivera 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:
- Viral Enteritis: Managing viral enteritis in older adults involves prioritizing hydration to prevent complications, resting, and avoiding solid foods until symptoms improve; most cases resolve without specific medical intervention, improving your comfort and well-being.
- Acute Gastritis: If you're dealing with sudden stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, it could be acute gastritis. This condition usually responds well to treatment, helping you get back to enjoying your meals and daily routines.
- Colorectal Polyp: Colorectal polyps are usually found during a colonoscopy, a screening procedure that allows doctors to remove them before they become cancerous, improving your long-term health and peace of mind.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: IBS affects the large intestine, leading to discomfort like cramping and irregular bowel movements; however, working with your doctor to find the right treatment plan can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm are conditions where the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus doesn't relax properly, making it hard to swallow and potentially leading to discomfort, but treatments like medication or surgery can ease symptoms and improve eating.
- 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.
- Intestinal Obstruction: An intestinal blockage can significantly affect your daily life, causing pain and making it difficult to eat; but appropriate treatment, including changes in diet or procedures, can help restore your ability to enjoy meals and maintain your independence.
- Esophageal Ulcer: If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing or persistent chest pain, it might be an esophageal ulcer; timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a better 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.
- Colon Cancer: For seniors, managing colon cancer often involves a team approach with doctors, nurses, and support groups to ensure they receive the best care possible while maintaining their comfort and dignity.
- Gallstones: Sometimes, hard crystals called gallstones form in your gallbladder, leading to discomfort or even serious complications; however, with proper diagnosis and management through medication or surgery, you can prevent future problems and maintain your independence.
- Gastritis: If you're struggling with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, it's possible you have gastritis. Working with your doctor to manage this inflammation can significantly improve your overall comfort 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. Gustavo Rivera offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Colonoscopy: To ensure your digestive health, a colonoscopy is a valuable tool for identifying and treating colon polyps or other problems that might otherwise cause you discomfort or health complications.
- Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy provides essential insights into the health of your liver and helps doctors to determine the best course of action to support your well-being.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps find colon and rectal cancers early, when they're easier to treat, giving seniors a better chance at a healthy future.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: Instrumental diagnostic evaluation for dysphagia uses special tests to pinpoint the cause of swallowing difficulties, helping seniors receive targeted treatment and improve their quality of life.
- Endoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an endoscopy can provide detailed images of your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to detect abnormalities early.
- pH Probe: By measuring the pH of your esophagus, a pH probe helps doctors pinpoint the source of your digestive discomfort and recommend the most effective management strategies.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring overall digestive health.
- Wireless pH Testing: For seniors experiencing frequent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, wireless pH testing helps pinpoint the cause and allows for more effective treatment.
- Colon Cancer Screening: As part of your comprehensive senior care, colon cancer screening provides valuable insights into your digestive health, helping to prevent or manage serious conditions.
- Screening Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopies are a critical part of managing your colorectal health as you age, ensuring early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- 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.
- Sigmoidoscopy: This simple procedure helps your doctor assess the health of your lower colon, providing essential information for managing your digestive health and reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
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. Gustavo Rivera 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 guidance for managing viral enteritis, an elderly woman felt significantly better within a few days, regaining her appetite and enjoying her favorite meals with her family. Her peace of mind improved as the gastrointestinal symptoms subsided.
- After experiencing sudden stomach pain and nausea, a senior felt relief from their acute gastritis symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and return to their usual activities.
- Following a colonoscopy and the removal of colorectal polyps, a senior couple felt a renewed sense of security in their home, knowing they were proactively managing their health and reducing the risk of future problems.
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. Gustavo Rivera:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Rivera is a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, specializing in the health of your entire digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent a wide range of digestive diseases to maintain your 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. Rivera 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. Gustavo Rivera?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Rivera will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We will 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 for heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal (GI) symptom. Dr. Rivera 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.
- 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 problems, Dr. Rivera offers minimally invasive in-office procedures, like banding, which are quick, effective, and require little recovery time.
- 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. Rivera to perform a complete and accurate examination, and our practice provides detailed instructions to 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. Rivera evaluate the cause. He can determine the underlying reason and recommend personalized treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to effectively manage your symptoms and prevent potential issues.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means there's extra fat in your liver. In its early stages, it's often manageable with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Rivera can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
1064 Goodlette Rd
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 649-1186
Dr. Gustavo Rivera, 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): 1154573830
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. Gustavo Rivera 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.