Dr. Haim Pinkas, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive 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). As a partner in their senior health journey, Dr. Pinkas specializes 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 encourages you to call (813) 974-0706 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Haim Pinkas, MD is a gastroenterologist in Tampa, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Libre De Bruxelles in 1976, completing an internship at Bronx Va Medical Center in 1978. His expertise in gastroenterology deepened through residency training at Bronx Va Medical Center (1981) and fellowship training at Washington Dc Va Medical Center (1983). Dr. Pinkas is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive and dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Tampa General Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Pinkas provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Haim Pinkas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pinkas is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive gastroenterological care. He expertly addresses complex digestive issues, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a personalized and collaborative approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal well-being and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Haim Pinkas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Humana
- Tampa Bay CoreNet
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Haim Pinkas 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:
- Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can be frustrating, but it's manageable. With your doctor's help, strategies such as swallowing exercises and modified diets can ensure you maintain good nutrition and health.
- Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Sometimes, non-cancerous growths appear in the digestive system; these are called benign neoplasms and are often harmless, though regular check-ups are recommended.
- Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: If you have gastrointestinal malabsorption, your digestive system isn't efficiently extracting essential vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. Working with your doctor to adjust your diet and potentially add supplements can significantly improve your well-being and help you feel stronger.
- 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.
- 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.
- Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain can be a troubling symptom in older adults, but understanding its cause is the first step towards effective management and improved comfort.
- Esophageal Motility Disorders: Problems with the muscle movements in your esophagus can lead to difficulty swallowing and other digestive issues, but treatments like medication or dietary changes can often help.
- Esophageal Ulcer: Developing an esophageal ulcer can be concerning, but with a doctor's care, involving medication or other interventions, you can reduce pain and improve your ability to eat comfortably.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Living with IBS can be challenging, marked by unpredictable bowel patterns and abdominal pain, but many effective strategies, including stress management techniques and medication, are available to help you better manage the condition.
- Vomiting Disorders: If an older loved one is experiencing vomiting, seeking medical advice is crucial to determine the root cause and develop a personalized plan to help them feel better and remain independent.
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a symptom of various conditions, and it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life.
- Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas-bloat syndrome can make you feel uncomfortable and sluggish, but with the right approach, involving adjustments to your diet and possibly medication, you can find relief and maintain your independence.
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. Haim Pinkas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Colonoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a colonoscopy provides detailed images of your colon, enabling early detection of issues like polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Regular colorectal cancer screenings are a vital part of a senior's comprehensive healthcare plan, allowing for early detection and management of potential problems.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, duodenal polypectomy removes polyps from the duodenum, a part of your small intestine, minimizing your risk of future digestive issues.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy allows for both diagnosis and treatment of various digestive problems, often guiding the creation of a personalized care plan to address your specific needs.
- Gallbladder Scan: This imaging test helps diagnose gallbladder disease, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications like infection or pancreatitis.
- 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: To better understand and manage swallowing problems, this evaluation employs various tools to assess the mechanics of swallowing, informing the creation of a personalized care plan for seniors.
- 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.
- pH Probe: For seniors experiencing persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, a pH probe test can help determine the cause and guide treatment decisions.
- Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a vital procedure that helps detect colon polyps and early signs of colon cancer, allowing for timely treatment and improved outcomes.
- Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a less intrusive way to assess the severity of your acid reflux, guiding your doctor in choosing the best medication or treatment.
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. Haim Pinkas 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 the guidance of a gastroenterologist, a senior was able to resume enjoying delicious meals with family, a cherished activity that had become difficult due to dysphagia. The patient's confidence in their ability to eat comfortably at home significantly improved.
- Following regular check-ups and expert guidance, a senior couple regained their appetite and energy for family meals, enjoying a more vibrant and connected life at home.
- After working with a gastroenterologist to adjust her diet and take supplements, a senior woman experienced a significant reduction in fatigue and was able to return to her beloved weekly book club, feeling stronger and more energetic.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Haim Pinkas:
- 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. We diagnose, treat, and prevent 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, which is common in this age group. Dr. Pinkas can find and remove small growths called polyps, which could otherwise develop into cancer, making it a proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Haim Pinkas?
- Your first visit with Dr. Pinkas 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.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has accumulated in your liver. Fortunately, in early stages, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often help manage or even reverse it. Dr. Pinkas 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 (GI) symptom. Dr. Pinkas can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other conditions of the esophagus. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
- 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 without the autoimmune attack or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can accurately diagnose the condition and develop the appropriate management plan.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- No, IBS is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or causes cancer. Dr. Pinkas can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue in older adults. Many cases can be effectively managed with dietary adjustments and at-home care. For persistent problems, Dr. Pinkas offers minimally invasive in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require little recovery time.
12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd Ste 4161
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 974-0706
Dr. Haim Pinkas, 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): 1710998562
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. Haim Pinkas 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.