Dr. Jayaprakash Kamath, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at Florida Digestive Specialists in St Petersburg, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical care. As a partner in senior health, Dr. Kamath understands the complexities of digestive health in this population and is committed to working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver the best possible outcomes. He specializes in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, while prioritizing patient comfort and well-being.
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. Dr. Kamath brings over 50 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and a compassionate approach to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Mysore Medical College in 1973, completed an internship and residency training in Gastroenterology at Helene Fuld Medical Center, and pursued fellowship training in Yale University, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65 and over). His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions is evident in his approach. He 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. Dr. Kamath is currently welcoming new patients and they should call (727) 380-2218 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Indian. His goal at Florida Digestive Specialists is to help every patient live a life with as few symptoms as possible.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Jayaprakash Kamath is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kamath is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care with a focus on the whole person. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and personalized approach. His expertise in conditions like colon cancer, GERD, and liver issues, combined with his understanding of the unique needs of seniors, helps maximize comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Jayaprakash Kamath can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Curative
Golden Rule
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Choice Plus
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Golden Rule HMO
- Humana One
- LifeSynch
- Medicare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Jayaprakash Kamath 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:
- Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: A hiatal hernia with obstruction happens when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, causing a blockage that can make it hard to swallow or digest food.
- Chronic Gastritis: Experiencing persistent stomach upset? Chronic gastritis is a condition where your stomach's lining is irritated, often manageable with lifestyle adjustments and medication, allowing you to enjoy your meals and maintain your well-being.
- Pyloric Stenosis: If your loved one experiences persistent vomiting and stomach pain, pyloric stenosis might be a possibility; prompt medical evaluation and treatment can greatly improve their comfort and eating habits.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition causing inflammation and sores in the large intestine, often managed with medication to reduce inflammation and improve digestive comfort.
- Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by a virus, and while it can be serious, many people recover fully with proper medical care, helping maintain their overall health and well-being.
- Pancreatitis: Experiencing severe abdominal pain? It could be pancreatitis, a condition affecting the pancreas that can be treated effectively to reduce pain and prevent complications, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- 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.
- Nausea: Nausea is a feeling of sickness that can affect your appetite and energy, but understanding its cause and following your doctor's advice can help you get back to enjoying your meals and staying active.
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver that typically clears up on its own with supportive care, improving your overall health and well-being with proper management.
- Gastric Ulcer: Gastric ulcers are open sores in the stomach, often causing pain and discomfort; however, treatment with medication, dietary adjustments, and stress reduction can significantly improve your well-being and allow you to enjoy your daily life.
- 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.
- Congenital Anomaly Esophagus: Some people are born with an esophagus that isn't fully formed or is in the wrong place; this can make eating and drinking difficult, but various treatment options exist to support healthy nutrition and prevent complications.
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. Jayaprakash Kamath offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: For seniors, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a vital screening tool that helps identify and address potential problems in the lower part of the large intestine before they become serious health concerns, ensuring better management of your health.
- Liver Biopsy: This procedure aids in monitoring the effectiveness of your liver treatment and allows your doctor to track any changes in liver health over time.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): This advanced procedure helps seniors with concerns about their gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas by allowing doctors to both diagnose and address underlying issues.
- Screening Colonoscopy: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, a screening colonoscopy can prevent serious health issues by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
- Manometry: As part of a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, manometry provides valuable information about the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in moving food through your digestive system.
- Gallbladder Scan: If you're experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or indigestion, a gallbladder scan can aid your doctor in creating a comprehensive care plan by identifying the underlying cause in your gallbladder.
- Impedance Testing: Impedance testing helps your doctor understand how well your esophagus is working and identify problems like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
- Biliary Drainage: Biliary drainage can be a vital step in managing serious liver conditions in seniors, helping reduce infections and improving quality of life.
- 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.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring overall digestive health.
- Bile Duct Procedure: If you're having trouble with your liver or gallbladder, a bile duct procedure may be necessary to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- 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.
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. Jayaprakash Kamath 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 tailored treatment plan, the patient experienced significant symptom reduction, allowing them to enjoy their favorite meals and hobbies without discomfort. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could comfortably engage in daily activities again.
- After several months of managing chronic gastritis with a tailored treatment plan, a senior couple was able to enjoy their favorite restaurant meals again without discomfort, significantly improving their overall well-being.
- After undergoing expert medical guidance for pyloric stenosis, a senior felt a significant reduction in persistent vomiting and stomach pain, allowing them to enjoy meals and participate in family activities with renewed comfort and confidence.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Jayaprakash Kamath:
- 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 the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is common in older adults. Dr. Kamath 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. Jayaprakash Kamath?
- Your first visit with Dr. Kamath 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.
- 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 to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition, while considering other health conditions. Dr. Kamath works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Kamath can help identify your triggers and create a personalized management plan, including dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and potentially medication, to help significantly reduce your symptoms.
- 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 properly diagnose the condition and create a tailored management plan.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Kamath 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 does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where extra fat builds up in the liver. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be managed or even reversed with healthy lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Kamath can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
Florida Digestive Specialists
5651 49th St N
St Petersburg FL 33709
Phone: (727) 380-2218
Dr. Jayaprakash Kamath, 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): 1609831502
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. Jayaprakash Kamath 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.