Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela, MD is a Nephrology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults (65+) and seniors at his clinic in Ocala, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Vaghela understands the unique health needs of this population, recognizing that general nephrologists provide specialized expertise in managing complex kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances, which are frequently encountered in older adults. He works closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure a well-coordinated approach to care, including dialysis and post-transplant management. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 214-9409 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Mahesh Vaghela, MD, a 47-year-old nephrology specialist with 25 years of experience, is affiliated with Munroe Regional Medical Center and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and completed his residency training in Nephrology at St. Barnabas Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and seniors. Further specializing through fellowship training at the University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine, he deepened his expertise in a specific area of patient health. His commitment to evidence-based medicine and collaborative care creates a supportive environment where patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is Board Certified in Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Vaghela is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive nephrological care with a compassionate touch. He expertly manages complex kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. His approach prioritizes the well-being of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes, including dialysis and post-transplant care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Card
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice
- 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 Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthSmart
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National
- National POS
- Navigate
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Open Choice PPO
- Options
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela 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:
- Pyonephrosis: When a kidney infection becomes severe, it can lead to pyonephrosis, a condition where pus collects within the kidney causing significant pain and discomfort; effective treatment usually involves antibiotics and may require procedures to drain the pus.
- Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: Tubulointerstitial nephritis affects the small tubes and tissue within your kidneys, causing inflammation and potentially impacting kidney function; early diagnosis and appropriate management, such as medication adjustments, are key to preserving kidney health and your independence.
- Amyloidosis: If you have amyloidosis, it means certain proteins are misfolding and accumulating in your organs, sometimes impacting kidney function; working closely with your doctor on a treatment plan can help preserve kidney health.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: If you have nephrotic syndrome, your kidneys are letting too much protein escape into your urine, resulting in swelling and fatigue; but don't worry, with the right medical care and support, you can significantly improve your comfort and independence.
- Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease: Having both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease means your kidneys aren't working as well as they should, due in part to the high blood pressure, but by controlling your blood pressure, we can often slow or prevent further kidney damage.
- Renal Osteodystrophy: Changes in calcium and phosphorus levels, caused by kidney problems, can lead to renal osteodystrophy, weakening bones; with appropriate medication and dietary changes, you can safeguard your bone health and prevent falls.
- Vasculitis: Vasculitis involves blood vessel inflammation that can lead to kidney problems. Your doctor can help create a plan that includes medication and monitoring to minimize these issues, helping you stay active and independent.
- Congenital Cystic Kidney Disease: Many people with congenital cystic kidney disease live long and healthy lives with regular checkups and appropriate management of any complications.
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are mineral and salt build-ups in the kidneys that can lead to excruciating pain if they block the urinary tract, but treatment options such as shock wave lithotripsy can break them down and relieve your pain.
- Acute Kidney Failure: Acute kidney failure means your kidneys have suddenly stopped working as well as they should, but with prompt treatment, many people recover their kidney function.
- Diabetes Insipidus: Excessive thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom might signal diabetes insipidus, a condition affecting the body's ability to retain water; treatment typically involves medication to help your kidneys retain water and ease these symptoms.
- Renal Hyperparathyroidism: Renal hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your kidneys don't remove enough phosphorus from your blood, leading to higher-than-normal levels of parathyroid hormone, which can weaken bones and cause other problems, but it can be managed with medication and dietary changes to improve your comfort and mobility.
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. Maheshkumar Vaghela offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that filters waste and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do this effectively, helping you maintain a healthier life.
- Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Before a kidney transplant, this evaluation helps doctors understand your current health status, addressing any concerns and improving your treatment outcomes.
- Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: Before a senior receives a life-saving kidney transplant from a living donor, this evaluation process comprehensively assesses the donor's overall health and suitability for the procedure.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure where a cleansing fluid is used inside your abdomen to remove waste and extra fluid.
- Renal Scan: A renal scan helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of your kidney treatment, ensuring your care plan addresses any changes in your condition.
- Therapeutic Apheresis: Therapeutic apheresis is a specialized blood purification treatment that helps remove harmful substances from your blood, supporting better kidney function and overall health.
- Kidney Stone Removal: Removing kidney stones is a crucial step in preventing further complications like infections or kidney damage, ensuring better long-term kidney health.
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 Nephrology in Florida.
Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela 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 effective antibiotic treatment and skilled guidance, a senior experienced significant pain relief from pyonephrosis, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of playing cards with friends.
- With medication adjustments guided by the nephrologist, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly bridge club gatherings without the debilitating fatigue previously associated with their condition.
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 (Nephrology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Nephrological care with Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela:
- What is a Nephrologist?
- A nephrologist is a doctor specializing in kidney health and diseases. They are experts in managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes complications. Their role is vital in preserving kidney function and overall health in seniors.
- What are the most common causes of kidney disease in older adults?
- The two leading causes of kidney disease in older adults are high blood pressure and diabetes. Over time, these conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Dr. Vaghela specializes in managing these conditions to protect the kidneys.
- Can kidney disease be cured or reversed?
- While damage from chronic kidney disease is usually not reversible, its progression can often be significantly slowed. Dr. Vaghela's goal is to preserve the kidney function you currently have and manage symptoms to maintain a good quality of life. Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline, can sometimes be reversed.
- What is a kidney biopsy?
- A kidney biopsy is a procedure where a very small piece of kidney tissue is removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. It's often the best way to get a precise diagnosis for certain kidney problems. The procedure is performed with local anesthetic to numb the area and sedation for comfort.
- What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
- Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically at a center a few times a week. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood, often done at home. Dr. Vaghela can discuss which option might be best for you.
- What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should, a condition that develops over many years. In the early stages, people may not feel sick. Dr. Vaghela's goal is to slow the progression of CKD through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
- What are electrolyte disorders?
- Electrolyte disorders occur when the body has too much or too little of essential minerals like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for nerve and muscle function. Since the kidneys are key in regulating these minerals, Dr. Vaghela is an expert at diagnosing and correcting any imbalances.
- How does high blood pressure affect my kidneys?
- High blood pressure is like having too much pressure in your plumbing system. Over time, this constant high pressure damages the delicate filtering units in your kidneys. Working with Dr. Vaghela to control your blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes is one of the most important ways to protect your kidney health.
2980 SE 3rd Ct
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (239) 214-9409
Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela, 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): 1588602494
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. Nephrology like Dr. Maheshkumar Vaghela 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.