Dr. Michael Urban, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Greenacres, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Urban is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (561) 434-0060.
Dr. Michael Urban, MD is a gastroenterologist in Greenacres, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Esophageal Disorders, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1984, completing an internship at Lenox Hill Hospital and subsequent residency training in Gastroenterology at Lenox Hill Hospital. Further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65 and over), he pursued fellowship training at Beth Israel Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with HCA Florida JFK Hospital and Delray Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and offers consultations in Spanish.
Dr. Urban's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in making healthcare decisions. His commitment to providing high-quality care is evident in his extensive experience, specialized training, and dedication to the well-being of older adults.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Michael Urban is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Urban is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a cohesive and supportive care plan. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a partnership that maximizes comfort, well-being, and independence in later life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Urban can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- SureFit South Florida
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Urban 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:
- Duodenitis: Experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort? It could be duodenitis, an inflammation of the beginning of your small intestine, often treatable with dietary adjustments and medication to help you feel more comfortable and maintain your daily routines.
- Gastroparesis: Experiencing persistent nausea, vomiting, and early fullness after eating might be a sign of gastroparesis, a condition that can be managed with dietary changes and medication, significantly improving your daily comfort.
- Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Treatment for a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia may include medication to reduce stomach acid, helping you enjoy meals and remain active without discomfort.
- 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.
- Food Allergy: While a food allergy can be challenging, proper diagnosis and management can significantly reduce symptoms and help you continue enjoying your favorite meals with modifications.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be a concerning symptom, but with proper medical care and attention to your fluid intake, you can alleviate discomfort and prevent dehydration, helping you maintain your energy and overall health.
- Intestinal Prolapse: An intestinal prolapse means a section of your bowel has fallen out of position; while it can be concerning, various treatments, including lifestyle changes and surgery, are available to relieve symptoms and help you feel better.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: A bile duct obstruction happens when something blocks the tubes that carry bile from your liver and gallbladder to your intestines, sometimes causing jaundice and digestive issues, but thankfully, treatments like surgery or stents can often restore normal flow and improve your comfort.
- Intestinal Diverticulosis: With diverticulosis, small bulges appear in your colon; while most people remain asymptomatic, managing any symptoms that arise, like constipation, can help you stay active and enjoy your daily life.
- Proctoptosis: If you're experiencing a bulge or protrusion from your rectum, it may be proctoptosis. This condition affects bowel movements and can cause discomfort, but treatments, including surgery or non-surgical options, are available to help you manage it effectively.
- Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: With gastrointestinal malabsorption, your digestive system doesn't fully absorb the nutrients from food. While this can be concerning, managing it often involves working with a doctor and dietitian to find the right diet and, if needed, supplements. This can positively affect your energy levels and overall health.
- Eosinophilic Gastritis: Experiencing stomach pain or discomfort? Eosinophilic gastritis may be the cause, involving inflammation due to a specific type of white blood cell. A tailored treatment plan, often including medicine and diet modifications, can ease symptoms and help you live more comfortably.
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. Michael Urban offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Anoscopy: If you're experiencing rectal symptoms, anoscopy can help pinpoint the cause, supporting better management of your condition and ensuring a more comfortable life.
- Impedance Testing: If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing, impedance testing helps your doctor locate the source of the problem, which is crucial for developing an appropriate management approach.
- 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.
- Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening is a simple procedure that can dramatically impact a senior's overall health, helping detect and treat colon cancer before it becomes life-threatening.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: Instrumental diagnostic evaluation for dysphagia helps doctors identify the underlying causes of swallowing problems in seniors, allowing for effective intervention and prevention of complications.
- 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.
- Manometry: If you're experiencing symptoms like heartburn, bloating, or difficulty swallowing, manometry can help your doctor pinpoint the cause by measuring the pressure and movement in your digestive tract, guiding treatment decisions.
- 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.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: This simple procedure helps assess the health of your rectum and lower colon, providing valuable information for your overall digestive health plan and identifying any issues early on.
- Gallbladder Scan: As part of your overall health assessment, a gallbladder scan can reveal if there are any blockages or inflammation in your gallbladder, leading to better care planning.
- Liver Function Test: This blood test helps monitor your liver's function, aiding in the management of existing liver conditions and preventing complications.
- 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.
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. Michael Urban 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 persistent abdominal discomfort, a senior felt a significant improvement in their quality of life thanks to dietary adjustments and medication, enabling them to enjoy their favorite meals again without pain.
- After experiencing persistent nausea and early fullness, a senior felt significantly better with a personalized dietary plan and medication, allowing them to enjoy meals and socialize with family once more.
- After undergoing treatment for a diaphragmatic and hiatal hernia, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening without the persistent heartburn and indigestion that had previously hampered their enjoyment.
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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Michael Urban:
- 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 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. Urban can use it to 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. Michael Urban?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Urban 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 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. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Urban 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 response to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms without the immune reaction or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can accurately diagnose the condition and develop the appropriate management plan.
- 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. Urban evaluate the cause. He can determine the specific reason and recommend the best course of treatment, from lifestyle changes to medication, to help manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term issues.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort, but it's not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Urban can help identify triggers and create a personalized management plan to lessen your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Urban 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.
6135 Lake Worth Rd Ste 100
Greenacres FL 33463
Phone: (561) 434-0060
Dr. Michael Urban, 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): 1831105485
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. Michael Urban 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.