Dr. Michael Weiss, MD is a Gastroenterologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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 your senior health journey, Dr. Weiss understands the unique needs of this population and specializes in managing complex digestive conditions often encountered in aging, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care, always prioritizing your well-being.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing these complex conditions. Dr. Weiss brings over 35 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 the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in 1986 and completed his residency training in Gastroenterology at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Program, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65 and over). Further specializing in Wilford Hall Usaf Medical Center (1992), Dr. Weiss is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He joined Gastroenterology Associates of S. W. Florida, P.A. in 1995, consistently upholding a patient-centered care philosophy. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached by calling (239) 275-8882 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Michael Weiss provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Michael Weiss is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Weiss is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care with a focus on understanding each patient's unique needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to manage complex digestive conditions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for seniors facing colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, or liver issues. His approach prioritizes personalized care, fostering open communication and creating a supportive environment for both the patient and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Weiss can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Cigna
Compassionate Care Network (CCN)
Coventry Health Care
Florida Blue
Fortified Provider Network
Group Health Incorporated (GHI)
MVP Health Care
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Mutual of Omaha
National Preferred Provider Network
PHCS
POMCO Group
Prestige Health Choice
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AARP
- Advantra
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Care HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Freedom
- Freedom Health
- Freedom Network
- GHI
- Gold Advantage
- Health Net
- HealthSmart - Interplan Health Group
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Heritage Plus Alaska
- Humana
- Interplan Health Group
- LocalPlus
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Oxford Health Plans
- PHCS Network PPO
- Premera Blue Cross
- Select HMO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- UnitedHealthcare MedicareComplete SecureHorizons Value - Medicare Advantage HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Weiss 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:
- Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, a common digestive issue, can be effectively treated with medication and lifestyle adjustments, leading to better overall well-being for seniors.
- Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease causing scarring that impairs liver function; while it's a significant condition, managing it effectively with medical care can help you stay as healthy and active as possible.
- Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder resulting in too much iron in the body, which can harm your liver and other organs, but treatments, such as phlebotomy, effectively manage iron levels, improving your quality of life.
- Dysentery: Dysentery is a potentially serious infection affecting the intestines, causing bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. Treatment is essential to quickly alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration, helping you regain your strength and independence.
- Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the esophagus that can cause bleeding, but with timely interventions like medication or procedures, many seniors can effectively manage this condition and continue enjoying their daily activities.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, but it's manageable with dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments to improve your comfort and daily life.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: If the tubes that carry bile from your liver get blocked, it's called a bile duct obstruction, and it can cause symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and abdominal pain. Fortunately, doctors can often effectively manage this with minimally invasive techniques, preventing complications and improving quality of life.
- Bowel Strangulation: When a loop of intestine gets twisted or trapped, restricting blood flow, it's called bowel strangulation; surgery is often necessary to restore blood supply and prevent life-threatening consequences.
- Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, a serious condition, however, early detection and treatment can significantly improve your health and quality of life.
- Heartburn: Heartburn, a common discomfort, can be managed with lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating your head while sleeping, improving your comfort and sleep quality.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: If you have PSC, it means the tubes that carry bile from your liver are becoming damaged; thankfully, treatments like medication and procedures help alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression, ensuring you can live a full and active life as much as possible.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis slows down the digestion process, making you feel full and nauseous, but working with your doctor to find the right plan can help you better manage your symptoms 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. Michael Weiss offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): To support a senior's nutritional needs and overall well-being, a PEG tube can be a vital part of a comprehensive care plan, providing a reliable method of feeding.
- Esophageal Dilatation: Esophageal dilatation is a treatment option to relieve discomfort and improve the ability to eat and drink for seniors experiencing narrowing of the esophagus.
- Bile Duct Procedure: For seniors experiencing digestive problems, a bile duct procedure can be a crucial step in creating a personalized treatment plan.
- 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.
- Infrared Coagulation (IRC) Hemorrhoid Removal: This treatment helps seniors manage hemorrhoids without extensive surgery, potentially enhancing their overall comfort and well-being during their senior years.
- pH Probe: This small device measures the acidity in your stomach, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues like heartburn and GERD.
- 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: 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.
- 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.
- Gastroenterology Procedures: Gastroenterology procedures are tests and treatments that help doctors diagnose and manage digestive system problems, ensuring seniors receive the right care for their specific needs.
- Esophageal Stenting: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with esophageal cancer or strictures, esophageal stenting helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
- 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.
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 Weiss 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 medication and dietary changes, a senior couple found relief from frequent heartburn and acid indigestion, enabling them to enjoy evenings without discomfort and reconnect with favorite hobbies.
- With careful medical guidance, a senior experiencing cirrhosis found relief from persistent abdominal discomfort, allowing them to enjoy family meals and social gatherings with renewed energy.
- After starting regular phlebotomy treatments for hemochromatosis, a senior couple felt much more energetic and were able to resume their weekly bridge game, a cherished pastime they had put aside due to fatigue.
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 (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Michael Weiss:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Weiss is a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, specializing in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent digestive diseases to keep seniors comfortable and healthy.
- 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. Weiss can find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, making it a vital proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Michael Weiss?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Weiss 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 in creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's heartburn, bowel changes, 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. Weiss works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- We understand your concern about persistent heartburn. While frequent heartburn is often related to GERD, it's important to have it evaluated. Dr. Weiss can determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term damage to the esophagus.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms without the immune response or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can properly diagnose the condition and develop an appropriate management plan.
- 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 the risk of cancer. Dr. Weiss can help identify triggers and create a personalized management plan, including dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly medication, to significantly reduce your symptoms.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means excess fat has built up in your liver. In its early stages, it's often manageable with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Weiss can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
4790 Barkley Cir Ste A
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 275-8882
Dr. Michael Weiss, 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): 1568445955
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 Weiss 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.