Dr. Norman Jr, 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 a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a trusted partner in senior health, Dr. Norman Jr understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to managing complex digestive conditions, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, with a collaborative approach. He works closely with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, and Dr. Norman Edgerton Jr, MD, with over 50 years of experience in the medical field, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1973, 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. Affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital, he is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Norman Jr provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (813) 875-8650 to schedule an appointment. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Norman Jr is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Norman Jr. is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive gastroenterological care. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. His focus extends beyond medical interventions, emphasizing patient comfort and a proactive approach to maintaining optimal well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Norman Jr can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Norman Jr 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:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: NAFLD is a common liver condition affecting many seniors, where excess fat accumulates in the liver, but through diet, exercise, and medication, it can often be managed, helping maintain your energy levels and overall health.
- Indigestion: For seniors, indigestion can sometimes interfere with enjoying meals and socializing. With appropriate support, however, managing indigestion can improve your overall quality of life.
- Hernia: Hernias are often seen in older adults and involve a bulge where internal tissues push through a muscle weakness. Treatment, which might include surgery, can prevent complications and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
- Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a serious liver condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, affecting its function; however, with careful monitoring and treatment, you can maintain your independence and comfort.
- Duodenal Ulcer: A duodenal ulcer is a painful sore in your small intestine, but with your doctor's help and a tailored treatment plan, you can experience relief from symptoms and regain a better quality of life.
- Esophageal Ulcer: An esophageal ulcer is a painful condition affecting the esophagus, but with appropriate management, often including medications, seniors can regain comfort and enjoy meals without discomfort.
- Lactose Intolerance: As we age, some people develop lactose intolerance, meaning their bodies struggle to digest milk sugar. This can cause discomfort, but simple dietary changes can make a big difference in how you feel.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hepatitis C: For seniors, managing Hepatitis C is vital for preserving their health and independence. Treatment focuses on antiviral medications that can clear the virus, preventing serious liver complications and improving quality of life.
- Constipation: Managing constipation involves simple changes like increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and regular exercise to improve bowel regularity and ease discomfort.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition occurs when you're not eating enough of the right foods, leading to potential health problems, but with proper nutrition and support, you can regain strength and vitality.
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. Norman Jr offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to visualize the digestive tract, helping doctors diagnose and manage conditions like colon cancer or GERD.
- 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: Regular colonoscopies are a critical part of managing your colorectal health as you age, ensuring early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- Wireless pH Testing: For seniors experiencing frequent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, wireless pH testing helps pinpoint the cause and allows for more effective treatment.
- Liver Function Test: Liver function tests help your doctor diagnose various liver diseases, including those that may not show symptoms early on, supporting proactive health management.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring overall digestive health.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: This screening helps diagnose colorectal cancer at its earliest stages, significantly increasing survival rates and improving the quality of life for seniors.
- Gallbladder Scan: A gallbladder scan, often an ultrasound, helps doctors check for gallstones or other gallbladder problems that may be causing abdominal pain or digestive issues.
- 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.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: As part of your regular health checks, a flexible sigmoidoscopy can help your doctor assess the health of your lower colon and rectum, allowing for early detection and management of potential problems.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a less invasive screening tool than colonoscopy, yet it's still effective in detecting precancerous polyps and other abnormalities in the lower part of your large intestine.
- 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.
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. Norman Jr 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 working closely with a gastroenterologist, a senior felt a significant boost in energy levels and was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, something they'd put aside due to NAFLD symptoms.
- With improved digestion, a senior couple enjoyed their favorite restaurant meals again without discomfort, strengthening their bond and rekindling their love of socializing.
- After hernia surgery, a senior couple was able to resume their weekly trips to the farmers' market, a cherished activity they had to curtail due to pain.
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. Norman Jr:
- 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 help prevent digestive diseases, which is important for maintaining comfort and health in older adults.
- 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. Norman Jr. 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. Norman Jr?
- Your first visit with Dr. Norman Jr. 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 heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- 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 but without the autoimmune attack or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can properly diagnose the condition and create 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 cancer risk. Dr. Norman Jr. can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication.
- 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. We focus on controlling inflammation, managing symptoms, and maintaining nutrition while considering any other health conditions. Dr. Norman Jr. 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 constant heartburn. While frequent heartburn is often related to GERD, it's important to have Dr. Norman Jr. evaluate the cause. He can determine the best course of action, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or other treatments, to effectively manage your symptoms and prevent potential complications.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue for older adults. Many cases can be effectively managed with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent problems, Dr. Norman Jr. offers minimally invasive, in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require minimal downtime.
2706 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste A
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 875-8650
Dr. Norman Jr, 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): 1114909728
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. Norman Jr 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.