Dr. Pothen Jacob, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, 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 senior health, Dr. Jacob recognizes the unique needs of this population and is committed to managing complex digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, with specialized expertise. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Dr. Jacob is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 447-3100.
A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors. Dr. Pothen Jacob's extensive training and experience equip him to address these needs effectively. He earned his medical degree from Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Northwestern University, including a one-year fellowship in Motility Disorders, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. 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. His commitment to evidence-based medicine and collaborative care ensures that patients and their families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. He has been in private practice in Pinellas County since 1990, and is the lead author in several scientific publications in gastroenterology journals. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Jacob practices in all aspects of Gastroenterology with special interest in Motility Disorders, Liver Disease and Colon cancer screening. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Pothen Jacob is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Jacob is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Pothen Jacob can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Pothen Jacob 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:
- Gastritis: If you're struggling with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, it's possible you have gastritis. Working with your doctor to manage this inflammation can significantly improve your overall comfort and quality of life.
- Gastroparesis: Slow digestion due to gastroparesis can be challenging, affecting your appetite and well-being, however, with appropriate management, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, you can regain a better quality of life.
- Intestinal Diverticulosis: Diverticulosis involves tiny pockets forming in your large intestine; while often symptom-free, it can occasionally lead to complications, but these are often treatable to ensure you maintain a comfortable life.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: While IBS doesn't have a cure, understanding its symptomssuch as gas, diarrhea, or constipationand working closely with your physician can lead to a personalized management plan that enhances your overall well-being and daily routines.
- Intestinal Fistula: When an intestinal fistula develops, it's an unintended opening that can cause leakage and discomfort, but with proper medical care and potentially surgery, you can manage symptoms and improve your well-being.
- Vitamin_Deficiency: Vitamin deficiencies, common in older adults, can impact everything from energy levels to immune function. Fortunately, a doctor can help determine which vitamins are lacking and recommend ways to address this to help you stay active and healthy.
- Hepatitis B: While a hepatitis B diagnosis might seem daunting, it's important to know that many seniors effectively manage this liver infection with the help of their healthcare team, ensuring they can continue to enjoy life.
- 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.
- Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest or throat, often caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Living with FAP means increased vigilance against colon cancer, but through close monitoring with your doctor and timely interventions like surgery or medication, you can greatly reduce your risk and maintain your health and independence.
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis affects the large intestine, causing pain, and sometimes requiring treatment with antibiotics or changes to your diet to alleviate symptoms and help you feel better.
- Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: While some hiatal hernias cause no symptoms, addressing those that do can help improve your quality of life and allow you to 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. Pothen Jacob offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your regular health check-ups, a proctosigmoidoscopy can help your doctor assess the lower part of your large intestine, allowing for early diagnosis and management of potential problems.
- 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.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the lower part of your large intestine, helping detect polyps or early signs of colon cancer.
- 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.
- 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.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: This procedure helps diagnose and manage duodenal polyps, which might otherwise lead to bleeding or other digestive problems, improving your overall well-being.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: This comprehensive assessment uses instruments to evaluate swallowing difficulties, helping seniors and their caregivers understand the nature of the problem and make informed decisions about treatment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your comprehensive colorectal cancer screening, rigid proctosigmoidoscopy allows for a direct visual inspection of your lower colon, enabling early detection of potential problems.
- pH Probe: By measuring the pH of your esophagus, a pH probe helps doctors pinpoint the source of your digestive discomfort and recommend the most effective management strategies.
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. Pothen Jacob 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 consistent treatment for gastritis, a senior couple was able to enjoy their favorite restaurant meals again without the distressful stomach pain. Their newfound freedom to dine out brought them immense joy and reconnected them with their cherished social life.
- With medication and dietary adjustments guided by the gastroenterologist, the senior couple regained their ability to enjoy meals together without discomfort, restoring a cherished family tradition.
- With guidance from a gastroenterologist, a senior couple found relief from the discomfort of intestinal diverticulosis, allowing them to resume their weekly lunches with friends at the local cafe.
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. Pothen Jacob:
- 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 a wide range of digestive issues, improving comfort and overall 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 more common in seniors. Dr. Pothen Jacob 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. Pothen Jacob?
- Your first visit with Dr. Pothen Jacob 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, changes in bowel habits, or a screening.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort, but it is not a serious condition that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Pothen Jacob can help identify triggers and create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and potentially medication.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- We understand your concern about constant heartburn. While often related to GERD, it's important to have Dr. Pothen Jacob evaluate the cause. He can determine the underlying issue and recommend the best treatment plan, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential problems.
- 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 other health conditions. Dr. Pothen Jacob works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when extra fat builds up in your liver. In early stages, it's often manageable with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Pothen Jacob can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be managed with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent problems, Dr. Pothen Jacob offers minimally invasive, in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require minimal downtime.
3901 66th St N Ste 201
Saint Petersburg FL 33709
Phone: (727) 447-3100
Dr. Pothen Jacob, 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): 1467423004
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. Pothen Jacob 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.