Dr. Rafael Cortes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Saint Augustine, 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. Cortes understands the unique health needs of older adults and is committed to helping them navigate these conditions with dignity and respect. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (904) 829-9557 to schedule an appointment.
Rafael A. Cortés, MD, is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and has over 10 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine in 2010 and completed an internship and residency training in Gastroenterology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (65 and over), and pursued fellowship training in hepatology at the University of Miami. His deep understanding of gastrointestinal illnesses, combined with his passion for the treatment of liver diseases, makes him a valuable partner in your health journey. Dr. Cortes is fluent in English, Italian and Spanish. He is committed to providing the highest quality digestive health care in a caring environment at Borland-Groover Clinic. You can be assured of receiving expert, compassionate care, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of his patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Rafael Cortes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rafael Cortes is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach. Dr. Cortes prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering open communication and creating a supportive environment where seniors feel heard and empowered throughout their health journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rafael Cortes can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Accountable Health Plans of America
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Assurant Health
AvMed
CareOregon
CareSource
Cigna
Community Health Choice
Compassionate Care Network (CCN)
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Florida Blue
Golden Rule
Health Net
HealthPlus
Humana
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Medica
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Midwest Health Plan
Peach State Health Plan
Staywell (Wellcare)
WellCare
Wellcare of Georgia
inHealth
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- IN Total Health
- INTotal Health
- Inc.
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rafael Cortes 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:
- 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.
- Lactose Intolerance: Experiencing digestive upset after eating dairy? You may be lactose intolerant. Fortunately, this is often easily managed by switching to lactose-free milk, yogurt, and cheese, or using lactase drops to help you digest dairy products.
- Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a lower-than-normal stomach position, may cause mild symptoms for some; managing these typically involves healthy habits and could prevent more serious complications.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Feeling tired, weak, or experiencing memory problems? A vitamin B12 deficiency might be the cause. It's a common issue, especially among older adults, and is easily managed with regular B12 supplements or injections to maintain independence and improve energy levels.
- Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Some seniors were born with abnormalities in their intestines. These conditions can be managed with dietary adjustments, medication, and sometimes surgery, leading to improved digestion and overall health.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Managing IBD in later life may involve adapting to dietary needs and medication routines, but this commitment allows many seniors to keep active and engaged with their daily lives and remain independent.
- Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders happen when the muscles in your esophagus don't work properly, making it hard to swallow, sometimes causing discomfort.
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis: If you've consumed large amounts of alcohol over many years, you may develop alcoholic cirrhosis, a condition causing liver damage that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical care to slow progression and improve your quality of life.
- Cholelithiasis: Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, are usually treatable, often involving adjustments to your diet or medications. In some cases, a simple procedure can remove the gallstones and prevent future problems, maintaining your independence.
- Congenital Achalasia: Achalasia, if present from birth, means the food tube (esophagus) doesn't open correctly, causing swallowing problems. Fortunately, various treatments can help manage this condition and make eating less challenging.
- Megacolon: If you have megacolon, your colon becomes significantly larger than normal, resulting in difficulty emptying your bowels; with proper treatment, you can experience more regular and comfortable bowel movements.
- Chronic Gastritis: Experiencing persistent stomach upset? Chronic gastritis is a condition where your stomach's lining is irritated, often manageable with lifestyle adjustments and medication, allowing you to enjoy your meals and maintain your well-being.
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. Rafael Cortes offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: If polyps are detected in your duodenum, duodenal polypectomy offers a safe and effective solution for their removal, promoting long-term digestive health in your golden years.
- Pyloromyotomy: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with digestive issues, pyloromyotomy addresses the narrowing of the pylorus, facilitating better food passage and reducing discomfort.
- Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy provides essential insights into the health of your liver and helps doctors to determine the best course of action to support your well-being.
- Sigmoidoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a sigmoidoscopy offers a safe and effective way to screen for colon cancer and other conditions affecting the lower colon, allowing for early intervention.
- 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.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: For seniors, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a vital screening tool that helps identify and address potential problems in the lower part of the large intestine before they become serious health concerns, ensuring better management of your health.
- 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.
- Gastroenterology Procedures: For seniors experiencing swallowing difficulties or digestive discomfort, these procedures can offer relief and improved quality of life by identifying the underlying cause and providing targeted solutions.
- Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Hemorrhoidectomy and excision of anal tags are surgical options in a senior's care plan to address persistent hemorrhoidal issues, improving bowel movements and overall comfort.
- Wireless pH Testing: For seniors experiencing frequent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, wireless pH testing helps pinpoint the cause and allows for more effective treatment.
- Pancreas Surgeries: For seniors with pancreatic conditions like pancreatitis or blockages, surgery can be a vital intervention to relieve symptoms and enhance overall digestive 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 Gastroenterology in Florida.
Dr. Rafael Cortes 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:
- A senior citizen, plagued by persistent diarrhea, found significant relief with the gastroenterologist's guidance on diet and hydration. They were able to resume their favorite activities, like gardening, with renewed energy and confidence.
- After years of digestive discomfort, a senior couple found relief from lactose intolerance. Switching to lactose-free dairy products and using lactase drops allowed them to enjoy their favorite family meals together without distress.
- With a personalized plan for managing gastroptosis, a senior couple rediscovered their love for leisurely walks in the park, a treasured activity now enjoyed without discomfort.
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 (Gastroenterology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Rafael Cortes:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Cortes and our practice specialize in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of digestive diseases to help seniors maintain comfort and well-being.
- 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, a common concern in this age group. Dr. Cortes can use it to find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, which is a vital, proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Rafael Cortes?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Cortes 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, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- 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 but without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the appropriate management plan.
- What is the preparation for a colonoscopy like?
- We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be concerning. It involves a specific diet and prescribed liquid solution to cleanse the colon thoroughly. A clean colon is essential for Dr. Cortes to perform a complete and accurate examination. Our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to make the process as smooth as possible.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Cortes 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.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be effectively managed with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent pain, Dr. Cortes offers minimally invasive in-office procedures, such as banding, which are quick, effective, and require minimal downtime.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while carefully considering other health conditions. Dr. Cortes works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
40 Groover Loop Ste 200
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 829-9557
Dr. Rafael Cortes, 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): 1770729816
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. Rafael Cortes 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.