Dr. Robert Heiser, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist 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 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. Heiser is a valued partner in your senior health journey, committed to a supportive, patient-centered approach.
Dr. Robert Heiser, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School in 1980 and is affiliated with Cape Coral Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Heiser is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 206-4919 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Heiser provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Heiser is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Heiser is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to address complex digestive issues like colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, ensuring the best possible outcomes and maintaining the highest quality of life for seniors.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Heiser can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Choice Plus POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Options PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Heiser 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:
- Anemia: Anemia means your body lacks sufficient iron or other essential nutrients to produce enough red blood cells. Simple blood tests can detect this, and treatment can significantly improve your strength and vitality.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: If you have IBD, working closely with your gastroenterologist to find the right treatment planoften involving medication and dietary adjustmentscan make a significant difference in symptom relief and overall well-being.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a digestive condition causing inflammation in the colon, leading to abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits; modern medicine offers various treatments that control inflammation, relieving symptoms and enabling seniors to live full and productive lives.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be concerning, especially as we age. It's crucial to talk to your doctor to identify the reason and address it with a personalized plan that can help you maintain your strength and independence.
- Esophageal Fistula: An esophageal fistula is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and another organ, often causing difficulty swallowing and requiring medical attention to improve comfort and eating.
- Hemorrhage: Internal bleeding in your digestive system can be managed effectively through various methods depending on the cause and severity, ensuring a return to your normal activities and comfort.
- Chronic Infectious Diarrhea: Chronic infectious diarrhea means a lingering infection is affecting your digestive system, leading to frequent loose stools. Fortunately, your doctor can help determine the cause and prescribe medication to relieve these symptoms and prevent further complications.
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. Robert Heiser offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps find colon polyps or cancer early, when treatment is most effective, giving seniors a better chance at a long and healthy life.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening enables doctors to detect precancerous polyps and remove them before they develop into cancer, safeguarding a senior's long-term health.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This examination uses a flexible scope to visualize your sigmoid colon, aiding in the early diagnosis of colorectal issues like polyps, inflammation, or cancer, contributing to a more comprehensive care plan.
- 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.
- Impedance Testing: This test measures the electrical activity in your digestive tract to pinpoint the cause of your heartburn, nausea, or vomiting, leading to a more effective treatment plan.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: To better understand and manage swallowing problems, this evaluation employs various tools to assess the mechanics of swallowing, informing the creation of a personalized care plan for seniors.
- Liver Function Test: This blood test helps monitor your liver's function, aiding in the management of existing liver conditions and preventing complications.
- Manometry: To better understand and manage conditions like GERD or difficulty swallowing, your doctor may recommend manometry, a procedure that assesses the muscle function in your digestive tract.
- pH Probe: For seniors experiencing persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, a pH probe test can help determine the cause and guide treatment decisions.
- 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.
- Screening Colonoscopy: For seniors, a screening colonoscopy is a powerful tool to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, giving you peace of mind and contributing to a longer, healthier life.
- Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test uses a small sensor to monitor your stomach acid levels over time, providing valuable information for creating a personalized GERD treatment plan.
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. Robert Heiser 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:
- Feeling tired and weak was no longer a constant companion for Mrs. Hernandez. With the guidance of a gastroenterologist, her anemia was treated, and she was able to resume her beloved hobby of gardening, feeling stronger and more vibrant.
- With a tailored treatment plan that included medication and dietary adjustments, a senior with Inflammatory Bowel Disease found significant symptom relief and regained the energy to enjoy afternoon walks with their grandchildren.
- After the gastroenterologist's guidance, a senior with ulcerative colitis found significant relief from abdominal pain and experienced fewer disruptions to their daily routines, allowing them to once again enjoy social gatherings with family.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Robert Heiser:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Heiser and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we specialize in the health of your entire digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose, treat, and prevent digestive diseases to help you maintain comfort and health.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is common in seniors. Dr. Heiser 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. Robert Heiser?
- Your first visit with Dr. Heiser 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 in creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's 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. Our goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while carefully considering other health conditions. Dr. Heiser works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- 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 problems, Dr. Heiser offers minimally invasive in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require minimal recovery time.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- No, IBS is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Heiser can help you identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication.
- 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. Heiser evaluate the cause. He can determine the best course of action, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term issues.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has accumulated in your liver. In early stages, it can often be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Heiser can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
20 Barkley Cir Ste 101
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 206-4919
Dr. Robert Heiser, 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): 1720088982
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. Robert Heiser 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.