Dr. Shaffer Mok, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over). He practices at Moffitt Cancer Center, Magnolia Campus in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Mok understands the unique needs and complexities of digestive conditions that often arise with aging. He is committed to working collaboratively 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, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues. Dr. Mok's rigorous training, which included an MD from Ross University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency, Gastroenterology Fellowship, and additional fellowship training in Advanced Endoscopy, equips him to address these challenges effectively. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Mok is currently welcoming new patients and you can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 568-9455. His consultations are primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Shaffer Mok is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Shaffer Mok is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care with empathy and expertise. He meticulously addresses complex digestive conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. This collaborative approach prioritizes understanding the individual needs and goals of each senior patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes and maintaining their comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Shaffer Mok can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Open Access Plus
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Shaffer Mok 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:
- Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Developing a gastrojejunal ulcer, a type of stomach ulcer, can cause pain and digestive issues, but with proper medical treatment, such as medication, many individuals experience significant relief and improved quality of life.
- Eosinophilic Gastritis: This stomach inflammation, known as eosinophilic gastritis, results from a build-up of specific immune cells. Fortunately, it can usually be controlled with medication and changes to your diet, allowing you to enjoy your meals and maintain your overall well-being.
- Pancreatitis: Experiencing severe abdominal pain? It could be pancreatitis, a condition affecting the pancreas that can be treated effectively to reduce pain and prevent complications, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and with proper treatment, it can be healed to reduce discomfort and improve your digestion.
- Biliary Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver caused by damage to the bile ducts characterizes biliary cirrhosis, but through consistent medical care, you can effectively manage symptoms, enhancing your comfort and slowing disease progression.
- Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome is a life-threatening complication of advanced liver disease that impacts kidney function. Treatment focuses on supporting kidney function, improving fluid balance and can help manage symptoms, supporting comfort and independence.
- Cholangitis: If you experience symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), it could be cholangitis, a serious infection requiring medical attention to improve liver function and prevent long-term damage.
- Vomiting Disorders: Managing vomiting effectively often involves identifying the underlying cause, whether it's a medication side effect, a digestive issue, or another medical condition, which can then be treated to relieve symptoms.
- 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.
- Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: A neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract is an abnormal growth, either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), that develops in any part of your digestive system, and treatment focuses on removing or controlling the growth to improve comfort and overall health.
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: Managing diverticulitis involves addressing the infection and preventing future flare-ups, often through careful dietary choices and medication, promoting greater independence and well-being.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Facing an intestinal blockage can be frightening, but know that healthcare professionals have effective ways to address this issue, often involving procedures or medications, that can significantly improve your comfort and overall 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. Shaffer Mok offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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: As part of your comprehensive care plan, an endoscopy can provide detailed images of your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to detect abnormalities early.
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: Proctosigmoidoscopy is a relatively simple procedure that plays a vital role in preventing serious colon conditions; your doctor uses it to examine the lower part of your colon for any signs of disease.
- 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.
- Biliary Drainage: Biliary drainage can be a vital step in managing serious liver conditions in seniors, helping reduce infections and improving quality of life.
- 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.
- Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure helps ensure comprehensive care for seniors by addressing issues affecting bile flow and preventing complications.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps find colon and rectal cancers early, when they're easier to treat, giving seniors a better chance at a healthy future.
- Colonoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a colonoscopy provides detailed images of your colon, enabling early detection of issues like polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
- pH Probe: This small device measures the acidity in your stomach, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues like heartburn and GERD.
- Impedance Testing: As part of your comprehensive care, impedance testing provides valuable information about your swallowing mechanism and identifies potential issues that may need attention.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring 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. Shaffer Mok 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 prescribed by a gastroenterologist, a senior experienced significant pain relief from a gastrojejunal ulcer, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of gardening without discomfort.
- After struggling with persistent stomach discomfort, a senior found relief from eosinophilic gastritis through tailored dietary changes and medication, enabling her to enjoy meals with her family again.
- With effective treatment for pancreatitis, a senior was able to resume her beloved weekly bridge club meetings, a source of joy and social connection.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- A Combined DNA/RNA-based Next-Generation Sequencing Platform to Improve the Classification of Pancreatic Cysts and Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Arising from Pancreatic Cysts, 2023-05-22
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Shaffer Mok:
- 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. We diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of digestive diseases to help seniors maintain comfort and health.
- 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. Mok can find and remove small growths called polyps, which, if left untreated, could develop into cancer. This proactive step is vital for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Shaffer Mok?
- Your first visit with Dr. Mok 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.
- 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 Dr. Shaffer Mok evaluate the cause. He can determine the reason for your symptoms and recommend personalized treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to effectively manage your heartburn and prevent potential long-term esophageal issues.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- IBS can be uncomfortable, causing gas, bloating, and cramping, but it's not a serious condition that damages the intestines or increases cancer risk. Dr. Mok can help you identify triggers and create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms with diet, lifestyle changes, and potentially 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. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Shaffer Mok works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal (GI) symptom. Dr. Mok can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other esophageal conditions. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has accumulated in your liver. Fortunately, in early stages, it can often be improved or even reversed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Shaffer Mok can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
Moffitt Cancer Center, Magnolia Campus
12902 Usf Magnolia Dr
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 568-9455
Dr. Shaffer Mok, 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): 1275878787
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. Shaffer Mok 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.