Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa, MD is an oncologist practicing at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute in Miami, FL. He is a dedicated partner in the health journeys of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, he provides expert medical care for older adults with common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He is committed to compassionate, comprehensive care, recognizing the unique needs of this population. Dr. Venkatappa, an oncologist/hematologist at Miami Cancer Institute, a part of Baptist Health South Florida, brings over 30 years of experience in oncological care. His deep understanding of the needs of older adults is further strengthened by his medical degree from Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences, followed by an internship, residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He is Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and offers consultations in Hindi. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (786) 345-7208 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Venkatappa is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He expertly manages complex conditions like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. His dedication extends to understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Curative
Dimension Health
Global Excel Insurance
Medica
Medicaid
Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP)
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna Better Health
- Aetna POS
- Aetna PPO
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Care
- Blue Care HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Select
- BlueDental Choice
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Coventry Health Care
- Coventry Health Care of Florida HMO
- Coventry Health Care of Florida PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Dimension Health POS
- Dimension Health PPO
- Elderplan
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- IU Health Plans
- Medicaid HMO
- Medicare
- Medicare Choice
- Medicare Choice HMO
- Medicare HMO
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) HMO
- PHCS Network
- PHCS Network PPO
- Preferred
- Preferred PPO
- Prime
- Select
- Select HMO
- Standard
- TRICARE Extra
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare POS
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa 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:
- Sickle Cell Hemoglobin SS Disease: In Sickle Cell Hemoglobin SS Disease, the abnormal shape of red blood cells reduces oxygen flow throughout the body, resulting in various health issues, but treatments aim to prevent complications and maximize comfort and mobility.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, nose, or voice box, and treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for seniors.
- Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Central nervous system lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph cells of the brain or spinal cord, and treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy can help manage symptoms and extend life.
- Marginal Zone Lymphoma: This specific lymphoma, called marginal zone lymphoma, is a cancer of the immune system that can often be managed effectively with targeted therapies, minimizing disruption to daily life.
- Nodular Lymphoma: Nodular lymphoma is a type of blood cancer where abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, form lumps or nodules in lymph nodes and other tissues, and treatment focuses on managing these growths to improve comfort and extend life expectancy.
- Vertebral Column Tumors: For seniors with spinal tumors, a collaborative approach involving oncologists, pain specialists and rehabilitation professionals ensures that the treatment plan is optimized for symptom relief and improved well-being.
- Cervical Cancer: Facing a cervical cancer diagnosis can be difficult, but treatment tailored to your specific needsincluding surgery, radiation, or chemotherapycan help control the disease, alleviate discomfort, and allow you to live more comfortably.
- Anemia: If you have anemia, it means your blood has fewer than normal red blood cells, causing fatigue and potentially impacting your daily activities; however, your doctor can create a plan that might include medication or nutritional adjustments to help you feel better and stronger.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow and form tumors in the lungs, and treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, can help manage the disease and improve breathing and overall comfort.
- Meningiomas: Meningiomas are brain tumors that develop from the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord; treatment depends on the tumor's size, location, and whether it's causing symptoms.
- Malignant Pituitary Gland Tumor: A malignant pituitary gland tumor is a cancerous growth in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain that controls many important body functions, and treatment focuses on carefully managing the tumor to minimize disruption to these functions and maintain quality of life.
- Melanoma: Regular skin checks and prompt treatment for melanoma are crucial for managing this skin cancer and preserving your quality of life in your later years.
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. Siddhartha Venkatappa offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from a suspicious area to help doctors determine if cancer is present.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: As part of your overall cancer care, a bone marrow biopsy provides valuable information about the health of your blood-forming tissues, informing decisions about treatment and ongoing monitoring.
- Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy is used to help seniors prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, improving their overall prognosis.
- Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery: This specialized surgical technique helps seniors manage colorectal cancer by removing tumors with smaller incisions, resulting in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Stereotactic radiosurgery is a precise radiation therapy technique that delivers highly focused radiation doses to tumors, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue, helping seniors with cancer receive effective treatment with fewer side effects.
- Gynecologic Laser Surgery: Gynecologic laser surgery uses a precisely focused laser beam to treat various gynecological conditions, potentially reducing the need for more extensive surgery in older women.
- Tumor Resection: In the fight against cancer, tumor resection plays a crucial role in helping seniors by removing cancerous growths and improving their long-term outlook.
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 Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa 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 the guidance of a skilled oncology specialist, a senior with Sickle Cell Hemoglobin SS Disease experienced fewer painful crises, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of painting.
- After undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, a senior was able to enjoy a delicious meal with her family, a cherished activity once hampered by pain and discomfort.
- With the oncology's guidance, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks, a cherished activity that had been difficult due to the lymphoma. Family members reported a significant decrease in anxiety, feeling more secure knowing the treatment plan was effectively managing the symptoms.
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 (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Venkatappa and our team are medical oncologists, specializing in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists are also part of our care team, working together to create a personalized treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Venkatappa will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. This is the first step in a partnership where Dr. Venkatappa will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Venkatappa considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals to be more important when determining the best treatment plan. His practice specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, which may be adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving cancer symptoms and stress, and can be used alongside treatment at any stage. Hospice care provides comfort when curative treatment is stopped. Dr. Venkatappa's practice offers both types of care to best meet your needs.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, affecting only the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the specific cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are generally well-tolerated. Dr. Venkatappa works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to identify and target cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy unleashes the body's natural defenses to fight the disease. This approach is often well-tolerated and represents a groundbreaking advancement in cancer care.
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
8900 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 345-7208
Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa, 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): 1750378972
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 provider named. Oncology like Dr. Siddhartha Venkatappa 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.